Yoga at Central Prison and Beyond: A Teacher’s Journey
The path of a yoga teacher is rarely linear—it’s filled with unexpected lessons, new communities, and moments of deep connection. Over the past six years, my work with You Call This Yoga (YCTY) has been exactly that: a journey of growth, healing, and purpose. Through YCTY, I’ve been able to take yoga outside the studio walls and into spaces where its impact is needed most.
The Dream of Teaching in Prison
For years, I had dreamed of teaching yoga inside a prison. Something about the idea felt deeply meaningful—offering peace in a place so often defined by hardship and tension. Thanks to YCTY, I was given the opportunity to step inside Raleigh’s Central Prison, a maximum security facility. Walking through those gates for the first time, I felt both nervous and excited. It was intimidating, yes—but it was also a chance to share yoga where it could truly make a difference.
Breaking Barriers with Yoga
That first class was unforgettable. The men who joined me came with curiosity, hesitation, and guarded expressions. I began with the simplest of practices—deep breathing, gentle stretches—and slowly, the atmosphere began to shift. The room grew quieter, softer. In that stillness, yoga created a pause from the heaviness of prison life. Over the weeks, these classes became more than just exercises; they became a source of calm, resilience, and even hope. Staff members later shared how these sessions were Fostering small but powerful changes in daily lives.
Teaching Across Communities
This journey has extended far beyond the prison walls. At Rex UNC Hospital, yoga offered cancer patients a moment of peace in the midst of treatment. In churches and libraries, it became a bridge to community, reminding participants that yoga is for everyone, everywhere. Working with Meals on Wheels communities, I shared gentle movement with older adults, bringing not only physical relief but also laughter, warmth, and a sense of belonging. Each setting was different, yet the message remained the same: yoga meets people where they are, offering healing and connection in ways that are both simple and profound.
The Power of Giving Back
To me, yoga is more than a personal practice—it’s a way to serve. Teaching in places like prisons, hospitals, and community centers has reminded me that sharing yoga is never one-sided. It’s an exchange. Every breath, every smile, every heartfelt “thank you” from participants has left me equally transformed, filling me with gratitude and humility.
Gratitude to You Call This Yoga
None of this would have been possible without You Call This Yoga, whose mission to make yoga accessible to underserved communities aligns so deeply with my own values. I am thankful for their vision and support, which have allowed me to grow as both a teacher and a human being. Yoga, at its heart, is universal. It heals, connects, and uplifts—no matter the walls, barriers, or circumstances. As I reflect on this journey, I carry one truth with me: by sharing yoga, we create ripples of compassion and hope that reach far beyond the mat.
