the youth speak: testimonials
"Yoga has benefited me. It's a good way for me to learn how to relax and it helps me sleep at night." ~Samuel
"Yoga helps me from top to bottom because I breathe better and I am not overly stressed anymore." Ariel
"This yoga program really helps me with my temper. Every time I get angry I think of the things yoga instructors showed me and I use it to calm myself down." ~Lacey
"Yoga Class is pretty cool, it helps me concentrate. Helps me learn good breathing techniques. Whenever I fell sad, mad or bored I could do some yoga and it will help me concentrate and find myself. And it's pretty cool to see that there are more ways to breathe than just standing up on your two feet on a daily basis inhaling and exhaling through your nose and mouth. It comes in handy." ~A. Lopez
"Yoga helps me from top to bottom because I breathe better and I am not overly stressed anymore." Ariel
"This yoga program really helps me with my temper. Every time I get angry I think of the things yoga instructors showed me and I use it to calm myself down." ~Lacey
"Yoga Class is pretty cool, it helps me concentrate. Helps me learn good breathing techniques. Whenever I fell sad, mad or bored I could do some yoga and it will help me concentrate and find myself. And it's pretty cool to see that there are more ways to breathe than just standing up on your two feet on a daily basis inhaling and exhaling through your nose and mouth. It comes in handy." ~A. Lopez
Counselor at Probation Dept. on UpRising Yoga
LIVING YOGA
Well, what is this phenomenon called Yoga? Although it has been practiced for over 4,000 years, it is still very relevant now more than ever. Yoga is actually a union of the mind and body. For me, it is the ability to use my concentration and breathing to gain flexibility and strength for my entire body. More specifically, I practice Bikram Yoga regularly, which is set in a hot room environment. Not only does it help relieve stress and anxiety, it also allows for me to feel balanced and calm, yet energized and fit. Truthfully, it feels like a full body massage that keeps me young.
As part of the UpRising Yoga Program at Central Juvenile Hall, many styles of yoga have been introduced to the minors. For the past 6 months, UpRising Yoga teachers have been volunteering at Central Juvenile Hall on Tuesday evenings in Alpha, Omega, and CD by practicing Yoga with the male and female minors in those units. While Tuesdays may be my day off at Central Juvenile Hall as a GSN, I love practicing with the minors and sharing in their experience. Most have never done Yoga ever before, but usually love the results afterwards. As one minor in unit Alpha recently stated, “I feel so relaxed”.
Because the minors have responded so positively, and because some staff have inquired about practicing Yoga, UpRising Yoga is inviting staff to experience this way of life that improves health. UpRising Yoga is designed to introduce yoga for everyone and everybody, so I invite you to take a class at any of the multiple Bikram Yoga studios in Los Angeles County and inquire about how UpRising Yoga can help you!
For more information please contact Jill Weiss
Jamie Bender, GSN
