testimonials
Why I Support Yoga Behind Bars…
A family member’s perspective
“I seriously prayed for light to penetrate the prison walls that house my young non-violent nephew who faces decades of prison life; every day I pray for that light to circle him, guide him, infuse him and protect him; and it has. As a long time yogi, I understand yoga as an expression of spirit rather than as a teaching of a series of poses and I believe that the highest expression of yoga is in giving; that spirit lives and becomes through altruistic giving. For a program like YBB to exist, and for it to be something that my young nephew can access at Monroe feels like the comforting hand of grace working its magic.”
A student’s perspective
“Thank you! I loved and needed this class physically, mentally and spiritually. I had back surgery and need hip surgery. I’m always in pain and stiff. I used to play a lot of sports and teach aerobics, sot it makes me sad not to be able to do these things.
This class helped me stretch, increased my flexibility, decreased my pain, and made me feel okay and better about where I am. The letting go exercise and mantra helped me spiritually and mentally. It helped me to relax and focus, and increased my self esteem and inner strength.
I totally support and believe in this program. The instructor is gentle, serene and supportive. I look forward to this next week. Thank you so much also to the administration for supporting this. I feel this is helpful for agitation/tolerance for ‘annoyed’ inmates (or guards), and we all have our moments.”
-Female student in Downtown jail
More feedback
“During yoga class was the first time I ever paid attention to something that took my focus away from my negative thoughts and left me feeling clear and calm.”
“Yoga…I felt my bones healing, breathing deeply, my heart lightened.”
“It’s so rare that we have the opportuntiy to be calm behind bars. I am so thankful to be able to stretch and meditate while in this stressful place.”
“This class was a blessing. It was emotionally cleansing as well as mentally and physically empowering.”
“Yoga pieced my body and soul back together.”
“Yoga has helped me to ease the stress, worries and pressure of my reality.”
“I am a long time heroin addict. Yoga helped tremendously during withdrawal.”