Press release from Asheville Yoga Center:
Prison Yoga Project Aims to Share Yoga with Underserved Communities
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA (April 23, 2013)–Asheville Yoga Center is collaborating with the Prison Yoga Project to offer an in-depth training on teaching yoga to individuals whose lives have been impacted by trauma, including prison inmates. Yoga instructors interested in working with at-risk populations are encouraged to attend the training June 6-8. The cost of the training weekend is $295.
The course will be led by James Fox M.A., founder of the Prison Yoga Project (PYP). Participants will discuss the evidence-based benefits of yoga as a form of treatment for physical and emotional issues, learn about PYP’s methodology for teaching yoga in the unique social and cultural setting of a prison, explore specific yoga postures, breathing techniques, and meditation exercises that are effective with prisoners and more.
Why share yoga with prisoners? Fox suggests that “most prisoners suffer from Complex Trauma, chronic interpersonal trauma experienced early in life such as abandonment, hunger, homelessness, domestic violence, sexual abuse, bullying, discrimination, drug and alcohol abuse, and witnessing crime – including murder. Carrying unresolved trauma into their lives impacts everything they do, often landing them in prison, where they experience even more trauma. “
By introducing yoga and mindfulness to prisoners and others who suffer from the lasting impact of trauma, PYP aims to give people practical tools they can use to navigate their daily lives. Through yoga classes, Fox is able to help prisoners re-engage “with their bodies to restore the connection between mind, heart and body” and thereby prevent harmful behaviors like substance abuse and violence.
Asheville Yoga Center is committed to providing high-quality, heart-centered yoga classes, workshops, and teacher trainings. To register or to learn more about the Yoga Prison Project weekend and Asheville Yoga Center, visit youryoga.com or call (828) 254-0380.
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