The Promise of Yoga as a Pathway to Desistence

• In Event: Yoga, Pets, and Formerly System-Involved Justice Workers: Innovations in Correctional Practice

Abstract

The benefits of yoga have been well-documented in other disciplines. Hundreds of scientific studies dating back to the early 20th century have found that the range of practices collectively known as “yoga” (Sanskrit: “union”) can have profound clinical effects on both the body and mind indistinguishable from pharmacological and medical interventions (Broad 2012). Hatha yoga and meditation are the two most widely practiced and studied forms of yoga, in addition to karma yoga (selfless service) and bhakti yoga (devotional practice). This paper reviews the available literature from an intersectional range of disciplines to highlight how yoga can be used as a pathway to desistance; when compared to other correctional and re-entry programs, yoga offers some of the most clear and significant evidence of success, while also being largely ignored by the criminology and criminal justice administration communities. We argue that much of this disconnect comes from a misunderstanding of what yoga is, resulting from the Western commercialization and advertising of yoga to affluent women. This study shows how yoga can improve criminal justice outcomes and make communities safer by offering yoga to incarcerated peoples and criminal justice professionals. Implications for future research and community collaboration are discussed.

Authors

• Mica Deckard, Old Dominion University

• Ida Oesteraas, Old Dominion University

• Mac Kibler, Old Dominion University