Nicole Brown

I have been practicing yoga for nine years as a means of physical healing. I still remember my first yoga class, barely being able to touch my hands to my knees due to limited mobility. Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of three and later with Systemic Lupus, I consistently struggled with my health. I was on and off various medications, only to discover each medication lead to more medication to treat the horrible side effects from the original prescription. My efforts in Western medicine came to a halt as I began to explore other sources of pain management. For about two months I worked very hard mentally and physically to create the needed space, practices, and support to slowly heal the damage and maintain my health. Years of challenging self-work and lifestyle changes have brought forth a profound transformation of pain within my body. This transitional, therapeutic period was powerful, positive, and self-affirming. Today, I am virtually symptom free and have discovered a new openness that allows for a richer understanding of any issue.

While these experiences brought forth profound healing, yoga and art have facilitated continual self-discovery and personal transformations to an even deeper intensity, moving towards the heart of my fervor as an artist. My yoga practice and artwork are vital components in discovering and expressing the deep-rooted peace found within and reclaiming my power. Upon completing my 200-hour yoga teacher training, I now work with people in all walks of life. My passion for the healing process has given me the opportunity to work in health clubs, yoga studios, public schools, private homes, and clinical settings, facilitating yoga and art to adolescent offenders, at-risk youth, children with physical and cognitive disabilities, geriatrics, and adults with addiction and mental health disorders. I meet each person where he or she is, helping him or her to find their own ideal alignment and unique beauty, yet challenging him or her to explore the amazing possibilities. I believe working with bodily sensations, holding awareness in the moment, and having curiosity to see what happens are the foundations of change. Yoga and art offer the freedom to become the observer and create the needed space to examine the experience.

In addition to my love for sharing the many benefits of yoga and art with others, I am a visual artist and am currently completing my MA in Art Therapy at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the clinical requirements. First I am a yogi and artist, and I believe these practices are awakening sources for healing and renewal.