Our programsAdvocacy & Consulting
Our Mission Goes Beyond Rehabilitation
Through content, training, partnerships, and conversations, we work to amplify voices for criminal justice reform, raises awareness about the silent suffering caused by punitive justice, and promotes a desire to prioritize healing over punishment. Our yoga consulting services for correctional institutions help them implement holistic healing programs that create a culture of empathy and compassion.
Why use trauma-informed yoga for rehabilitation?
Healing Over "Fixing"
Our approach is centered on healing rather than “fixing.” We believe in empowering individuals to embark on their own healing journeys, recognizing and addressing their unique experiences and challenges. Rather than focusing on what’s perceived as wrong, we support participants in uncovering their strengths and potential. This perspective fosters self-compassion and growth, encouraging individuals to transform and thrive at their own pace. Our goal is to provide a nurturing environment where participants feel valued and supported as they work towards holistic well-being.
Evidence-Based Methodology
Our commitment to learning is unwavering, with practices rooted in time-honored traditions and bolstered by contemporary scientific research. By harmonizing ancient wisdom with modern advancements, we ensure our methods are both effective and cutting-edge. This integration enables us to offer a comprehensive framework that addresses the varied needs of those we serve, fostering resilience, growth, and enduring well-being.
Non-Judgmental Support
We provide non-judgmental support, creating a compassionate space where individuals feel accepted and understood. Our facilitators approach each participant with empathy and respect, recognizing the inherent worth of every person. By fostering a non-judgmental environment, we encourage open dialogue and genuine connection, allowing individuals to explore their healing journeys without fear of criticism. This support system is integral to building trust and facilitating meaningful personal growth.
Self-Regulation & Increased Awareness
Our programs cultivate deeper self-awareness and self-acceptance, fostering a greater sense of empathy and understanding towards others. Through this process, participants learn to regulate their emotions more effectively and build stronger connections with those around them. By enhancing self-regulation and emotional intelligence, our programs empower individuals to navigate their personal and interpersonal challenges with greater resilience and insight.
Increased Awareness
We help participants understand the origins of harm and self-harm, including substance use, while encouraging greater personal accountability. Our approach empowers individuals to recognize and address the underlying issues that contribute to these behaviors. By fostering self-awareness and responsibility, we support participants in making healthier choices and developing more constructive coping strategies.
I cleanse myself, I heal myself. I put myself together to become whole... The renewal is exactly what yoga seeks, evolution, knowing that change is possible in a way that is organic.
RJ Donovan State Prison, San Diego, CA
Prison Yoga Project provides trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness programs tailored for incarcerated individuals and correctional staff.
Our approach focuses on cultivating self-control, emotional stability, while reducing stress and anxiety. Through our rehabilitative yoga programs, we aim to enhance self-awareness, impulse control, decision-making, and physical well-being, while also promoting empathy, compassion, and community building.
- Specially Trained Facilitators: Nurturing with Care Our facilitators, equipped with deep understanding trauma-informed training and compassion, are trained to navigate the nuances of trauma with utmost sensitivity. Every session is rooted in accessibility, inclusivity, and tailored to honor the unique journey of each participant.
- Empowerment, Not "Fixing": We believe in empowerment over fixing. Our practices are not about fixing what's broken but about illuminating the innate strength within each individual. We offer tools that extend beyond the mat, fostering resilience, self-awareness, and a profound sense of agency that participants can carry into their daily lives.
Our Commitment to Transformation
At Prison Yoga Project, our work extends far beyond individual sessions. We’re dedicated to expanding the reach of trauma-informed yoga because we believe in its ability to drive meaningful change. This isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about impacting the broader systems we all navigate.
Become part of this movement with us. Together, we can explore how trauma-informed yoga can open doors to healing and personal empowerment.
How to Get Involved
Together, we can change society’s perspective on the root causes of harm, addressing issues at their source and breaking the cycles that perpetuate suffering. Join us in creating a society that values holistic well-being, compassion, and resilience as the pathway to lasting transformation.
Donate to Our Programs
By investing in healing over punishment, we strive to change society’s perspective on the root causes of harm. Join us in creating a society that values holistic well-being, compassion, and resilience as the pathway to lasting transformation.
Get PYP in Your Facility
Looking to bring PYP to your facility? We assist prisons, government agencies, private entities, and individuals in establishing trauma-informed, mindfulness-based yoga in prisons and jails.
