Everything I’ve heard with regards to yoga has been good. Improved flexibility, greater strength, better posture and even lower stress are among the many advantages. But I had no idea that one of its benefits could be less time spent in jail.
BBC News reports that, in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, inmates are given the opportunity to take yoga courses as a way to get out of prison early. Every three months spent in class can mean 15 fewer days behind bars. About 4,000 prisoners have or are taking advantage of the opportunity, with some even becoming yoga instructors.
According to authorities, the lessons “help to improve the prisoners’ self-control and reduce aggression.” One of the inmates, Narayan Sharma, who now is a yoga instructor, said the yoga helped “banish the ‘angry thoughts’ in his mind.” As he was quoted, “It was these thoughts that made me commit crimes,” adding, “I hope that after we are released, we can use what we have learned and promote yoga in society so that people no longer commit crime.”
In a country where our prison population continues to grow, yoga might just be something to consider.
Learn more about yoga, it could keep you out of the clink.
Photo by Andrew Kalat via Flickr.