By Rob Schware | Executive Director
From James Fox: A colleague and I are introducing mindfulness programs to several state prisons near the [San Francisco] Bay Area. I want to train yoga teachers and establish PYP chapters in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles to connect with prisons and different drug rehab and re-entry programs. I want to provide scholarships for a select few prisoners I work with who show promise in becoming yoga teachers themselves.
With the increasing evidence-based support of how yoga and meditation can effectively address anxiety disorders, impulsive behavior, and aid in addiction recovery, it’s an opportune time to advocate for these practices for prisoner rehabilitation. With economic hardships facing federal and state budgets, we have a practical and cost-effective way of providing programs for the incarcerated. It’s an honor and privilege to bring healing where it is so dramatically needed.
James’ book, Yoga: A Path for Healing and Recovery, is a practical instruction manual that contains the basics of yogic philosophy, breathing instructions to calm the nervous system, and many pages of illustrated postures and artwork by San Quentin students. Purchasing the book will also ship a free copy to a prisoner that has requested it. (More information can be found at www.prisonyoga.com.)
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