The International Association
for Human Values
Copyright 2007 International Associaton for Human Values
2401 15th Street NW l Washington DC l 20009
All rights reserved
2401 15th Street NW l Washington DC l 20009
All rights reserved
Reports from Breath Workshops in Prisons
"I was impressed with the results of Prison SMART training. When I heard about this training, I expected something theoretical and inefficient, but I ended up with powerful experience of physical and mental regeneration and feeling of inner happiness and peace.
Ardita Osaj, Corrections Officer
Libjan Prison, Kosovo
Ardita Osaj, Corrections Officer
Libjan Prison, Kosovo
"I wish this course lasted for ever. I have experienced great transformation,
self-confidence and strength. There was so much love during the course, and that love I want to cherish always."
Hasime Mustafa, Corrections Officer
Libjan Prison, Kosovo
"I never gave importance to breathing and had no idea how much energy one can get through breathing exercises. The Art of Living Prison SMART [breathing] course is something unique, because it gives immediate, positive benefits as the result of practical knowledge."
"During 2005 and 2006 an extremely effective programme was undertaken to provide stress management and rehabilitation for inmates of prisons in Kosovo... The courses were given in 7 prisons in Kosovo, attended by 1,500 prisoners, civil and uniformed prison staff. These courses involved... breaking down tensions and barriers and improving lives and both personal and working relationships within the prison service. The courses provided training in the management of difficult emotions and stressful situations and were very well received.
The Ministry of Justice continues to support and expand Prison SMART courses in Kosovo prisons because the reported benefits show the increased ability to accept responsiblity for past actions and to handle conflict and stressful situations non-violently.
Xhevat Mexhuani, Commissionner, Kosovo Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice continues to support and expand Prison SMART courses in Kosovo prisons because the reported benefits show the increased ability to accept responsiblity for past actions and to handle conflict and stressful situations non-violently.
Xhevat Mexhuani, Commissionner, Kosovo Ministry of Justice
"I used to look forward to fights. After taking this course I'm a totally different person. I can now walk away from a fight."
Prison Inmate, South Africa
(seated on right)
Prison Inmate, South Africa
(seated on right)
Shaip Goxhuli, Corrections Officer, Lubjan Prison, Kosovo
"Here are the benefits based on recorded interviews with staff members and the written responses from the inmates who have taken this program:
l 75% of the participants report better quality of sleep as a result of the program.
l 60% of the inmates report less projection of anger, increased sense of control
over themselves, more self esteem and positive approach toward life, and they attribute
these changes to their participation in the workshop.
l 80% of the corrections officers who have taken the training report increased ability
to de-link or dissolve job related stress."
l 75% of the participants report better quality of sleep as a result of the program.
l 60% of the inmates report less projection of anger, increased sense of control
over themselves, more self esteem and positive approach toward life, and they attribute
these changes to their participation in the workshop.
l 80% of the corrections officers who have taken the training report increased ability
to de-link or dissolve job related stress."
"It did not take long for us to observe the changes and remarkable benefits this program has had on the inmates and staff. Such a simple, effective program could have the far reaching value in our fight against crime.
The experiences of inmates and staff speak for themselves about the potential of this program."
Mike Newman, Director Dubrava Prison
The experiences of inmates and staff speak for themselves about the potential of this program."
Mike Newman, Director Dubrava Prison
"Dubrava prison - the biggest prison in Kosovo with 700 inmates and 700 staff members…nearly one-third of the facility's population have been given the tools to reduce mental and physical stress and to improve their health.
Experiences: Veterans l Police l War Surviviors l Prisons l Research l Relief work l Video l Resources
Stress and trauma dominate prison life.
The breathing techniques applied in the prison enviornment have been transformational.
The breathing techniques applied in the prison enviornment have been transformational.
