Joanie Brooks
- Jan 31
Sensing Expansion + Contraction!!
Hello My Friends! Have you ever wondered where I get my inspiration for my class focus? The majority of the time I get it from my body. What is my body needing, what is my body saying to me? From the voice of my body guiding me, my weekly class focus is created! TA DA!!! This week my ribcage, chest has been speaking to me about being stuck in some areas and needing expansion. Did you know the condition of our ribcage affects our breathing? Think about it! By design, o
Joanie Brooks
- Jan 31
Strengthening Your Inner Fire!!
"Can you show courage and stay in the fire until you find the blessings?" Catharine Larsen Namaste Friends and Family, How was your step into 2020? I stepped into 2020 with disarray and chaos surrounding me, as well as being with the joy of a new year and a new decade surrounded by friends and loved ones. As I am always reminded, life holds many surprises and unexpected gifts! A wonderful tool that helps me to be with the chaos and "fire" of life is by practicing one of the
Joanie Brooks
- Jan 31
Strengthen Your Inner Fire!
Namaste My Friends! "Can you show courage and stay in the fire until you find the blessings?" Catharine Larsen How was your step into 2020? I stepped into 2020 with disarray and chaos surrounding me, as well as being with the joy of a new year and a new decade surrounded by friends and loved ones. A wonderful tool that helps me to be with the chaos and "fire" of life is by practicing one of the Niyamas of Yoga Philosphy called Tapas. Tapas means heat (in Sanskrit it means
Joanie Brooks
- Jan 31
Why Wait??!! Give Thanks Every Day - Dhanya Vad 😀 🙏 ❤
Namaste Friends!! While the month of November often brings the awareness of gratitude to life, why wait?? Living in gratitude is something we can do on a daily basis, and can be as simple as: Writing a thank you note to a friend (not a email - a card!). Keeping a gratitude journal and writing down at least 1 thing you are grateful for each day. This is my practice and it helps to put life in perspective and starts my day off with sunshine! Offering a smile. It will not onl
Joanie Brooks
- Jan 31
Heart Warriors!
I would like to introduce you to my new Nia body of work called Heart Warriors, and share with you about its creation. My inspiration for this body of work was sparked on April 28 when I attended The Cosmic Mass in my hometown of San Antonio. The Cosmic Mass was created by Matthew Fox, and invites a new way of celebrating and worshipping through dance, meditation, music and imagery. It also invites us to be in community, to celebrate our humanity, to honor and preserve our
Joanie Brooks
- Jan 31
Aparigraha: Letting GO!
Namaste Friends! I have returned once again to my beloved book, The Yamas & Niyams by Deborah Adele. The Yamas & Niyamas are 2 of the foundational limbs of the 8-Limbs of Yoga. We can think of them as guidelines, disciplines or observances that can be used to guide us on our path of life. I also like the reference to them as "jewels", for they are like "rare gems of wisdom that give direction to a well-lived and joyful life.". This week I am exploring and living with the
Joanie Brooks
- Jan 31
Ahimsa - Practicing Non-Judgement, Kindness & Compassion
Hello Friends!! Namaste Friends! The Yamas & Niyamas are one of the foundational limbs of the 8-Limbs of Yoga. We can think of them as guidelines, disciplines or observances that can be used to guide us on our path of life. I also like the reference to them as "jewels", for they are like "rare gems of wisdom that give direction to a well-lived and joyful life." . This is from The Yamas & Niyams by Deborah Adele. I love this book and I constantly go back to it as a reminde
Joanie Brooks
- Jan 31
Law of Pure Potentiality - Pure Awareness
Hello friends! As I mentioned in my March 28, 2019 blog, I am digging the book "The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga" by Deepak Chopra and David Simon, and this week I will be focusing on the 1st spiritual law, "The Law of Pure Potentiality". This law simply states that at the core of our being is pure awareness, pure consciousness, and it is the source of joy in our life. Through JOY we can then open to our pure potential. "The realm of pure potentiality is the home of knowle
Joanie Brooks
- Jan 31
Law of Least Effort and Dynamic Ease - Pathways to Creativity
Have you read the book "The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga" by Deepak Chopra and David Simon? I finished a week or so ago, and I am wondering why it has taken me this long to acquire this significant book! As its "catch phase" says, it is a practical guide to healing, and it is so relevant to all of my movement practices and my life. It is also a book that I will be able to pick up over and over again to reap its knowledge and guidance. This week I have been drawn to Law 4, t
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