Yoga Goes to Jail
“To teach meditation to a group of people who are afraid to close their eyes, you have to be prepared,” says Di Goodman, owner of Ruah Yoga Studio of Annapolis, of teaching yoga in two Anne Arundel County jails. After passing through security, she and two instructors-in-training lead six to 12 students in basic yoga poses, including the tree and downward dog, along with quiet meditation.
“There’s a lot of trauma in those bodies, hearts and minds,” the studio owner explains. That’s why many are afraid to close their eyes.
As well as jail programs, Goodman has begun a non-profit program to bring yoga to local indigent and isolated populations.
Goodman is raising money to expand to youth centers at an open house Saturday, July 28 at the studio on Forest Drive in Clocktower Village. The all-day event includes free yoga classes for both children and adults, 15 to 20 local vendors and live music from Naptown Sings! From 6 to 8pm, a cocktail party and silent auction support the cause: $25: www.ruahstudio.com.