Through weekly classes at the Goochland Women's Correctional Facility, women are learning to cope with the various stresses of incarceration plus gaining mindfulness techniques that lead to forgiveness, compassion, and accessing their true selves with the hopes of integrating these teachings in order to align with their own life's purpose and creativity.

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CLASS STRUCTURE

Buddhist teachings, books, or audio cds by spiritual leaders, along with symbolism, mantras and how to incorporate them practically in their environment is the basis of the first hour of class. This is followed by a 1 hour Yoga and Meditation series.

Yoga classes span across many genres such as Ashtanga, Hatha, Kundalini and the Tibetan Yogas of Breath and Movement. If you are an instructor or are interested in volunteering please contact us.

Meditations also span various techniques from relaxation methods to guided journeys aimed at calming the mind and opening the heart or empowering the student.  

This video demonstrates yet another example of how mindfulness, when taught correctly, alleviates stress in prisons and helps inmates find their path and use inner knowledge for healing, acceptance, and courage to add positive habits and actions to their lives.

Prison Yoga Project Santa Barbara Volunteer Instructors, Ginny Kuhn & Mike Lewis & several inmates are interviewed about the positive impact of this rehabilitative outreach - mindful yoga and meditation to the incarcerated.


OUR FACILITATOR

Lainie Gratz

Lainie Gratz has been visiting women at the Va Correctional Center since 2015. Having completed 3 Vipassana retreats, she is dedicated to evolving, creating, and following her calling through the Dharma.  She earned her BA degree in Art, Painting from James Madison University and completed a 50 hour Tibetan Thangka Painting course with Sonam Rinzin in NYC. The magic and symbolism of ancient Buddhist paintings initially drew her to the teachings and she has never looked back. She also sponsors a Tibetan student, Kelsang Droma, through the Tibetan Village Project to help her obtain a Law degree. As a mother, artist, and advocate, Lainie loves nature and is currently earning a 2 year Horticulture Certification through NC State. She is eternally grateful and honored to have the opportunity to learn and practice Buddhism and meditation with the amazing women at the Va Correctional Center for Women.