Prison Meditation Movements and Mass Incarceration

Abstract

By some estimates more than half of inmates held in jails and prisons in the United States have a substance use disorder. Treatments involving the teaching of meditation and other contemplative practices have been developed for a variety of physical and mental disorders including drug and alcohol addiction. At the same time, an expanding volunteer movement across the country has been bringing meditation and yoga into jails and prisons. This review first examines the experimental research on one such approach - mindfulness meditation as a treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, as well as the research on mindfulness in incarcerated settings. We argue that in order to make a substantial impact on recidivism, such programs must mirror volunteer programs which emphasize interdependency and non-duality between the “helper” and the “helped,” and the building of meditation communities both inside and outside of prison.

The Level of Aggressiveness During Karate Practice of Inmates in Correctional Settings

“…At this point, we propose a parallel between the positive results of a meditation and mindfulness program in prison used to combat physical and even mental disorders ( Lyons and Dustin Cantrell, 2016 ) and the practice of the kata in karate (a technical form practiced alone).…”

“…Some researchers support the hypothesis that karate training increases aggressiveness in prison inmates ( Verdot, 2008 ; Goldstein, 2011 ; Malinauskas et al, 2014 ), whereas others see no differences in aggressive behavior when comparing prison inmates with club practitioners ( Vertonghen and Theeboom, 2010 ). However, a third group of authors suggests that sports in prison offer benefits, including the ability to lower aggressiveness ( Gras, 2005 ; Lakes et al, 2013 ; Espinoza-Venegas et al, 2015 ; Gallant et al, 2015 ; Janelle, 2015 ; Witte et al, 2015 ; Lyons and Dustin Cantrell, 2016 ; Breitschuh et al, 2018 ). Sports offer practitioners a therapeutic process and may assist them in working on self-control, rehabilitation, and in understanding the prison environment ( Gras, 2005 ; Lyons and Dustin Cantrell, 2016 ).…”

“…However, a third group of authors suggests that sports in prison offer benefits, including the ability to lower aggressiveness ( Gras, 2005 ; Lakes et al, 2013 ; Espinoza-Venegas et al, 2015 ; Gallant et al, 2015 ; Janelle, 2015 ; Witte et al, 2015 ; Lyons and Dustin Cantrell, 2016 ; Breitschuh et al, 2018 ). Sports offer practitioners a therapeutic process and may assist them in working on self-control, rehabilitation, and in understanding the prison environment ( Gras, 2005 ; Lyons and Dustin Cantrell, 2016 ). Gallant et al (2015 , p. 10) state that “sport and recreation programs can improve physical and mental health.” However, no studies have yet been conducted in situ examining karate and its relationship with aggressiveness in prison settings.…”

An historical review of racial bias in prison-based substance abuse treatment design

“…Second, meditative therapy is an individual practice that can take place anywhere upon release from prison, with little to no operational expense. Even the operational costs of this nonpharmacological prison-based intervention are relatively nil, as many of the MBI facilitators provide classes at the facilities on a volunteer basis (Lyons & Cantrell, 2016) and incarcerated individuals across racial groups teach the practice to one another (Suarez et al, 2014).…”

Physical Activity, Yoga and their Psychological Effects

“…-Yoga and meditation techniques enhance self-awareness (Lyons andCantrell, 2016, Davis et al, 2013). Selfcontrol is closely related to self-awareness because a person can recognize craving and other risky mental states, such as exhaustion or strong emotions, at an early stage and overcome them faster.…”