“ we live only to discover beauty.
all else is a form of waiting. ”

• Khalil Gibran

let’s discover beauty together,
in art, yoga, and bodywork…

The embodied Collection

Liberation is Embodied

The Embodied Collection was created in collaboration with Philadelphia Printworks, to honor and inspire the efforts of people of color in creating wellness. The line was birthed by the desire to wear products that represent POC engaged in self-care practices. The line is rooted in the words of Audre Lorde, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgent. Caring for myself is an act of survival.” The collection is available now at www.philadelphiaprintworks.com

Align & Flow :: this is an alignment-based vinyasa class with movements linked to our breathing. it's open to all levels, with clear and accessible directions with options so folks can play, heal and transform.   

Yoga & Partner Stretch :: this class starts with alignment-based yoga asana, then focuses on a specific part of the body with partner yoga stretches and Thai Massage movements. classes are open to all levels, come ready to explore and honor your boundaries AND the boundaries of others. No partner necessary, but you’re welcome to bring someone you want to connect more with.   

mondays :: 5:15-6:30pm :: Align & Flow

tuesdays :: 7:30-8:45pm :: Yoga & Partner Stretch

wednesdays :: 5:15-6:30pm :: Align & Flow

“Nou La” :: short documentary featuring Haitians in Philly :: WATCH

200hr Yoga Teacher Training :: Studio 34 Yoga :: July 12th - Dec 15th :: APPLY

Reset & (re)Focus :: The African American Museum in Philadelphia :: April 28th, 1:00 - 3:00pm :: REGISTER

thai massage : a clothed form of massage where the receiver, completely passive, is moved through traction, compression, and twist, that open up lines of energy in the body, and promote healing, relaxation and stress reduction. 

therapeutic flying : a suspended form of bodywork that leverages gravity for more potential to release stress, and more possibility for depth in stretches, twists, and backbends. this practice engages participants in trust, and is highly transformative. think of if like a great massage upside-down on feet. 

i believe healing practices should be accessible to all and offer combinations of thai massage and therapeutic flying that range from 30min to 90min. please use the contact form below or email heyjeanjacques@gmail.com to explore options. 

From his early childhood in Haiti, jean-jacques gabriel has been focused on seeing, shaping, and amplifying beauty, which he defines as “a mixture of what circumstance commands and infinity implores”. The son of painter Jacques Gabriel, jean-jacques painted before he could walk and later studied painting and drawing at The University of the Arts and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. While in art school, jean-jacques fell in love with the radical presence he found in Yoga. It served as a complimentary balance to the figurative work he was creating. It anchored his life with presence and creativity and circuitously called him into teaching.  

jean-jacques started teaching yoga to children in West Philly and then to incarcerated people while working with Marshall Eddie Conway, a former Black Panther and political prisoner. From the start, Black freedom has been central to jean-jacques’s yoga teaching journey, and helped root his wellness work in community care. This has guided his work in public schools, prisons, yoga studios, yoga teacher trainings, retreats, and large festivals; teaching yoga, breathwork, Thai-Massage, partner yoga, AcroYoga, and nonviolent communication. He currently leads the 200hr Yoga Teacher Training at Studio 34 Yoga in West Philly, teaches public classes & workshops, and works with private clients. In addition to sharing practices that help us to be more grounded and free, jean-jacques loves learning and laughing with his two daughters, and drawing and painting portraits.