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Yoga Den Studio Offers Sanctuary in Historic Avondale by Erin Lehn
T
asha Brooks, owner of Avondale Yoga Den in Jacksonville’s historic Avondale neighborhood, first discovered yoga when she was a 23-year-old restaurant server still navigating her future career path. She also dealt with lingering back pain from playing high school sports. When a friend suggested that yoga could ease the pain, Brooks signed up for a weekly class. “I liked it so much, I began taking more classes. My back pain disappeared, I had more energy, and I felt more in tune with my body. I was committed to making yoga a part of my regular lifestyle.” Noting Brooks’ enthusiasm for the practice, a fellow yogi recommended an upcoming Yoga Den 200-hour teacher training program. Initially, she resisted the idea. “Eventually, I realized that becoming a yoga instructor felt right, so I signed up,” reflects this devout yogini, who adds that her connection with yoga was purely physical at first. “The metaphysical aspect of yoga came later as I began delving deeper into the energy exchange between my teachers and myself and the other students.” During the yoga teacher training, Brooks felt incredibly strong in her body. This, coupled with better mental clarity and an ability to palpably feel the energy in the room, really fueled her desire to teach yoga. “I loved everything about yoga,” she admits. “I was so inspired; I wanted everyone to feel as amazing as I did.” After graduating from the teacher training program, Brooks managed several Yoga Den locations and then became director of operations for the entire Yoga Den franchise. When Yoga Den founders decided to franchise out the Avondale location, Brooks was a shoo-in for the position, and eagerly assumed ownership of the studio. Now three years into her experience as the owner of Yoga Den Avondale, Brooks says she couldn’t imagine doing anything
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Jacksonville / St. Augustine
NAJax.com
