UpRising Yoga is dedicated to bringing yoga to Los Angeles County Central Juvenile Hall. We started in November 2011 and have taught every Tuesday night for an hour to the Alpha and Omega units. On average we have about seven to ten students per unit each week. This program is offering the participants an opportunity to understand how yoga can be used effectively in all aspects of their life. We have seen some promising results thus far.
One example is a youth had acted out and was put in the "SHU" (detention). He was reminded by staff how controlling his reaction and temper with breath work in yoga could help him manage his temper to avoid conflict. The youth understood and made this connection.
Another example is the many questions we receive from the boys and girls regarding the way they function in their own bodies, as well as the history and origin of yoga practice daily and how that helps heal their lives. They are also interested in how to heal back pain and other various injuries.
They have been very receptive in taking directions, learning postures, balancing and focusing. They have been particularly engaged in breathing and meditation.
The support and participation of the staff that work with these kids has been critical to the success we have had so far, and we are continually impressed with their dedication and commitment.
We intend to explore the possibilities of expansion. For example, offering class more than one night a week. Also, several of the boys and girls have asked on more than one occasion how they can continue practicing yoga once they leave incarceration. One boy in particular approached me about writing a note for the judge regarding his behavior in class. We are developing Certificates of Excellence for this purpose. I LOVE giving these out!
Each week when I leave class I say "Namaste." Then I ask if anyone knows what that means.
A boy then recites exactly:
The Spirit in Me Honors the Spirit in You.
One example is a youth had acted out and was put in the "SHU" (detention). He was reminded by staff how controlling his reaction and temper with breath work in yoga could help him manage his temper to avoid conflict. The youth understood and made this connection.
Another example is the many questions we receive from the boys and girls regarding the way they function in their own bodies, as well as the history and origin of yoga practice daily and how that helps heal their lives. They are also interested in how to heal back pain and other various injuries.
They have been very receptive in taking directions, learning postures, balancing and focusing. They have been particularly engaged in breathing and meditation.
The support and participation of the staff that work with these kids has been critical to the success we have had so far, and we are continually impressed with their dedication and commitment.
We intend to explore the possibilities of expansion. For example, offering class more than one night a week. Also, several of the boys and girls have asked on more than one occasion how they can continue practicing yoga once they leave incarceration. One boy in particular approached me about writing a note for the judge regarding his behavior in class. We are developing Certificates of Excellence for this purpose. I LOVE giving these out!
Each week when I leave class I say "Namaste." Then I ask if anyone knows what that means.
A boy then recites exactly:
The Spirit in Me Honors the Spirit in You.
