Portrait of Cassandre Richet, Sports Coach
How did you get into taking care of yourself?
By learning to listen to myself. It's not always easy, but that's what yoga teaches us: self-discipline, kindness... and the simple fact of sitting on your mat every day makes you want to take care of yourself!! (well, that's what I feel)
What practice for your well-being?
The yoga that makes me feel good and relaxes me, personally, is Ashtanga yoga! I know that it is a practice that can "annoy" some people, but for me it makes me very relaxed afterwards, it frees me of my energy, and then I feel like I'm living again!!
What is the ritual of your practice?
My daily practice is not always the same, I would even say that I tend today to improvise what feels good to me at the moment, depending on the day ahead! I usually unroll my mat in the morning when I get up, sit down at the front of it standing, and close my eyes for a few moments to let the desire to move come. I then end my session, more or less long/complex, with a seated meditation. However, if I haven't taken the time to practice during the day, I sit on my mat, or in my bed for a very relaxed yin practice in the evening.
What do you get out of it?
My body always thanks me for this moment that I reserve for it, and my mind is really soothed! Yoga helps me on a daily basis, to manage anxiety, to take care of my body without mistreating it, and my body reacts by wanting to continue the good gestures. I feel much more what my body really needs since I practice yoga!
What do you carry in your yoga bag?
In my yoga bag, I always carry my mat, a towel, a strap & a water bottle for after class.
Why a towel? Because it allows me to use the rest of the equipment (if necessary) that I don't bring, and to dry myself of course ;)
What is your favorite object/accessory?
I have become (thanks to yoga I think) much less materialistic than I was before… but I admit that I remain very attached to my Tibetan bowls, especially my very first one that I bought in India, which I always take to my classes!!
What would be your advice for Tayrona Yoginis?
My advice is simple: learn to love yourself so that you want to take care of yourself! It is not a selfish gesture, but on the contrary, the more time you take for yourself (and that does not mean 3 hours every day, 10 minutes daily is already great) the better you will be able to take care of others around you, and the better you will be of course!!!
Where and how do you practice?
For now, I practice in my living room (and I hope one day to have a more suitable place). When the weather is nice, I will return to my little beach on the banks of the Loire, in my town (Tours 37).
But really, no matter where I am, I always find a place to unroll my mat, and that's all it takes!!
What is your mantra/favourite phrase?
I often say that we must take care of our bodies, because we only have one. As Buddha said: Your body is precious. It is your vehicle for awakening. Take care of it.
Cassandra
©️ Photographer Whoisreno
