#USA #Los Angeles #Unlikely Collaborators #Prison Yoga Project #This Time I Choose

Introduction

The Prison Yoga Project (PYP) has taken a significant step forward with the launch of its first graphic novel, This Time I Choose. Released on October 27, 2025, the novel stands as an innovative tool designed to engage young individuals involved in the justice system. With support from Unlikely Collaborators, this graphic novel merges storytelling with trauma-informed yoga lessons, promoting healing and self-awareness. In this article, we'll explore the essence of this project, the collaboration behind it, and its expected impact on incarcerated youth.

The Concept Behind This Time I Choose

This Time I Choose is not just another story; it's a relatable narrative aimed specifically at youth in juvenile detention centers. The graphic novel incorporates intense visuals and profound lessons of mindfulness and yoga, making the complex concepts of personal growth accessible to younger audiences.

As Nicole Hellthaler, Executive Director of the Prison Yoga Project, astutely put it, "This graphic novel is a resource created with and for young people. It reflects years of listening, teaching, and learning, and it meets youth where they are, inviting them to understand themselves in new ways and make empowered choices for their futures."

The novel also features a foreword by Dr. Dan Siegel, a prominent psychiatrist whose insights into interpersonal neurobiology amplify the book’s potential to resonate deeply with readers.

The Role of Collaboration

The creation of this graphic novel was not a solitary effort; it involved the collaborative work of various experts. The project saw contributions from Dr. Sheena Howard, who helped shape the content, and experienced artists Ron Ackins and Dongyun Lee, who illustrated the story. This teamwork infused the book with both aesthetic appeal and educational value.

Unlikely Collaborators, a nonprofit organization passionate about transformative storytelling, provided essential funding for this initiative. Their mission centers around helping individuals explore their internal conflicts and unravel the biases that shape their worldviews. Elizabeth R. Koch, the founder, emphasized the importance of context in human connections, stating, "The way we perceive the world is highly subjective," thus supporting projects that challenge assumptions and promote deeper self-awareness.

Why Graphic Novels?

Graphic novels have emerged as a popular and effective medium within correctional facilities due to their engaging formats and accessibility. Such stories often resonate with readers across various literacy levels, making them ideal for communicating vital life lessons. The Prison Yoga Project recognized this need and filled the gap for an engaging resource specifically designed for younger audiences.

For years, the PYP has provided essential yoga services that target trauma-informed recovery for incarcerated individuals around the globe. The graphic novel’s release signifies an expansion of their mission, aiming to include younger demographics who may have been overlooked by traditional educational resources.

Looking Forward

The road ahead for This Time I Choose is promising. With the support of various organizations dedicated to social reform, the book is set to reach numerous adolescent readers in detention centers, providing them a tool for empowerment and self-reflection. The hope is that these young readers will not only discover the transformative power of mindfulness but also feel inspired to make conscious choices for their futures.

As Elizabeth R. Koch reflects, “Stories have the power to transform the way we see ourselves and one another. This Time I Choose embodies that belief, offering incarcerated youth an engaging and accessible path to self-awareness.”

PYP is investigating avenues to distribute this graphic novel widely, ensuring that it reaches as many young readers as possible upon its release. The aim is not solely to entertain but to educate and transform lives—both on the inside and beyond prison walls.

For those interested in acquiring a copy of This Time I Choose, or finding more information about the Prison Yoga Project, visit their official websites. The need for compassionate and transformative resources in prisons has never been more vital, and this graphic novel represents a significant step towards meeting that need.