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James Fox ~ Prison Yoga Project: Finding Freedom Behind Bars Through Yoga

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Listen to Toddcast with James Fox for FREE here

James Fox is the founder of the Prison Yoga Project, an initiative dedicated to bringing yoga and mindfulness practices to incarcerated populations. Over the past two decades, Fox has developed a trauma-informed approach to teaching yoga, focusing on emotional healing and rehabilitation within the prison system. Under his leadership, the Prison Yoga Project has expanded globally across multiple continents. Fox has authored the book “Yoga A Path for Healing and Recovery,” which has been distributed widely to incarcerated individuals worldwide. He is also a trained facilitator in violence prevention and emotional intelligence, contributing significantly to prison reform and rehabilitation through yoga.

Visit Prison Yoga Project and make a donation today: https://www.prisonyoga.org/

Key Takeaways:

  • Trauma-Informed Approach: James Fox emphasizes the importance of using yoga as a tool for managing unresolved trauma, which is common among the incarcerated.
  • Prison System Insights: Fox provides a critical look at how the current prison system lacks effective rehabilitation programs and suggests a shift towards healing over mere punishment.
  • Global Impact: The Prison Yoga Project has grown significantly, with affiliates worldwide, demonstrating the universal applicability of yoga as a rehabilitation tool.

Unlocking Healing: The Transformative Power of Yoga in Prisons

Key Takeaways

  • Healing Through Yoga: James Fox’s work highlights how yoga provides emotional and psychological benefits for inmates, guiding them from violence and addiction to peace and self-awareness.
  • Impact of Trauma-Informed Practices: The importance of trauma-informed yoga practices cannot be overstated, offering incarcerated individuals relief from trauma and improved impulse control.
  • Challenges and Hope for Reform: Despite systemic challenges, the Prison Yoga Project offers a beacon of hope for rehabilitative reform in the criminal justice system.

Healing Through Yoga: Beyond the Bars

The journey of James Fox into the complex world of prison yoga began with a clear intention: to extend the benefits of yoga beyond the confines of traditional studios. His story, as detailed in a compelling conversation with Todd, unfolds as an inspiring tale of transformation and healing through the Prison Yoga Project. Fox reveals, “I was really clear that I didn’t want to teach in a yoga studio. I wanted to bring yoga to people who weren’t being exposed to yoga.” Making a profound impact, Fox introduced yoga to San Quentin Prison in 2003, initially considering it a physical regimen but soon discovering its emotional and psychological potency.

Fox identifies the two underlying issues prevalent in prison populations: violence and addiction. As he worked alongside incarcerated individuals, he realized yoga’s ability to help participants manage these issues not just physically, but also emotionally. “I began to lean more heavily on the emotional and the neuro and the mental benefits of the practice,” Fox explains. This shift in focus is critical, as it transcends the standard physical exertions of a yoga class to address deeper emotional needs, facilitating a healing process that diminishes aggression and fosters inner peace.

Trauma-Informed Yoga: Addressing Deep-Rooted Pain

Understanding the intricate connections between trauma and incarceration is a key theme in the work of the Prison Yoga Project. Fox’s insight into trauma-informed practices reveals the profound impact of unresolved trauma on behavior. “The vast majority of people who are incarcerated come from backgrounds of developmental trauma,” Fox notes. This understanding is pivotal in a prison setting, where trauma often manifests as violence and addiction.

Citing the foundational work of experts like Bessel van der Kolk, Fox emphasizes the healing potential of trauma-informed yoga by addressing the root causes of trauma and providing tools for emotional recovery. By integrating yoga’s meditative and physical practices, participants learn to calm their nervous systems and cultivate impulse control, enabling more considered responses to stressful situations. As Fox eloquently states, “Five mindful breaths can make the difference between a blind reaction and a considered response.”

The transformation experienced by inmates, as Fox describes, is palpable. From improved sleep to reduced aggression, the benefits are immediate and significant. The development of emotional intelligence through yoga empowers prisoners, providing them with vital coping mechanisms needed to navigate and ultimately change their behavior patterns.

Challenges and Hope for Reform: A Future Reimagined

The evolution of the Prison Yoga Project illustrates both the systemic challenges and the potential for change within the criminal justice system. As Fox candidly states, “We’re not rehabilitating people. We’re housing people and we’re punishing people.” Despite these obstacles, Fox’s relentless dedication to prison reform through yoga shines as a beacon of hope.

The widespread acceptance of the project, now spanning 19 US states and several other countries, underscores its transformative power. With a growing network of instructors and volunteers, the project fosters healing over punishment, contrasting starkly against the punitive nature of traditional incarceration. “The train has left the station,” Fox asserts, indicating a burgeoning awareness and advocacy for change. The Prison Yoga Project exemplifies a model of criminal justice reform grounded in empathy and rehabilitation, rather than mere punishment.

Yet, the journey isn’t without its hurdles, particularly in securing funding. “That’s our greatest challenge, is to continue funding the nonprofit,” Fox admits. However, the project’s success in positively influencing the lives of thousands of incarcerated individuals is undeniable. His vision of shifting the paradigm from retribution to restoration is manifesting, albeit gradually.

The Road Ahead: Bridging the Gap Between Punishment and Rehabilitation

The compelling narrative of James Fox and the Prison Yoga Project emphasizes the transformative impact of yoga within the prison system, standing as a testament to the power of second chances. By focusing on healing over punishment and offering a trauma-informed approach to yoga, Fox has paved the way for countless individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery and rehabilitation. Through empathy, understanding, and the therapeutic potential of yoga, the Prison Yoga Project reimagines a future where rehabilitation and reform replace the tired rhetoric of retribution, forging a path toward a more compassionate and effective criminal justice system.

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Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.comand sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder, B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify.

Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com

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Twitter: @nativeyoga 
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Carla Patullo – How Surviving Breast Cancer Inspired Her Grammy-Winning Album

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In this insightful conversation, Todd McLaughlin delves deep into the artistic journey and personal life of Grammy winner Carla Patullo. Beyond the glitz of awards, Carla’s narrative is one that traverses through the challenges of health, the catharsis of music creation, and the importance of physical and mental well-being. Listeners will find themselves drawn into an engaging discussion that reveals the profound impact of Carla’s experiences on her creative output.

Visit Carla on her website: https://www.carlapatullo.com/
Listen to Grammy Award winning “So She Howls” on Spotify 

Key Takeaways:

  • Carla Patullo shares her transformative experience with breast cancer and its influence on her Grammy-winning album “So She Howls.”
  • Music served as a therapeutic diary for Carla, helping her navigate through a tough personal period.
  • The album incorporates binaural beats to induce a relaxed and meditative state for listeners.
  • Carla takes pride in her ability to compose for a variety of musical genres and film scores, reflecting her adaptive creative process.
  • The episode touches on Carla’s personal growth and enhanced appreciation for life post breast cancer recovery.

Healing Through Harmony: Grammy Winner Carla Patullo’s Musical Journey of Triumph

Music has always been a beacon of hope and healing for many. But when it becomes a conduit for overcoming personal tragedies, its power resonates even further, touching hearts and stirring souls. In a candid conversation, Grammy Award-winning musician Carla Patullo shares her inspiring journey, detailing how her battle with cancer and the loss of her mother shaped her celebrated album “So She Howls” and her perspective on life and creativity.

Key Takeaways:

  • Overcoming Personal Struggles through Music: Carla Patullo discusses how the creation of her Grammy-winning album “So She Howls” helped her navigate through breast cancer and personal grief.
  • The Power of Binaural Beats: Patullo’s exploration of binaural beats contributed to the healing tone of her album, showcasing music’s capacity to alter states of mind.
  • The Impact of Storytelling in Compositions: As a film score composer, Patullo emphasizes the significance of storytelling in music, whether in cinema or through her own experiences.

From Personal Diary to Grammy Glory: The Genesis of ‘So She Howls’

Carla Patullo’s profound connection to her craft is evident as she speaks about “So She Howls.” Initially a personal diary of sorts, the album arose from a period of immense hardship.

“When I started this album, it was coming out of a very tough place, personally, and it was just really a diary for me. … The Grammys were like, the last thing, you know, being a musician, I’ve always dreamed of, you know, someday I’ll have a Grammy, you know, maybe. It’s one of those things that seemed so far away.”

Patullo’s genuineness in confronting her emotions results in a body of work that is as much a therapeutic release for her as it is a masterpiece for the listener. The intimacy with which she approaches music composition, making room for raw emotions and unfiltered vocals, has not only garnered critical acclaim but also provided a source of solace for many facing similar battles.

Therapeutic Tones: The Intersection of Health and Music

Another fascinating aspect of Patullo’s work is her foray into the world of binaural beats and sound therapy. The tones and frequencies used in “So She Howls” are carefully curated for their therapeutic properties.

“I was kind of exploring binaural beats … you’ll pick two different frequencies, and the difference between those frequencies, that magic number, it takes you into a state of mind that is either relaxed or more clear.”

By blending emotion with science, Patullo elevates her music to another realm, creating a soundscape that aids in meditation and relaxation. It serves as a reminder of the potent role music can play in wellness, offering an auditory sanctuary for stressed minds and troubled hearts.

The Story in Score: Film Composition and Evocative Soundscapes

Beyond her journey as a recording artist, Carla Patullo’s insights into the world of film scoring reveal the richness of storytelling through music. Her narrative-driven approach underscores the importance of enhancing on-screen tales with the right auditory elements.

“What I’m doing is just amplifying that [emotion] in areas … It’s a lot of, you know, really, like, letting yourself sink into this film and … discovering your own sound.”

Whether it’s crafting a melody to emote a character’s unspoken feelings or accentuating a cinematic moment, Patullo understands the intricacies of weaving a narrative with notes and chords. Her expertise in translating stories into sound not only showcases her versatility as a musician but also demonstrates the profound influence music has in shaping the viewer’s experience.

Synthesizing Creativity and Resilience Through Music

Carla Patullo’s narrative is one of transcending personal struggle through artistic creation. Her account spotlights the transformative power of music, emphasizing its capacity to heal, communicate, and tell stories that resonate with audiences. As both a composer and a survivor, Patullo’s poignant experiences remind us that even when facing life’s darkest challenges, the human spirit, much like music, has the inherent ability to rise, resonate, and rejuvenate.

In a world where we often search for respite from our trials, Patullo’s work emerges not only as a testament to her personal resilience and triumph over adversity but also as a universal anchor that many can cling to for comfort and strength. By sharing her story, she not only substantiates the relevancy of music in contemporary discussions of health and therapy but also champions the art of composition as a narrative device, powerful enough to influence and guide listeners through their unique life stories.

Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
Free Grow Your Yoga Live Webinar – Every Thursday at 12pm EST
➡️ Click here to receive link

New Student FREE Livestream Yoga Special ~ Try 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes  at Native Yoga Center. info.nativeyogacenter.com/livestream Sign into the classes you would like to take and you will receive an email 30 minutes prior to join on Zoom. The class is recorded and uploaded to nativeyogaonline.com  ➡️  Click Here to Join. 

Practice to a New Yoga Class every day with our nativeyogaonline.com course called Today’s Community Class with code FIRSTMONTHFREE.

Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube.

Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.comand sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder, B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify.

Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com

Support the Show.

Native Yoga website: here
YouTube: here
Instagram: @nativeyoga 
Twitter: @nativeyoga 
Facebook: @nativeyogacenter 
LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin

Frank Kappas – Embracing Vulnerability and Connection in Yoga

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Frank Kappas is an Ashtanga Yoga teacher based in Finland. He has been practicing yoga since 1996 and has studied with renowned teachers such as Petri Räisänen and Lino Miele. Frank is also interested in other modalities such as Vipassana meditation and bodywork, which he incorporates into his teaching and practice.

Visit Frank on his website https://www.frankkappas.fi/
Follow Frank on IG @frank.kappas.ashtanga.yoga https://www.instagram.com/frank.kappas.ashtanga.yoga/

Key takeaways:

  • Finding a structure in yoga practice can be helpful, but it’s important to also create your own internal structure.
  • Vipassana meditation can provide valuable insights into the mind and body, but it can be challenging to apply those insights in everyday life.
  • Being present and connecting with oneself and others is a continuous practice that requires self-awareness and vulnerability.
  • Taking care of oneself is essential when taking care of others, especially as a parent.
  • Stiffness and strength can be beneficial in yoga practice and can help prevent injuries.

Exploring the Depths of Yoga and Self-Discovery: A Conversation with Frank Kappas

Welcome to the Native Yoga Toddcast, where we dive deep into the world of yoga, meditation, and self-discovery. In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Frank Kappas, an Ashtanga Yoga teacher from Finland. We discussed his journey into yoga, the challenges he has faced, and the profound insights he has gained along the way. Join us as we explore the transformative power of yoga and the importance of staying present in a chaotic world.

Introduction to the Main Themes

In this thought-provoking conversation with Frank Kappas, we delve into the essence of yoga and its impact on our lives. Frank shares his personal journey into yoga, from his background as an artist to his discovery of Ashtanga Yoga. He emphasizes the importance of finding a practice that works for us and the value of staying present in our daily lives. Frank also touches on the role of vulnerability and self-care in our yoga practice, as well as the connection between yoga and other modalities such as Vipassana meditation and bodywork.

The Power of Structure and Self-Exploration

Frank highlights the significance of structure in his early yoga practice, particularly in the Ashtanga tradition. He explains how having a set sequence and a dedicated practice helped him find stability and focus. However, he also acknowledges the need for self-exploration and the maturation process that comes with it. Frank shares his own journey of discovering the balance between structure and self-discovery, and how it has shaped his approach to teaching and practicing yoga.

Embracing Vulnerability and Connection

One of the key themes that emerges from our conversation is the importance of vulnerability and connection. Frank discusses how his own experiences as a parent and his exploration of Vipassana meditation have deepened his understanding of himself and others. He emphasizes the need to be present and open, even in the face of challenges, and how this can lead to a greater sense of empathy and connection with those around us.

The Role of Sensitivity and Bodywork

Frank also shares his passion for bodywork and its connection to his yoga practice. He explains how bodywork, such as Thai massage and Alexander Technique, has enhanced his understanding of the body and its sensations. He emphasizes the importance of sensitivity and touch in his work, and how it can create a deeper connection with oneself and others.

Processing the Challenges of the World

In light of recent events in the world, Frank reflects on the challenges we face as a global community. He acknowledges the difficulty of processing the violence and suffering that exists, and the tendency to contract and protect ourselves. However, he also highlights the importance of working on ourselves and cultivating compassion and understanding. Frank encourages us to explore our own patterns and reactions, and to strive for a deeper sense of connection and empathy.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

In conclusion, my conversation with Frank Kappas has shed light on the transformative power of yoga and self-exploration. Through his own journey, Frank has discovered the value of structure, vulnerability, and connection. He reminds us of the importance of staying present and open, even in the face of challenges, and how this can lead to a greater sense of empathy and understanding. As we navigate the complexities of the world, Frank’s insights serve as a reminder to continually work on ourselves and strive for a deeper connection with ourselves and others.

As we move forward, let us embrace the teachings of yoga and the wisdom of those who have walked the path before us. Let us continue to explore, learn, and grow, both on and off the mat. And let us remember that the true power of yoga lies in its ability to transform not only ourselves but also the world around us.

Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
Free Grow Your Yoga Live Webinar – Every Thursday at 12pm EST
➡️ Click here to receive link

New Student FREE Livestream Yoga Special ~ Try 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes  at Native Yoga Center. info.nativeyogacenter.com/livestream Sign into the classes you would like to take and you will receive an email 30 minutes prior to join on Zoom. The class is recorded and uploaded to nativeyogaonline.com  ➡️  Click Here to Join. 

Practice to a New Yoga Class every day with our nativeyogaonline.com course called Today’s Community Class with code FIRSTMONTHFREE.

Native Yoga Teacher Training 2024– In Studio and Livestream – for info delivered to your email click this link here: ➡️ https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/native-yoga-teacher-training-2023/

Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube.

Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.comand sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder, B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify.

Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.comSupport the show

Native Yoga website: here
YouTube: here
Instagram: @nativeyoga 
Twitter: @nativeyoga 
Facebook: @nativeyogacenter 
LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin