YOGA @ SRCI and the Oregon Accountability Model & Home for Good in Oregon

YOGA @ SRCI and the YOGA @ SRCI and the Oregon Accountability Model & Oregon Accountability Model &

Home for Good in Oregon Home for Good in Oregon SRCI Volunteer John Close SRCI Volunteer John Close Activities Yoga Volunteer @ SRCIActivities Yoga Volunteer @ SRCI Willow Tree Holistic Health CenterWillow Tree Holistic Health Center 1509 North Whitley Dr #51509 North Whitley Dr #5 Fruitland, Idaho 83619Fruitland, Idaho 83619 www.willtree.com,www.willtree.com, 208-452-5716, 208-452-5716, Fax-452-5718Fax-452-5718 October 2006October 2006

CONTENTSCONTENTS

Introduction & TrainingIntroduction & Training Oregon Accountability Model, Part 1 Oregon Accountability Model, Part 1

OAM, Part 2OAM, Part 2 OAM, Part 3OAM, Part 3 OAM, Part 4OAM, Part 4 OAM, Part 5OAM, Part 5 OAM, Part 6OAM, Part 6 RESEARCHRESEARCH Home Good Oregon IntroductionHome Good Oregon Introduction HGO Principles 1 & 2HGO Principles 1 & 2 HGO Principles 3 & 4HGO Principles 3 & 4 PROPOSALPROPOSAL

IntroductionIntroduction & Training& Training SRCI Volunteer John CloseSRCI Volunteer John Close

I am a volunteer at Snake River Correctional Institution I am a volunteer at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI). My name is John Close. I was inspired by the (SRCI). My name is John Close. I was inspired by the Volunteer Newsletter, Issue XIII, First Quarter 2005 and Volunteer Newsletter, Issue XIII, First Quarter 2005 and by the article on the Home for Good in Oregon (HGO) by the article on the Home for Good in Oregon (HGO) published in Corrections Today. The articles presented published in Corrections Today. The articles presented me with a more complete picture of an inmate’s journey me with a more complete picture of an inmate’s journey from incarceration to release. I believe that I could be of from incarceration to release. I believe that I could be of help to the inmates. I have been heading the Yoga help to the inmates. I have been heading the Yoga Program at SRCI through Activities since 1997. I believe Program at SRCI through Activities since 1997. I believe Yoga can fit nicely into the goals of the six-part model of Yoga can fit nicely into the goals of the six-part model of the Oregon Accountability Model (OAM).the Oregon Accountability Model (OAM).

The fostering of OAM by Religious Services is to be The fostering of OAM by Religious Services is to be commended. The continued development of an inmate’s commended. The continued development of an inmate’s spirituality beyond incarceration is vital to re-entry and spirituality beyond incarceration is vital to re-entry and to decreased recidivism. I can help as a Yoga instructor, to decreased recidivism. I can help as a Yoga instructor, as a Registered Nurse, as an Anthropologist and as a as a Registered Nurse, as an Anthropologist and as a man of faith.man of faith.

IntroductionIntroduction & Training Continued & Training Continued SRCI Volunteer John CloseSRCI Volunteer John Close

I teach Amrit Yoga and Primordial Sound I teach Amrit Yoga and Primordial Sound Meditation at SRCI. Both modalities of Yoga Meditation at SRCI. Both modalities of Yoga have a strong spiritual foundation yet they have a strong spiritual foundation yet they are both non-denominational. The science of are both non-denominational. The science of yoga can work with all faith groups without yoga can work with all faith groups without interfering or detracting from a particular interfering or detracting from a particular denominations’ belief system. Yoga can also denominations’ belief system. Yoga can also incorporate people who do not belong to incorporate people who do not belong to any religious group. Yoga’s concepts can fit any religious group. Yoga’s concepts can fit into the model of chaplaincy in the prison into the model of chaplaincy in the prison and into your proposed model being and into your proposed model being developed in release communities. There is developed in release communities. There is adequate research to back this up (see adequate research to back this up (see research)research)

IntroductionIntroduction & Training Continued & Training Continued SRCI Volunteer John CloseSRCI Volunteer John Close

My Religious Life: My Religious Life: I was raised a Catholic.I was raised a Catholic. I attended Catholic school from 1st through 12th I attended Catholic school from 1st through 12th

grade.grade. I was an Alter Boy through the 12th grade.I was an Alter Boy through the 12th grade. I started practicing yoga in 1970.I started practicing yoga in 1970. While practicing Catholicism I also practiced the Sioux While practicing Catholicism I also practiced the Sioux

folk religion as a Pipe Carrier, Sun Dancer & Sweat folk religion as a Pipe Carrier, Sun Dancer & Sweat Lodge participant for 7 years from 1987 through Lodge participant for 7 years from 1987 through 1995. In 1995 I maintained the Sweat Lodge for a 1995. In 1995 I maintained the Sweat Lodge for a Lakota Medicine Man for most of the year. This time Lakota Medicine Man for most of the year. This time included his annual Sun Dance ceremony. included his annual Sun Dance ceremony.

Presently my yoga practice maintains my connection Presently my yoga practice maintains my connection to the Divine Trinity consisting of God the Father, God to the Divine Trinity consisting of God the Father, God the Son & the Holy Spirit. the Son & the Holy Spirit.

Part 1 of OAM’s Best Correctional Part 1 of OAM’s Best Correctional PracticesPractices

Yoga can be a positive program for the Yoga can be a positive program for the development of a correctional plan for any development of a correctional plan for any inmate entering Oregon's prison system.inmate entering Oregon's prison system.

Yoga when properly presented creates a Yoga when properly presented creates a unique opportunity to establish a group unique opportunity to establish a group environment where inmates can discover environment where inmates can discover their own relationship to community their own relationship to community functioning. In this environment everyone functioning. In this environment everyone involved has the opportunity to develop an involved has the opportunity to develop an attitude of co-operation which often instills a attitude of co-operation which often instills a sense of self worth. The science of yoga with sense of self worth. The science of yoga with focus on it’s foundation of pro social focus on it’s foundation of pro social interrelationships fosters the growth of interrelationships fosters the growth of emotional and mental health.emotional and mental health.

Part 1 of OAM’s Best Correctional Part 1 of OAM’s Best Correctional Practices ContinuedPractices Continued

The heart of a sound yoga practice which The heart of a sound yoga practice which follows such observances and disciplines as follows such observances and disciplines as non-violence, non-judgment and truth leads non-violence, non-judgment and truth leads to a shift in values. The purpose of yoga is to to a shift in values. The purpose of yoga is to get out of the unconsciously driven get out of the unconsciously driven dimension of the ego mind and get into dimension of the ego mind and get into exploring, expanding and experiencing the exploring, expanding and experiencing the depth of one’s being. Spiritual unfoldment depth of one’s being. Spiritual unfoldment becomes the natural outcome for an becomes the natural outcome for an individual as the practice of yoga leads to individual as the practice of yoga leads to positive behavioral modifications and an positive behavioral modifications and an interactive lifestyle. The nourishment of a interactive lifestyle. The nourishment of a consistent monitored practice of yoga is a consistent monitored practice of yoga is a process of tapping into the divine potential process of tapping into the divine potential that creates people empowered and charged that creates people empowered and charged by the benefits of responsibility to by the benefits of responsibility to themselves and others.themselves and others.


The Amrit Yoga training program at SRCI The Amrit Yoga training program at SRCI appears to be producing such a appears to be producing such a community. Three inmates in Complex 1 community. Three inmates in Complex 1 are committed to become yoga teachers. are committed to become yoga teachers. They are assisting new inmates when they They are assisting new inmates when they enter any yoga class. These three men enter any yoga class. These three men appear to have transformed their lives and appear to have transformed their lives and their personal social conditioning. Such their personal social conditioning. Such personal transformation can very well personal transformation can very well result in enhanced community functioning result in enhanced community functioning upon release as well as a positive upon release as well as a positive approach to marital and family life. approach to marital and family life.


Yoga can enhance anyone’s motivation for change. It Yoga can enhance anyone’s motivation for change. It presents the individual with an opportunity to role-presents the individual with an opportunity to role-model pro-social behaviors.model pro-social behaviors.

Yoga means union or oneness. The very word yoga Yoga means union or oneness. The very word yoga implies that the practice of yoga is a science which implies that the practice of yoga is a science which allows the practitioner to merge with his environment.allows the practitioner to merge with his environment.

The foundation of yoga is about unity and the The foundation of yoga is about unity and the sacredness of life. The sacredness of life goes beyond sacredness of life. The sacredness of life goes beyond religious doctrine yet it satisfies ones spiritual hunger religious doctrine yet it satisfies ones spiritual hunger and can enhance the participant’s particular beliefs.and can enhance the participant’s particular beliefs.

Amrit Yoga is a complete approach to integrating body, Amrit Yoga is a complete approach to integrating body, mind, spirit with environment. The practice of yoga mind, spirit with environment. The practice of yoga helps to shape positive behaviors. These behaviors can helps to shape positive behaviors. These behaviors can enhance pro social staff interaction and thus help to enhance pro social staff interaction and thus help to maintain an inmate’s accountability for his daily maintain an inmate’s accountability for his daily actions. actions.


Yoga can function as a system of evidence based Yoga can function as a system of evidence based work and can also function as a treatment work and can also function as a treatment program to allow the inmates incarceration program to allow the inmates incarceration experience to be both meaningful and corrective.experience to be both meaningful and corrective.

Yoga has ample research to show the benefits of Yoga has ample research to show the benefits of a continuous practice. The research I have a continuous practice. The research I have presented is specific to meditation. I teach both presented is specific to meditation. I teach both Primordial Sound Meditation and a form of Primordial Sound Meditation and a form of Meditation in Motion called Amrit Yoga. Amrit Meditation in Motion called Amrit Yoga. Amrit Yoga comes from the source of yoga which is Yoga comes from the source of yoga which is called ashtanga. Ashtanga translates to mean called ashtanga. Ashtanga translates to mean eight limbed. In yoga all eight limbs need to eight limbed. In yoga all eight limbs need to function like the limbs of the human body. Just function like the limbs of the human body. Just like the human body all eight limbs of Ashtanga like the human body all eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga must function in co creation of the body, Yoga must function in co creation of the body, mind, heart and soul.mind, heart and soul.


Ashtanga Yoga is composed of the yamas and Ashtanga Yoga is composed of the yamas and niyamas, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, niyamas, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi. The yamas and dharana, dhyana and samadhi. The yamas and niyamas are the observances and the disciplines niyamas are the observances and the disciplines that protect one from internal and external that protect one from internal and external disturbances and assure the successful practice disturbances and assure the successful practice of ashtanga yoga. Asana (posture) and of ashtanga yoga. Asana (posture) and pranayama (breathing) represent the discipline of pranayama (breathing) represent the discipline of the body (Hatha Yoga). Pratyahara (attention) the body (Hatha Yoga). Pratyahara (attention) and dharana (concentration) represent the and dharana (concentration) represent the discipline of the mind. Dhyana (meditation) turns discipline of the mind. Dhyana (meditation) turns the entire practice of ashtanga yoga into a the entire practice of ashtanga yoga into a spiritual discipline (Raja Yoga). The meditative spiritual discipline (Raja Yoga). The meditative aspect of yoga is integral to the fulfillment of the aspect of yoga is integral to the fulfillment of the intent of yogic practice which is the integration of intent of yogic practice which is the integration of all aspects of ones being. all aspects of ones being.


The benefits of meditation are many. The research The benefits of meditation are many. The research studies I show have been done on Transcendental studies I show have been done on Transcendental Meditation (TM). I teach Primordial Sound Meditation Meditation (TM). I teach Primordial Sound Meditation at SRCI which is the same type of Meditation as TM. at SRCI which is the same type of Meditation as TM. Deepak Chopra M.D., who developed Primordial Deepak Chopra M.D., who developed Primordial Sound Meditation worked for several years with the Sound Meditation worked for several years with the Maharishi who founded TM. Therefore the research Maharishi who founded TM. Therefore the research studies on TM are valid for Primordial Sound studies on TM are valid for Primordial Sound Meditation as well.Meditation as well.

Research findings are documented by the following Research findings are documented by the following reports; Decreased Prison Rule Violations, Greater reports; Decreased Prison Rule Violations, Greater Number of Clean Parole Records, Reduced Number of Clean Parole Records, Reduced Recidivism, Increased Orderliness, Decreased Urban Recidivism, Increased Orderliness, Decreased Urban Crime, Decreased Hostility, Decreased Drug Abuse, Crime, Decreased Hostility, Decreased Drug Abuse, decreased City Crime Rate, and Decreased National decreased City Crime Rate, and Decreased National Crime Rate. Please review the enclosed Research Crime Rate. Please review the enclosed Research section titled Effective Rehabilitation and Ideal section titled Effective Rehabilitation and Ideal Government. Government.


A yoga program can extend into the release A yoga program can extend into the release community where children and families of inmates can community where children and families of inmates can be included. This may well serve to break the be included. This may well serve to break the intergenerational cycle of crime.intergenerational cycle of crime.

The foundation of yoga is the development of unity. The foundation of yoga is the development of unity. Unity is contagious and spreads into the community Unity is contagious and spreads into the community as well as the family. The core group which is created as well as the family. The core group which is created around the practice of yoga can positively affect around the practice of yoga can positively affect everyone involved. Yoga is about a shift in values.everyone involved. Yoga is about a shift in values.

Yoga uses the body as an entry point to explore, Yoga uses the body as an entry point to explore, experience and release psychosomatic blocks that experience and release psychosomatic blocks that prevent one from tapping into the source of ones prevent one from tapping into the source of ones potential. It is a process of self discovery.potential. It is a process of self discovery.

For the body to be the temple of the divine, the yoga For the body to be the temple of the divine, the yoga practice must harness and harmonize the conflicting practice must harness and harmonize the conflicting forces and disturbances that arise from the body, forces and disturbances that arise from the body, emotions and mind. These unconscious forces keep emotions and mind. These unconscious forces keep one divided and fragmented in thinking feeling and one divided and fragmented in thinking feeling and doing.doing.


Amrit Yoga, the yoga I teach at SRCI, is a metaphor for Amrit Yoga, the yoga I teach at SRCI, is a metaphor for life. The skill of mindful attention and meditative life. The skill of mindful attention and meditative awareness one develops on the yoga mat can extend awareness one develops on the yoga mat can extend to the challenges one encounters in life. Painful to the challenges one encounters in life. Painful transition periods, relationships and crises often transition periods, relationships and crises often become opportunities for personal transformation.become opportunities for personal transformation.

The practice of yoga done with sincerity positively The practice of yoga done with sincerity positively affects the practitioner and can well go on to include affects the practitioner and can well go on to include family and friends. It is well known in Sociological family and friends. It is well known in Sociological (Medical) Research that any intergenerational cycle (Medical) Research that any intergenerational cycle can be broken when family members are shown pro- can be broken when family members are shown pro- social modeling behaviors from caring individuals. social modeling behaviors from caring individuals. This modeling can come from within the family or This modeling can come from within the family or from the community at large.from the community at large.

As the inmates involved in these yoga programs begin As the inmates involved in these yoga programs begin to be released into their perspective communities to be released into their perspective communities these men may very well be the ones who model pro-these men may very well be the ones who model pro-social behavior for the community and for their family social behavior for the community and for their family members members


Yoga can be utilized from the first day of Yoga can be utilized from the first day of incarceration. This can serve to allow incarceration. This can serve to allow inmates an immediate way to prepare for inmates an immediate way to prepare for re-entry and planning from the first day of re-entry and planning from the first day of incarceration.incarceration.

Since the purpose of the practice of yoga is Since the purpose of the practice of yoga is to enter the integrated state of being it can to enter the integrated state of being it can be positively utilized from the first day of be positively utilized from the first day of incarceration. In the practice of yoga the incarceration. In the practice of yoga the body is used as a vehicle through which body is used as a vehicle through which one recognizes the blockages that prevent one recognizes the blockages that prevent one from experiencing ones true nature.one from experiencing ones true nature.


The first stage of Amrit Yoga is the willful The first stage of Amrit Yoga is the willful practice where one learns to face practice where one learns to face psychosomatic tensions. It can expose old psychosomatic tensions. It can expose old memories, fears, shame and anger. In the memories, fears, shame and anger. In the practice of Amrit Yoga one learns to encounter practice of Amrit Yoga one learns to encounter these blockages with meditative attention and these blockages with meditative attention and to release them. These layers of tension live to release them. These layers of tension live in the form of unconscious habits and in the form of unconscious habits and preprogrammed attitudes. The possibility of preprogrammed attitudes. The possibility of releasing and integrating these tensions releasing and integrating these tensions comes from experiencing physiological release comes from experiencing physiological release of stressors in yoga postures.of stressors in yoga postures.


One can use yoga postures to transcend both One can use yoga postures to transcend both physical as well as more subtle layers of tension physical as well as more subtle layers of tension and limitation. The science of yoga teaches one to and limitation. The science of yoga teaches one to use inward focus and meditative awareness as a use inward focus and meditative awareness as a way to allow one to recognize personal limitations. way to allow one to recognize personal limitations. The posture then becomes therapeutic and allows The posture then becomes therapeutic and allows personal boundaries to be transcended.personal boundaries to be transcended.

Many inmates who are involved in yoga recognize Many inmates who are involved in yoga recognize this therapeutic change in their lives and acquire this therapeutic change in their lives and acquire the desire to continue the process after their the desire to continue the process after their release. These men upon reentry to the community release. These men upon reentry to the community could be utilized to strengthen reentry facilities for could be utilized to strengthen reentry facilities for those who are interested in continuing their yoga those who are interested in continuing their yoga practice or initiating a yoga practice.practice or initiating a yoga practice.


The desire to continue a yoga practice is often the The desire to continue a yoga practice is often the norm for those who have noticed the benefits in norm for those who have noticed the benefits in their lives. A good example was recently brought their lives. A good example was recently brought to my attention in June, 2005. An inmate was to my attention in June, 2005. An inmate was transferred from SRCI to Powder River Correctional transferred from SRCI to Powder River Correctional Facility. Chaplin Haefer, at the inmate’s request, Facility. Chaplin Haefer, at the inmate’s request, requested further studies of the Amrit Yoga requested further studies of the Amrit Yoga Institute’s material. The inmate had a personal Institute’s material. The inmate had a personal desire to continue his yoga practice. The inmate desire to continue his yoga practice. The inmate already had the Amrit Yoga Instructional Hand Out already had the Amrit Yoga Instructional Hand Out (HO) given to all Yoga Program members at SRCI. I (HO) given to all Yoga Program members at SRCI. I immediately sent the companion instructional immediately sent the companion instructional video to go along with the HO. I also sent an video to go along with the HO. I also sent an unopened commercially available CD. The CD was unopened commercially available CD. The CD was an audio yoga program. The inmate was then able an audio yoga program. The inmate was then able to continue his yoga practice as requested.to continue his yoga practice as requested.


Yoga can be utilized to assist the seamless Yoga can be utilized to assist the seamless transition of inmates to the DOC’s community transition of inmates to the DOC’s community corrections partners in each of Oregon's 36 corrections partners in each of Oregon's 36 counties. This could serve to allow offenders to counties. This could serve to allow offenders to continue working on their correctional plans and be continue working on their correctional plans and be successful in the community.successful in the community.

The establishment of a yoga practice from The establishment of a yoga practice from incarceration to post-prison supervision can be an incarceration to post-prison supervision can be an effective tool for the DOC. A working partnership effective tool for the DOC. A working partnership can be developed with each county to utilize yoga can be developed with each county to utilize yoga as an effective practice and a sound program for as an effective practice and a sound program for offenders and their families in their perspective offenders and their families in their perspective communities. Please review the HGO for more communities. Please review the HGO for more information on this topic.information on this topic.

RESEARCHRESEARCH

The research studies which follow have been The research studies which follow have been done on Transcendental Meditation (TM). the done on Transcendental Meditation (TM). the research studies on TM are valid for research studies on TM are valid for Primordial Sound Meditation and Amrit Yoga.Primordial Sound Meditation and Amrit Yoga.

Please contact me with questions (John Close) Please contact me with questions (John Close) www.willtree.comwww.willtree.com,, 208-452-5716, 208-452-5716, Fax-452-5718Fax-452-5718 October 19,2006October 19,2006

Home for Good in OregonHome for Good in Oregon SRCI Volunteer John CloseSRCI Volunteer John Close

A Community, Faith & State Re-entry A Community, Faith & State Re-entry Partnership to Increase Restorative Partnership to Increase Restorative JusticeJustice

The HGO re-entry project provides a The HGO re-entry project provides a new focus on the re-entry component new focus on the re-entry component of OAM. Yoga can also fulfill the of OAM. Yoga can also fulfill the need to help inmates develop their need to help inmates develop their spirituality beyond incarceration. spirituality beyond incarceration.

Home for Good in Oregon Cont. Home for Good in Oregon Cont. SRCI Volunteer John CloseSRCI Volunteer John Close

What behaviors will today’s children internalize What behaviors will today’s children internalize over the next 10 years? How will their lives be over the next 10 years? How will their lives be affected? These are the questions we should be affected? These are the questions we should be asking ourselves. We want to build the social and asking ourselves. We want to build the social and spiritual capacity of local communities to spiritual capacity of local communities to welcome, accept and reintegrate these returnees welcome, accept and reintegrate these returnees and their families into the formal and informal and their families into the formal and informal structures of their perspective communities. We structures of their perspective communities. We also want to utilize education, public policy and also want to utilize education, public policy and personal example in our attempt to establish personal example in our attempt to establish “asset-based” community development. We can “asset-based” community development. We can work to develop the networking, community, work to develop the networking, community, resource knowledge and strengths that churches resource knowledge and strengths that churches (by any name) and community organizations bring (by any name) and community organizations bring to the task of helping ex-inmates and their to the task of helping ex-inmates and their families reintegrate themselves back into the families reintegrate themselves back into the communities. While creating a more positive communities. While creating a more positive atmosphere for their children. atmosphere for their children.


Professional chaplains are trained to work Professional chaplains are trained to work with all faith groups and non-with all faith groups and non-denominational people who do not belong denominational people who do not belong to any religious group. Yoga could fit into to any religious group. Yoga could fit into this model. All that is needed is the space this model. All that is needed is the space to gather with people who could choose to to gather with people who could choose to continue their yoga practice with friends continue their yoga practice with friends and family members. All this could serve and family members. All this could serve to help ex-inmates maintain their spiritual to help ex-inmates maintain their spiritual growth and resist the temptation to growth and resist the temptation to commit crime which would provide a safer commit crime which would provide a safer environment for the public.environment for the public.


To develop the structured partnership with the To develop the structured partnership with the justice system Home for Good in Oregon (HGO) justice system Home for Good in Oregon (HGO) has developed four principles:has developed four principles:

Please review HGO 1 and 2.Please review HGO 1 and 2. 1) Focus on the Community, Not the Offender,1) Focus on the Community, Not the Offender, 2) Use Asset-Based Community Development,2) Use Asset-Based Community Development, Please review HGO 3 and 4.Please review HGO 3 and 4. 3) Know the Community, and 3) Know the Community, and 4) Use Evidence-Based Approaches to 4) Use Evidence-Based Approaches to

Preventing Recidivism.Preventing Recidivism.

HGO Principle 1 HGO Principle 1 SRCI Volunteer John CloseSRCI Volunteer John Close

To assist the structured partnership with To assist the structured partnership with the justice system 4 principles are used: the justice system 4 principles are used:

1) Focus on the Community, Not the 1) Focus on the Community, Not the OffenderOffender

Focusing on the Community fits perfectly Focusing on the Community fits perfectly into Yoga’s philosophy. It is the community into Yoga’s philosophy. It is the community which is strengthened as the individual which is strengthened as the individual practices yoga. Nevertheless for yoga to practices yoga. Nevertheless for yoga to merge into a community benefit, it must merge into a community benefit, it must begin with the individual.begin with the individual.

HGO Principle 1, Cont.HGO Principle 1, Cont.SRCI Volunteer John CloseSRCI Volunteer John Close

These are the practices that carry a profound These are the practices that carry a profound transformative potential. The true practice of transformative potential. The true practice of yoga becomes an extension of a personal yoga becomes an extension of a personal spiritual discipline, intended to enrich the spiritual discipline, intended to enrich the individual’s life just as the individual helps individual’s life just as the individual helps others to enrich their lives.others to enrich their lives.

It is the practice which plants the seed. It is the practice which plants the seed. Initially the practice allows the individual to Initially the practice allows the individual to begin to transcend survival level demands. begin to transcend survival level demands. These survival level demands keep people These survival level demands keep people preoccupied with survival, sensuality and the preoccupied with survival, sensuality and the pursuit of power.pursuit of power.


When a person is incarcerated it produces When a person is incarcerated it produces an evolutionary crisis. The individual’s an evolutionary crisis. The individual’s profession is stopped, a marriage and profession is stopped, a marriage and family life are put on hold and most likely family life are put on hold and most likely self-destructive habits are creating health self-destructive habits are creating health and emotional problems.and emotional problems.

For those who choose to practice yoga new For those who choose to practice yoga new avenues of expression that are engaging avenues of expression that are engaging and fulfilling begin to be explored. As and fulfilling begin to be explored. As inmates gather to practice yoga they begin inmates gather to practice yoga they begin to form a core group which supports and to form a core group which supports and creates an ideal environment where people creates an ideal environment where people can discover their own true nature.can discover their own true nature.


A heart-centered core group usually emerges A heart-centered core group usually emerges from the practice of yoga. It is a community from the practice of yoga. It is a community of like minded individuals which merges from of like minded individuals which merges from individual to community focus. This allows a individual to community focus. This allows a wide range of possibilities and services to be wide range of possibilities and services to be developed in a spirit of co-operation.developed in a spirit of co-operation.

The co-operation established within each The co-operation established within each community creates an avenue to increase community creates an avenue to increase the capacity of Oregon’s justice system to the capacity of Oregon’s justice system to function safely and effectively as offenders function safely and effectively as offenders reintegrate into their perspective reintegrate into their perspective neighborhoods.neighborhoods.

HGO Principle 2HGO Principle 2SRCI Volunteer John CloseSRCI Volunteer John Close

2) Use Asset-Based Community 2) Use Asset-Based Community DevelopmentDevelopment

Each local community has a unique capacity Each local community has a unique capacity to utilize its social and spiritual community to utilize its social and spiritual community development and its relationship to HGO to development and its relationship to HGO to enhance community cohesiveness. This enhance community cohesiveness. This could be a win win situation. Using the could be a win win situation. Using the Asset-Based Model can only strengthen both Asset-Based Model can only strengthen both the community and HGO. Once the assets of the community and HGO. Once the assets of the community are recognized and the community are recognized and developed, community organizations and developed, community organizations and churches (by any name) will see the churches (by any name) will see the strength in developing a Community strength in developing a Community relationship with HGO. relationship with HGO.


I believe that this could strengthen the I believe that this could strengthen the formal and informal structures of each formal and informal structures of each community as returnees and their community as returnees and their families utilize various options. After all, families utilize various options. After all, informal structures of each community informal structures of each community need effective role models. It is well need effective role models. It is well known that yoga practitioners generally known that yoga practitioners generally exhibit behaviors that are calm and exhibit behaviors that are calm and orderly. They can be effective role orderly. They can be effective role models. models.


3. Know the Community3. Know the Community As indicated in the HGO article each community As indicated in the HGO article each community

has a unique “social and cultural fabric.” Therefore has a unique “social and cultural fabric.” Therefore information is needed to develop and utilize the information is needed to develop and utilize the strengths and needs of each “neighborhood strengths and needs of each “neighborhood release location.” release location.”

To achieve the desired results it may be a good To achieve the desired results it may be a good idea to do, if it has not been done, a Needs idea to do, if it has not been done, a Needs Assessment Research Project. The Needs Assessment Research Project. The Needs Assessment could focus on a Community Process Assessment could focus on a Community Process approach. The Community Process would provide approach. The Community Process would provide both the scientific knowledge and the political both the scientific knowledge and the political support necessary for the identification and support necessary for the identification and management of potential “coercive mobility” (the management of potential “coercive mobility” (the constant flux of removing and returning people to constant flux of removing and returning people to the community because of incarceration).the community because of incarceration).

HGO Principle 3 Cont. HGO Principle 3 Cont. SRCI Volunteer John CloseSRCI Volunteer John Close

The ODC may already have statistics The ODC may already have statistics gathered from many counties. Additional gathered from many counties. Additional statistics are available through the Oregon statistics are available through the Oregon Department of Human Resources. This Department of Human Resources. This information could be utilized to determine information could be utilized to determine the basic needs of each community the basic needs of each community (Community Process). Once the information (Community Process). Once the information was gathered it would serve to strengthen was gathered it would serve to strengthen the partnership between a local release the partnership between a local release population and its community, in addressing population and its community, in addressing the community’s major public justice the community’s major public justice problems and building a healthier problems and building a healthier community. It could serve to guide the HGO community. It could serve to guide the HGO team, which would identify problems team, which would identify problems needing attention and then set goals and needing attention and then set goals and objectives.objectives.

HGO Principle 3 Cont. HGO Principle 3 Cont. SRCI Volunteer John CloseSRCI Volunteer John Close

It is community justice which would be strengthened It is community justice which would be strengthened with a commitment to an effective community process. with a commitment to an effective community process. The stake holders in the community process need to be The stake holders in the community process need to be identified and utilized. We volunteers as community identified and utilized. We volunteers as community committee members are key to improving assessment committee members are key to improving assessment effectiveness. Special interest groups, local business effectiveness. Special interest groups, local business organizations, community organization, religious organizations, community organization, religious organizations, citizens of different races and ethnic organizations, citizens of different races and ethnic groups, the medical community, mental health groups, the medical community, mental health organizations, schools, social service organizations, organizations, schools, social service organizations, substance abuse clinics, law enforcement agencies, substance abuse clinics, law enforcement agencies, voluntary agencies, clergy, Chamber of Commerce, voluntary agencies, clergy, Chamber of Commerce, economic development agencies, senior citizens and economic development agencies, senior citizens and other key community organizations can be crucial to other key community organizations can be crucial to the successful implementation of a community process the successful implementation of a community process which has justice and community safety as it’s which has justice and community safety as it’s strongest goal.strongest goal.


4. Use Evidence-Based Approaches 4. Use Evidence-Based Approaches to Preventing recidivismto Preventing recidivism

Utilization of the science of yoga Utilization of the science of yoga which allows pro-social communities which allows pro-social communities to not only develop but to thrive from to not only develop but to thrive from the time of initial incarceration to the time of initial incarceration to release can provide the foundation release can provide the foundation for preventing recidivism. for preventing recidivism.

Proposal from John Close SRCI Proposal from John Close SRCI VolunteerVolunteer

Yoga can be introduced into all DOC Facilities and Yoga can be introduced into all DOC Facilities and into each re-entry community. This presentation is into each re-entry community. This presentation is intended to explain the potential depth of yoga. intended to explain the potential depth of yoga. Yoga can flourish anywhere as long as there is Yoga can flourish anywhere as long as there is someone who will nourish its evolution. I am that someone who will nourish its evolution. I am that someone at SRCI. There are other certified someone at SRCI. There are other certified educators of Amrit Yoga and Primordial Sound educators of Amrit Yoga and Primordial Sound Meditation in the state of Oregon who can assist Meditation in the state of Oregon who can assist in the formulation of this program.in the formulation of this program.

Yoga crosses many boundaries. It can fit into Yoga crosses many boundaries. It can fit into Activities to provide space and time for the Activities to provide space and time for the practice. It can fit into Religious Services to practice. It can fit into Religious Services to provide an inmates’ right to practice a non-provide an inmates’ right to practice a non-denominational spiritual practice. It can fit into denominational spiritual practice. It can fit into Education to foster an inmate’s mental clarity. It Education to foster an inmate’s mental clarity. It can fit into Counseling to develop an inmate’s can fit into Counseling to develop an inmate’s mental/emotional health.mental/emotional health.

Proposal from John Close SRCI Proposal from John Close SRCI Volunteer, ContinuedVolunteer, Continued

It would be beneficial to do a Needs Assessment within It would be beneficial to do a Needs Assessment within each institution and re-entry community to facilitate each institution and re-entry community to facilitate utilization of yoga. Just as each re-entry community utilization of yoga. Just as each re-entry community has different assets to enhance cohesiveness each has different assets to enhance cohesiveness each DOC Institution has a different focus which can be DOC Institution has a different focus which can be utilized to access inmate compliance. This compliance utilized to access inmate compliance. This compliance can serve to strengthen an inmate’s correction plan can serve to strengthen an inmate’s correction plan throughout his incarceration and re-entry into the throughout his incarceration and re-entry into the community. community.

I would therefore suggest doing a simple Needs I would therefore suggest doing a simple Needs Assessment within each DOC Institution to determine Assessment within each DOC Institution to determine the proper setting for yoga to thrive. Religious Services the proper setting for yoga to thrive. Religious Services could well be the formal setting for Amrit Yoga could well be the formal setting for Amrit Yoga because of yoga’s spiritual capacity. Educators and because of yoga’s spiritual capacity. Educators and Councilors could encourage men to utilize the science Councilors could encourage men to utilize the science of yoga for social development. Activities could provide of yoga for social development. Activities could provide extra space and supervision for the practice.extra space and supervision for the practice.

Proposal from John Close SRCI Proposal from John Close SRCI Volunteer, ContinuedVolunteer, Continued

Both Amrit Yoga and Primordial Sound Both Amrit Yoga and Primordial Sound Meditation can easily be utilized by any Meditation can easily be utilized by any Correctional Institution for the Correctional Institution for the implementation of a Yoga Program. Both implementation of a Yoga Program. Both practices require minimal supervision and practices require minimal supervision and place most of the responsibility for the place most of the responsibility for the practice in the hands of the inmates practice in the hands of the inmates themselves. As long as the institution themselves. As long as the institution monitors the programs and provides monitors the programs and provides consistent access to materials along with consistent access to materials along with space to practice, these programs can thrive.space to practice, these programs can thrive.

Proposal from SRCI Volunteer Proposal from SRCI Volunteer John Close, ContinuedJohn Close, Continued

The usual entry point to a yoga practice is The usual entry point to a yoga practice is called Hatha Yoga and utilizes postures as called Hatha Yoga and utilizes postures as the beginning of a meditation practice. the beginning of a meditation practice. Amrit Yoga is a form of Hatha Yoga which Amrit Yoga is a form of Hatha Yoga which has worked well at SRCI. It works because has worked well at SRCI. It works because once the postures are learned the practice once the postures are learned the practice can be continued using a commercially can be continued using a commercially available audio CD from the Amrit yoga available audio CD from the Amrit yoga Institute. This eliminates the need to have Institute. This eliminates the need to have a teacher on the premises for each yoga a teacher on the premises for each yoga session.session.


I have three methods available at SRCI to teach I have three methods available at SRCI to teach the Amrit Yoga Posture Sequence. The first the Amrit Yoga Posture Sequence. The first method is a demonstration by a Registered Yoga method is a demonstration by a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). The second method is the same Teacher (RYT). The second method is the same demonstration via DVD or videotape. The third demonstration via DVD or videotape. The third method is the Amrit Yoga Introductory Handout method is the Amrit Yoga Introductory Handout Booklet. To utilize these methods effectively it is Booklet. To utilize these methods effectively it is best to practice consistently by using the Amrit best to practice consistently by using the Amrit Yoga Audio CD. These CD’s could also be made Yoga Audio CD. These CD’s could also be made available for purchase by the inmates for available for purchase by the inmates for personal practice. It is the daily practice of yoga personal practice. It is the daily practice of yoga which produces the best results for a persons which produces the best results for a persons development. This can be adapted to extend into development. This can be adapted to extend into the community.the community.


Primordial Sound Meditation is easily Primordial Sound Meditation is easily learned. To learn this meditation practice learned. To learn this meditation practice requires a certified teacher to teach 4 requires a certified teacher to teach 4 sessions. Each session lasts 2-3 hours. A sessions. Each session lasts 2-3 hours. A gymnasium can be utilized for maximum gymnasium can be utilized for maximum exposure. I have taught 100 inmates at a exposure. I have taught 100 inmates at a time at SRCI in 1998 and 1999. Since then time at SRCI in 1998 and 1999. Since then I usually teach in groups of 30. Once the I usually teach in groups of 30. Once the practice is learned an inmate can meditate practice is learned an inmate can meditate according to his own schedule. It is also according to his own schedule. It is also best to provide at least one weekly group best to provide at least one weekly group meditation to nurture group cohesiveness.meditation to nurture group cohesiveness.

YOGA @ SRCI and the YOGA @ SRCI and the Oregon Accountability Model & Oregon Accountability Model &

Home for Good in Oregon Home for Good in Oregon SRCI Volunteer John Close SRCI Volunteer John Close Activities Yoga Volunteer @ SRCIActivities Yoga Volunteer @ SRCI Willow Tree Holistic Health CenterWillow Tree Holistic Health Center 1509 North Whitley Dr #51509 North Whitley Dr #5 Fruitland, Idaho 83619Fruitland, Idaho 83619 www.willtree.com,www.willtree.com, 208-452-5716, 208-452-5716, Fax-452-5718Fax-452-5718 October 2006October 2006

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YOGA @ SRCI and the Oregon Accountability Model & Home for Good in Oregon