About Body & Spirit

‘Body & Spirit’ provides classes, workshops and retreats that support you on your journey to health, happiness, and a better quality of life. Our work is firmly rooted in the understanding that: “Everything is connected; body, mind, and spirit.”

Based in the heart of the countryside – on the Kent, Surrey and Sussex borders – we provide calm and peaceful environments where clients can take the time to focus on themselves and dissipate the stresses of modern life. We understand that everyone has a different idea of what health and happiness is and that everyone will need to travel a different path to get there. Through physical movement, mindful activity and spiritual practices we aim to facilitate this journey and to guide and support you when you need it.

We feel privileged to help you; strengthen, balance, focus and heal, and to age with power and grace.

Our founder, Clare Goodwin

Many moons ago I began my working life as a professional dancer. I adored the theatre but especially loved experiencing the movement of my body and how it could tell a story.

As life changed, I moved into teaching dance and also became a personal trainer. I learnt a lot during this time. Most noticeably my love for anatomy and the powerful changes that can happen when you understand your body and know what you would like to achieve with it. However, the fitness arena felt restrictive. I was becoming more aware of the need to work with people on strengthening and improving their bodies in a more balanced, holistic and healthy way. This was when I rediscovered Pilates and my whole world opened up. I was able to help people get stronger and fitter yes, but also to improve postural balance, functional ability, to get rid of aches and pains that had plagued them for years. I was able to help people find a stronger, happier body to live in, one which would support them through all they wanted to achieve in life. I loved it – and still do.

As it does for all of us, time marches on and we must experience life along the way. Over the coming years I was; diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, married the love of my life, made the big move from London to the country and had my beautiful daughter. There have certainly been highs and lows and of course, all of our experiences go to changing who we are, our needs and our understanding of the world. I found myself in need. I loved my life but despite preaching it, I wasn’t always happy or healthy. Through a lot of personal learning and growth, I have uncovered a fundamental understanding that the body, mind and spirit are all connected and need to be working in harmony to create a strong, happy and healthy whole. I have also discovered that by working one of these aspects with clarity and understanding, you will positively impact all of the others.

Through these realisations, I have uncovered the deeper mental and emotional as well physical possibilities of Pilates, the capabilities of meditation and found a passion for the incredible results of Yamuna Body Rolling. And yet, I know the possibilities still stretch out before me and I am excited to discover them. Much of my learning has come through necessity - mine or someone else's - or from the passion of other amazing teachers I have met along the way. I hope that I can bring some of this understanding, achievement and happiness into your life, and I hope the journey of self-discovery and development never ends - for either of us.

Health and Happiness!