Yoga in Prisons

This brief provides readers with a broad, but detailed framework to understand, evaluate, and apply trauma-informed techniques suitable for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated populations using movement, breath practices, and other embodied, mindfulness-based exercises. Leveraging recent neurobiological research about trauma, this book presents best practices and on-the-ground experiences of participants of mindfulness-based, trauma-informed yoga while incarcerated. It acknowledges the role that trauma may have played in individuals' lives, including substance misuse and violent behavior. This brief will leverage the emergence of the integration of developmental, neurological, addiction treatment, and social perspectives. It is an accessible and valuable tool for a variety of body-based healing professionals.

Discusses the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Structural Determinants of Health in incarcerated people First evidenced-based book examining the perceived long-term effects of yoga for incarcerated people Provides mindfulness-based, trauma-informed practices modified for use with incarcerated people

Autorentext

Chanda Williams, Ph.D., C-IAYT, RYT E-500, is a UCSF postdoctoral research fellow with a doctoral degree in somatic depth psychology. She has a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a master's in integrative health. The primary focus of Chanda's research interest lies in integrative health and health disparities research. A longtime yoga practitioner, yoga teacher, yoga teacher trainer, and yoga therapist, Chanda aims to support the complex healing journey for those who have experienced trauma with care, compassion, and understanding. For over ten years, she taught trauma-informed, mindfulness-based yoga practices to incarcerated populations at jails and prisons in California, including San Quentin State Prison. With vast experience and certifications from various organizations, Chanda brings knowledge and expertise to her yoga therapy practice. She is dedicated to spreading awareness about the profound impact of body-mind practices to overcome trauma, improve mental health, and cultivate a sense of greater well-being.

Inhalt

Chapter 1 Introduction.- Chapter 2 The Dysregulated Body.- Chapter 3 The Healing Nature of an Ethical Relationship.- Chapter 4 Blending Disciplines.- Chapter 5 Breathing Truth, Being Alive.- Chapter 6 Healing Justice.- Chapter 7 The Path Ahead--Putting Knowledge into Practice.