Trauma Informed Yoga for the Incarcerated

Yoga 4 Change currently maintains eight weekly classes specific to individuals involved in the carceral system.  These classes are in partnership with the Department of Corrections, court system and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.  Depending on the partnership, classes are offered both in-person and virtually.  We collect both quantitative and qualitative data at every class.  Below are a few quotes from students after taking 4-weeks of classes.  

"Yoga has certainly helped me out and understanding how to take control of my mind, body and spirit. To keep in touch with myself. Learn about new ways and techniques to improve myself physically and spiritually. Yoga can be used as a positive force to help me build my life a lot better and feel better at the same time. Thank you for letting me share."

"Great program, helped me focus on me and not other stuff. I will continue to take yoga it's helping me to cope with my short coming too."

"When I started the program, I started with an open mind & giving it a fair chance. I knew the only reason I was doing it was because it was 'court ordered', & that it was a practice, ( this yoga thing), that was kinda for chiks, at best, feminine'ish. So, instead of doing the easy thing & go into it with an attitude of, "...Oh my gosh, I can't wait till these 6 sessions are over already...', I chose the 'all in' approach. I couldn,'t have been more pleasantly wrong, I GET IT...I now know why humans do Yoga. I particularly enjoyed the early morning session, cuz for me, no matter how I felt prior to 'logging on', a feeling of 'Heaven Sent' came over me upon completion. So, in summation, no matter when I do a session of Yoga, I'm gonna feel better about 'doing life'."

And we conclude with one final quote that we find relatable - "Yoga is the best".

Happy Holidays Everyone, from the Entire Yoga 4 Change Team

Links:

• Yoga 4 Change YouTube - Free Resources