Yoga Eases Symptoms in Former Columbian Death Squad Members

    This uplifting article on Quartz reports on a successful program to teach yoga to ex-militants and victims of the war in Colombia.  Understandably, many of these Colombians are experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  It is especially exciting to see that the organization running this program, Dunna: Alternativas Creativas Para la Paz (Creative Alternatives for Peace) collected data on the participants' experience.  I am looking forward to seeing where Dunna's research goes. 
    This is what yoga is all about!  Teaching students to be aware of the universe of sensation within us and to dis-identify with the pain that eventually comes when our inner world confronts the outer world.  This is especially important for people who have experienced violent infringements on their inner world.  Yoga also offers a safe space for those who have committed these infringements to practice acceptance and responsibility.  Moving through the body and breath to confront violence and trauma is proving to be a powerful practice.  Imagine if we were to offer yoga to anyone recovering from the trauma of violence.  I, for one, believe the world would be a more peaceful place.

    Can you see this kind of program expanding stateside?