The Woodlands, Texas Body + Brain Center empowers members to take back their health



In the tree-laden community of The Woodlands, thirty-five miles north of Houston, Texas, a real treasure exists in the form of Maureen Godfrey’s Body + Brain Center (BBC). Since its opening three short years ago, The Woodlands BBC has steadily increased its membership with more and more people dedicated to their personal growth.

Interestingly, Maureen’s background hints that she just might have been preparing to own a BBC her whole life. She was a dancer in her youth, and a high school dance and drama teacher. She has always tended to heal the people around her with her touch. After working as a consultant for Fortune 500 companies to help devise and implement company-wide strategies, her long-time interest in worksite wellness became her passion; for two years she became heavily involved in the Houston Wellness Association.

By the time she opened her BBC, Maureen had been practicing Dahn Yoga for four years and had taught classes both inside and outside of a Dahn Yoga Center. “Getting into Dahn Yoga was like coming home,” she said.

She told Dahn Yoga Life, “I feel very blessed with wonderful members who are very interesting people and the opportunity for me to grow through this BBC. Any challenges bring opportunities.”

Though she has always enjoyed her work, owning a BBC now allows Maureen to help people and work from her heart. Seeing her members grow and heal is one of the best parts of her work, she says. One member, who is now a Dahn Master, initially resisted coming to class and taking workshops, even as she was participating in them. Now she is very grounded, less stressed, and a great Dahn Yoga instructor.

Another member came to Maureen for private sessions after being diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. Within four months, the member had changed her life in many ways; not only had she improved her attitude, her diet, and her relationships, but she had also reduced the severity of her cancer to a “mild form” without chemotherapy or radiation.

Teaching Dahn Yoga principles is another of Maureen’s loves. After every class she asks those who stay for tea to read a passage from one of Dahn Yoga founder Ilchi Lee’s books (currently The Call of Sedona), and to share their thoughts. Maureen often expands on the principles detailed in the book and illustrates how they apply to everyday life.

In the future, Maureen Godfrey hopes to expand their outreach programs, especially at hospitals, colleges, and worksite wellness programs in the many companies headquartered in The Woodlands.

— Michela Mangiaracina