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Yoga is held in such high regard in its birthplace, India, that prison inmates in one state will now be released early if they begin a daily practice.

Prisoners in the central state of Madhya Pradesh will have up to 15 days lopped off their sentences for every three months they practice yoga inside.

Astonishingly, even murderers serving life sentences will qualify for early release under the new ruling announced by prison authorities.

The decision comes after a successful trial project which has seen inmates' behaviour improve; with prisoners having far more control over their own emotions - including anger.

Indian prisions are notoriously over-crowded, and around 35,000 are awaiting trial for minor crimes.

Inmates need to complete an hour of yoga every morning to quality for early release, with around 4,000 already having signed up.

A greater vote of confidence in yoga would be difficult to imagine. 

Lucia Cockcroft, editor

News just in: a vinyasa flow yoga class is being held at London studio Yogahome on January 31, to raise funds for those affected by the the Haiti Earthquake.

All proceeds will go to Aid organisation Medicins Sans Frontieres. The date of the event also coincides with World Yoga Day, when many studios around the world are running a 24-hour yoga marathon to raise funds for the stricken country.

The fundraising yoga class will be held at Yogahome, 11 Allen Road, Stoke Newington, from 2-5pm on January 31; minimum suggested donation is £8.

Teacher Alessandra Pecorella, who will be leading the class, says: 'Join in for a lead Vinyasa class aiming at opening our heart centre. The class will close with sitting and chanting in a circle, to direct our energy to the poor people affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Take yoga from your mat into the world!'

Practising yoga asanas on a mat is one thing; taking the wider principles of yoga - such as respect, love and empathy for others - off the mat, and into life, is quite another.

Please do what you can to support the fundraising activities for World Yoga Day, and therefore those living in Haiti. There is more information at:

www.worldyogaday.net

www.yogahome.com

Lucia Cockcroft, editor

As part of Yoga Day USA, which took place on January 23, the USA-based Yoga Alliance conducted a survey to establish some of the misconceptions preventing people taking up the practice in the first place. 

The findings will come as no surprise to those who have been doing yoga for a while. The 2010 Yoga Insight Survey found that:

• Over half (57%) those who do not currently practice yoga believe it involves mantras or chanting, akin to an act of worship.

• Almost 60% of respondents thought flexibility was a prerequisite to start practising. In reality, those who are the least flexible have the most to gain.

• Half the men questioned believed yoga 'isn't a workout.' This compares to 73% of people who do practise believing it is as effective as running, weight lifting or swimming.

This last point is especially interesting. The fact is, dynamic forms of yoga (ashtanga, jimavukti, vinasaya flow classes) are not only aerobic, but also toning and weight-bearing - strengthening the muscles without causing bulk.

It's important that the misconceptions and barriers surrounding what yoga is, and - equally importantly - what it isn't, are broken down.

I commonly hear people and the press refer to 'yoga stretches', as if yoga was akin to stretching, rather than recognising it as being a powerful standalone practice.

The first finding is also worrying: over half those questioned thought yoga has religious undertones.

Regardless of its Eastern origins, yoga is an inclusive practise, suitable for all, no matter what age, sex or religious belief. And herein lies its enduring strength and appeal.

Meanwhile, thousands of yogis celebrated Yoga Day USA on January 23. Isn't it time that Europe had its own celebration of yoga?

Do join our debate on the subject by clicking here.

Lucia Cockcroft, editor

The buzz around 'mindfulness' meditation techniques continues to roll. Last week, national papers reported that pupils at Tonbridge School in Kent are to receive weekly meditation classes based on mindfulness techniques.

The move is the first occasion that meditation skills have been introduced in the UK on a regular basis, and follows a successful pilot study at the school last year.

The course, comprising 40-minute meditation sessions, will run over eight weeks, and is aimed at developing concentration skills, as well as skills to counter problems - such as anxiety - that could later develop into depression.

Mindfulness techniques, based on aspects of Buddhism, are increasingly used in the West to centre and focus the mind; leading to greater clarity of thought, and relaxation.

The essential (simple, but challenging in practice) idea is to de-clutter the mind and become present and aware, rather than allowing the mind to constantly shoot off at tangents and 'take over'.

They are now also used in a clinical setting, for those suffering from depression or anxiety.

The arrival of mindfulness meditation techniques on a school curriculum is sure to raise eyebrows at first.

But the rewards of practising them can be many, and children, just as much as adults, will benefit hugely from feeling more aware, relaxed and centred. 

For more on mindfulness, click here:

www.yoga-abode.com/node/704

www.yoga-abode.com/ybites/resting_in_awareness

www.yoga-abode.com/blog/mindful_eating

www.yoga-abode.com/node/669

Lucia Cockcroft, editor

Today sees the publication of what's been touted as Britain's biggest-ever health and diet survey, completed by over 55,000 people online.

Led by nutritionist Patrick Holford, the 100% Health Survey concludes that consuming sugary snacks more than doubles the chances of being in poor health. Avoiding them completely means one is six times more likely to be in optimum health.

According to Holford, 'Consumption of sugary snacks was the best predictor of poor health for every health factor we looked at - energy, digestion, immunity, hormonal and mental health. This survey confirms that sugar is the worst bad food - much worse than alcohol or salt'.

The survey paints a rather bleak picture of the average Brit being tired, grumpy, constipated, stressed and sleepy. Two thirds of respondents were bloated, most were constipated, almost two thirds of women suffered from PMT and 80% were frequently tired.

Most of this, says Holford, is down to our love of sugary snacks, salt, meat, wheat and dairy products - though it's important to remember the crucial role of exercise in keeping energy levels high and the body healthy.

There's no doubt that we are, as a nation (and in the West generally) addicted to sugar, stodgy foods - it's impossible to buy processed food, such as baked beans or ready meals, that aren't brimming with sugar.

The long-term effects on our health are only just becoming clear.

Lucia Cockcroft, editor