Portrait of Anne Gacquerelle: yoga teacher

As a child, I would see my father practicing Sirsasana, the headstand, in the family kitchen.

As a teenager, he put in my hands a book by Louis Frédéric, “Yoga Asanas”, English edition of 1959, advising me to start practicing Surya Namaskar, the sun salutation.

It was only much later and because chronic lower back pain was causing me terribly suffering that life led me to Yoga. In two years of practicing Yoga, the back pain disappeared. A miracle that doctors, physiotherapists, osteopaths, acupuncturists had not managed to accomplish in 15 years.

Having had the chance to live abroad, it is in the United States, Australia and India that I deepen my knowledge of Yoga. Insatiable, I followed many training courses, acquired diplomas and specific certifications from very great teachers. Among them, AG and Indra Mohan, students of Krishnamacharya, and their son Ganesh Mohan, Michael de Manincor, student of TK Desikachar (son of Krishnamacharya), Cheree Price, student of John Friend, Mireille Nédélec, student of the great philosopher François Brousse, Jo Phee (Singapore) and Yin Yoga, Tina Nance (Australia) with whom I explore in depth Yoga Therapeutics (fusion between Hatha Yoga and traditional Chinese medicine, and in particular the system of the 5 elements and its meridians) and also Swami Govinananda, student of Vishnu Devananda. It was during a stay in India that I recognized the Indian Yogi, aka “rubber end,” in photos in my father’s old book. It was Vishnu Devananda who revealed Sivananda Yoga to the Western world. The circle was complete.

I now teach in Seine et Marne, in the countryside (Bray sur Seine and its region).

It was only natural that I asked him a few personal questions about his yoga practice, which I am sharing with you today.

How did you get into taking care of yourself?

Yoga has always been present in my life during "hard times", whether physical or emotional. My mat, my zafu, then become essential elements to my well-being.

What practice for your well-being?

It all depends on how I feel. Each day has its own practice since needs vary from day to day. And sometimes, doing nothing (no asana) is my Yoga of the day.

What is the ritual of your practice?

Breathing, again and again.

What do you get out of it?

Grounding, centering, calm on all levels and connection to the Universe.

What do you carry in your yoga bag?

My Tayrona yoga mat of course, 2 bricks, a neck roll that I use as a meditation cushion (because it's small and light), a strap, a thermos of tea in winter, a juice (vegetables/fruits) in summer or simply water.

What is your favorite object/accessory?

My yoga mat. Very demanding on its quality, I do not hesitate to buy a new one regularly just to try. So I have a nice collection. But by far, my favorites are the Manduka brand mats.

What would be your advice for Tayrona Yoginis?

Practice a Yoga accessible to your being by respecting your needs of the moment. And always remember that advanced Yoga has nothing to do with the ability to do this or that posture. Being advanced in Yoga is the ability to develop clarity of mind.

Where/how do you practice?

I practice Yoga anywhere when the need arises. It can be at home, in my Yoga room, in front of my altar. Or while driving my car chanting mantras.

What is your mantra/favourite phrase?

There are several but the Tryambake is certainly the one I intone the most, as well as the Gayatri mantra .

For more information

yogawithanne@icloud.com

Instagram: @yogawithanne

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