Marshawn Feltus leads an ACT Yoga class

From Murder to Moksha: Yoga in Chicago’s West-Side

Published on May 26, 2014

After serving over 18 years in prison Marshawn Feltus is now teaching yoga in Chicago’s west-side. Convicted of first degree murder, Marshawn was able to use his incarceration as an opportunity for growth and transformation. While in prison Marshawn obtained his GED and completed several years of college courses. Marshawn initially sought out yoga in prison due to pain and injury of his powerlifting practice. He later became a co-instructor and taught yoga to over 800 incarcerated men at the Illinois River Correctional Center in Canton, Illinois.

Upon his release, he completed an entrepreneurial training program as well as the yoga teacher training at Chicago Yoga Center. Last year he opened the first yoga studio in Chicago’s Austin area, ACT Yoga, where he continues to teach and inspire others.

Watch the video below to learn and see more about this inspiring story:

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4 responses to “From Murder to Moksha: Yoga in Chicago’s West-Side”

  1. Debra Avatar
    Debra

    What an inspiring story. Marshawn, you are a great role model for kids and adults as well. Congratulations and the best of karma to you. Thanks for sharing your story

  2. Ro-riffic Avatar
    Ro-riffic

    Thank you for sharing your inspiration to continue serving incarcerated youth and adults. I am blessed to be able to do so!

    1. Timothy Burgin Avatar
      Timothy Burgin

      You are welcome!

  3. marshawn feltus Avatar
    marshawn feltus

    You are welcome!

    Timothy Burgin thank you for posting my story.

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Timothy Burgin Avatar
About the author
Timothy Burgin is a Kripalu & Pranakriya trained yoga instructor living and teaching in Asheville, NC. Timothy has studied and taught many styles of yoga and has completed a 500-hour Advanced Pranakriya Yoga training. Timothy has been serving as the Executive Director of YogaBasics.com since 2000. He has authored two yoga books and has written over 500 articles on the practice and philosophy of yoga. Timothy is also the creator of Japa Mala Beads and has been designing and importing mala beads since 2004.
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