Doing More Than Time

Doing More Than Time is the brainchild of Angelica Kushi, a teacher trainee of Kelly Morris's and a long-time practitioner of yoga. Doing More Than Time provides Conquering Lion Yoga and meditation instruction to inmates and staff members, encouraging physical and personal growth within NYC correctional facilities. Currently we are working within the federal prison system in NYC. Response from both inmates and faculty has been tremendous. We are enormously proud of this pioneering program and look forward to replicating it in the jail/prison systems throughout the world, giving the holy teachings to those most in need. Doing More Than Time teaches inmates how to begin to master their minds and thus their choices, leading towards decision making that reflects hope, courage and ethics.

Doing More Than Time teacher, Maria Cutrone, Conquering Lion, Class of 2008:

"The first class was attended by 7 women. We held class in what seemed to be a central area between cells, kitchen, TV lounge and shower rooms. Certainly the conditions are less than ideal: spongy gym mats or kiddy size yoga mats, fluorescent lighting that doesn't go off, hard and cold linoleum floors, women coming and going, guards with heavy key chains walking past, no music.

However, despite these conditions the women worked hard. In fact, the guard mentioned that he had never seen them stay so focused. By the end of the class there were about 5 more women sitting at the surrounding tables watching as we mediated. They later signed on to join us!

This past Monday there were about 13 inmates, with two of the women practicing on short bath towels. All the women were completely willing to apply themselves to something utterly foreign to them. It was while observing their hands in prayer at their heart center with their eyes closed as they brought to mind someone to dedicate their efforts to that tears came to my eyes. They are incredibly open to the dharma and wanting to learn. They were all very eager to receive meditation instruction.

At the end of class they were so grateful and truly appeared a bit more at peace. The joy that filled my heart is indescribable. Ms Johnson, their supervisor, has explained to me that the women receive fewer visitors than the men and so they are especially grateful."