Testimonials

Movement really can be comfortable and easy...
Each time I come to class I wonder why I am doing something so simple, so much against my typical "push, push" approach to life. But by the time I leave, I have found that entrenched pain is gone, or I've learned about an alternative to a way in which I'm using my body that really is far more work than I need to do, and is leading to chronic tension and pain. Donna is helping me see that life really can be more comfortable and easier than I had imagined. Sally Popper, Northampton MA 

I have never moved like this before....
Instead of Original Body Wisdom, I think Donna should call her class, "Oh my God I've never been able to move like this before." She is the smartest movement person I have ever known. One class and I was hooked. I couldn't stop coming. I'm learning an amazing amount about how to work with my feet, my back and my hip joint problems - things I didn't learn in years of physical therapy and movement and bodywork. Christina Replogle, Belchertown, MA 

Living pain free and at home in myself....
"I came to Donna with a herniated disc. Before working with her, I was disconnected from my body most of the time. Through our work together I am now able to experience how I move, how my muscles, bones and organs work together, and what my body is telling me throughout the day. This heightened awareness is helping me change my way of walking and sitting, and that lets me reduce my back pain and prevent another disc herniation. I'm amazed at how wonderful I feel in my body! Also, being in touch with the inner physical sensations of my body, I feel more emotionally connected as well. In working with Donna I feel more confident, more comfortable in my skin, and more at home with myself. Working with her has transformed aspects of my life I never even anticipated." Sara Sloan, therapist, Northampton MA  

Experience uncommon and powerful change....
"This form of bodywork is unlike any I have experienced before: yoga, tai chi, qi gong, massage, etc. It allows release on a deep and subtle level, and gently but powerfully shifts the tension/energy in my body. Donna is knowledgeable and is able to hold space with grace. Part of why words feel inadequate is because her work is, at the core, experiential. She guides the class through deceptively simple but potent exercises that you must experience to understand. If you are looking to support your parasympathetic nervous system, this class is for you." College Professor, Northampton, MA 

Gently learning a pain free way to live...
I showed up on the first day of class with a serious headache and significant muscle tension that had been with me all day. At the end of the hour the headache and all of the tension were completely gone and were replaced with lightness and ease. I leave each class with this feeling of lightness and ease as well as increased energy and improved mood. I appreciate all of the knowledge and wisdom Donna brings to her teaching through her words, movements, and gentle assists. My body is soaking up the lessons and gently being coaxed into an alternate way of being. I highly recommend Donna and this class. Hayley Spizz, Smith College, Northampton, MA 

A rare person with an open heart.... 
"Donna is rare among  teachers. She exudes a kind of calm excitement, and a non-judgmental persistence that lets everyone who works with her find his or her own way into liberating themselves from pains and frustrations. Her approach is fun. She has an open heart and a sageness about her. She obviously loves what she does, making her teaching rich and juicy. Donna has the maturity to work with people's limitations and resistances rather than to work against them. My whole life has been enhanced from being around her." Rosie Pearson, writer and healer, Amherst, MA 

Calm, Quiet despite stress...
"Since working with Donna I have found a quiet place inside myself that I never knew before. I am not dragging my body around with me, instead I am listening to it and honoring its wisdom. The stresses of my life are still there but I am handling them with a calm and clarity I didn't realize could be possible"
Carol Walsh, corporate development, Greenfield, MA 

Walking again.... 
" When I first met Donna Brooks in Nov 2009 I was post thoracic back surgeries and severely misaligned from head to toe, bent over my walker at less than 5 feet tall and barely able to use the walker.  She has been a true blessing to me for her compassionately customizing a physical treatment plan for me.  Between her treatment plan, an electrical stimulation muscle unit and an occasional deep tissue message from another provider I am now standing almost my true 6 feet tall, walking up to 200-300 feet with my walker and descending 22 stone steps with my arm crutch.  Donna has made a drastic change in my life.  I can now go outside myself and fill my bird feeder.  I am sure my progress will continue with Donna's support and knowledge of my body and I expect to walk without my walker and at minimal with my cane.  I would genuinely recommend Donna to anyone requiring physical and emotional support."
Randi Billings, claims adjustment, Deerfeld, MA  

Moving in a way I didn't think possible....
" Donna is always patient when teaching new things and is eager for me to try new motions; it is a pleasure to work with her and I can feel the effects of her teaching soon after each lesson. One of the most significant things I am accomplishing through working with her  her is recovery of hip movement after a stroke and sedentary lifestyle. The revived hip rotation is helping my walking become more balanced from right to left  and  more natural; the limbering up is helping my posture and back discomfort. I highly recommend her for her compassion, knowledge and ability to make physical recovery and exercise pleasant and fun."
Dr. Francis Hill, Professor, Amherst, MA  

Help in the midst of overwhelm... 
" When I had to sit down and focus to write all the copy for my business website I relied on Donna to calmly and clearly lead me through the tangle of my thoughts into what was relevant and engaging to write. Her humor, insight, and ability to see what makes me passionate got me through. Her ability to get me grounded in my body made the whole experience a reconnection to myself instead of  just to my head."
Irene Grant MD, President of Grant Healing Environments, Tarrytown, NY 

Just what I needed.... 
" Donna is a rare and wonderful teacher. She is like a master chef - she knows all her tools and ingredients so well, yet when she puts together the meal you are amazed by the flavors, creativity and appropriateness for you!"
Sylvia Pippen, nurse, musician, landscape architect 

Joy and relief from Suffering after serious injury... 
" After suffering a series back injury I was told by many doctors to prepare for a future of physical limitation. Since working with Donna I have found that my back and body have improved greatly in terms of flexibility and strength. More importantly even, my attitude towards health and recovery are rapidly changing.  Donna's work with me is a joyful discipline that is helping me reach my potential."
Dan Zimmerman, bank manager, Greenfield, MA 

Forever grateful.... 
I have been taking Donna Brook's Gentle Yoga class since June 2011 and am forever grateful to her for the positive changes she has brought about in me. Through her vast experience, thorough knowledge of anatomy and her ability to observe, explain, and demonstrate, she has brought awareness of and improved my movement patterns, which have completely eliminated a history of chronic pain. My newfound balance and flexibility allow me to enjoy many more daily activities that I hadn't attempted for years. Unlike other yoga classes I've taken, Donna's approach is personal-she first listens to where the people in her class are physically, and then targets what we need to address.
She is able to quickly assess and use hands-on shaping to correct faulty movement patterns. Her warm and wonderful energy makes for easy communication and sharing, and I leave every session having learned something new and in a state of peace and appreciation. I highly recommend Donna to anyone looking for excellence in a teacher of yoga and motion.
Catherine Manicke, Amherst, MA