Portrait of the founder of the BÔM YOGA website: Gwendoline Aliaume
Gwendoline Aliaume was born in Nantes 30 years ago. Passionate about sports and raw food, she discovered yoga at a very young age and then decided to teach a few years later. She created BÔM YOGA in 2016, a nickname evoking the treatment (Baume) and the characteristic of the mantra OM. Combining cooking and workshop, she also trained in Thai massage (nuad boran). Today she teaches different types of yoga in the Pays de Loire region. A globetrotter in her spare time, you can embark with them on different courses in France and elsewhere!
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?
I must admit, a little by chance. I used to compete in swimming. Naturally quite athletic, I always saw my body as a "performance machine". By discovering yoga at the Lycée, I understood that we could take care of our body and our mind at the same time to move towards performance (word in the broad sense). Today I realize that taking care of myself also means giving to others. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing students happy and content...and that feels great!
What practice for your well-being?
I practice dynamic yoga that I balance with Yin yoga. I always remain attached to sport, I still swim a little and I complete with running. I am lucky to live by the sea, it is a real luxury to be able to run facing the ocean.
What is the ritual of your practice?
I don't have a ritual. My personal practice is simple and intuitive. I put on a soft and comfortable outfit, I unroll my mat and I escape!
What do you get out of it?
An intense benefit. Today I can't go a day without stretching. My body has become addicted.
What do you carry in your yoga bag?
Palosanto wood, my musical instruments, my notebooks of ideas and expression, a patchouli essential oil because I love its smell, a mala of my creations, my maps of the universe… My bag is a real catch-all!
What is your favorite object/accessory?
I don't think I have any. Objects must be useful to me but I don't attach much importance to them... I still sleep with the stuffed animal from my childhood but it's not an object!
What would be your advice for Tayrona Yoginis?
To believe in them. To listen to ourselves more than to others. Often we have the answers deep within ourselves.
Where/how do you practice?
I practice at home in a small space that I have set up for myself. I like to have my own personal space with my books, my unrolled mat, a pouf to read on and my accessories. I think it is important for a good practice to give yourself time and space. Maybe that is ultimately my ritual!
What is your mantra/favourite phrase?
Be yourself, the others are already taken.
