The practice of Yoga in prisons has often been misunderstood or misperceived as coddling criminals. If yoga is properly taught, this could not be further from the truth. But before talking about the specifics of Yoga in prison, it should be helpful in offering some background on the practice.
The word Yoga means to join, and refers to the union of the body and mind, as well as uniting the mind with a higher rate of consciousness. Contrary to popular belief, Yoga practices are not specifically tied to Buddist or Hindu philosophies but rather stem from an ancient science called tantra, a Sanskrit word meaning expansion of consciousness and liberation of energy. In fact yoga can support whatever religious of spiritual belief one might have because its main aim is to release identification with the false self (the ego), and instead connect with one’s true nature. This is why yoga is often referred to as affecting body, mind and spirit.
There are several different forms of yoga. For instance, Karma Yoga is the yoga of action in which one engages in work of service for others as a path to higher consciousness. Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa are good examples of Karma Yoga practitioners.
Hatha Yoga, which is what most people identify as yoga in the western world, is the yoga of effort. It is the physical form of yoga that employs conscious breathing and postures to develop mental, emotional and physical balance. An estimated seven million Americans engage in the practice and numerous scientific studies support the physical and psychological benefits of Hatha Yoga practices with veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan to address symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The body and mind are in a constant state of interaction, and the turmoil of life can create experiences of anxiety, depression, fatigue, despair, agitation and rage, particularly under incarcerates circumstances. While appearing to deal with the physical body alone, the regular practice of the stretches, twists and bends that make up the postures (asanas) of a class, along with the controlled breathing (pranayama), actually influence the nervous system and chemical balance of the brain. So practicing Hatha Yoga correctly not only can restore strength, flexibility and stamina to the body, it can also improve one’s mental and emotional state.
My classes at S.Q. also emphasize discipline of the mind and body to build positive behavioral habits and impulse control, particularly as it relates to anger and addiction recovery. The classes help to develop the “witness”, or what psychologists refer to as the observing ego. By being aware moment-to-moment of thoughts, emotions, breathing, and corresponding sensations in the body, one can develop the capacity to see things more clearly and interrupt old patterns that in the past were unconscious or automatic.
Put in the simplest terms, yoga is for people who want to challenge themselves to become more of who they really are. It helps free the mind from confusion and distress, allowing one to be at peace. And whether on the inside or out in society, yoga can be a valuable practice in support of one’s lasting character change and overall well being.
James Fox is a certified Hatha Yoga instructor who has practiced Yoga for more than 20 years including teaching for the past nine years. He has taught at least 600 classes at S.Q. since establishing the Insight Prison Project’s Integral Health/Hatha Yoga program in 2002. In addition to teaching the public, he teaches three classes weekly at the prison: two at H-Unit and one for North block participants.