BROOKE
I began practicing yoga in 1998, and have been teaching for nearly as long. Hatha yoga quickly became a doorway leading to my discovery of mind/body healing modalities and spiritual practices. The cultivation and refinement of my studies and practices have become as much of a journey for me as my life itself. It is from this place that I extend my offerings and teachings.
Based in Philadelphia, I travel, teach and study around the world. I utilize yoga, breath and bodywork to gain
more enjoyment from life, while finding integration and wholeness for myself and others. I teach group classes, workshops & private sessions by appointment. Contact me if you are interested in inviting me to teach in your part of the world.
THE YOGA
“Movement is the Song of the Body” - Vanda Scaravelli
This hatha yoga is inspired by the practices and teachings of Vanda Scaravelli, author of Awakening the Spine; and Diane Long, author of Notes on Yoga. Diane was Vanda’s main student for 23 years in Florence, Italy.
Discovering yoga through Iyengar when she was 50, Vanda spent over 40 years with her practice, uncovering layers of aliveness and vitality in her body through the cultivation of her awareness and her willingness to be a beginner each time she came to her yoga. This distinctive approach to yoga was cultivated and evolved throughout her life.
Diane, a dynamic and inspiring teacher, has continued the discovery and refinement of this practice for over 45 years teaching worldwide.
In 2000 I met Diane on one of her first visits to Philadelphia and have studied with her ever since.
Continuing in this lineage, my classes are rooted in this practice, focusing on unlearning old habits and patterns of movement, through which the spine is encouraged to become more alive. A new relationship deep within is possible, returning us to a more friendly and whole relationship with our bodies.
"Refining the awareness opens the vision to wholeness and harmony" - Diane Long
Returning again and again to our practice as witness, listening, allowing musicality and resonance, we begin to relearn and uncover the language of the body.
This deep and gentle approach to yoga cultivates qualities of awareness and attention, coupled with a sense of curiosity and play, in the asanas (poses). We use the asanas to explore movement as an organic process of undoing tension; creating space in the body to invite new movement and life in and through the spine.
Unlike traditional yoga classes, this way of working focuses on a deeper discovery of how the body is capable of moving. In these classes, you will experience a different strength, greater freedom and more ease in your body. Classes are personalized and hands-on.
This yoga is wonderful for everyone: whether you have a regular practice, are new to yoga or somewhere in between. This way of working assists in cultivating a fresh approach to a personal practice.
