Portrait of Laurence Pinsard, journalist specializing in yoga
Journalist specializing in health, well-being, personal development and Yoga, Laurence Pinsard contributes to various magazines and notably produces the special editions of the magazine Esprit Yoga. She recently published La pensée Yoga en famille , a book on the history and philosophy of Yoga, with many games to play with the family. When she is not writing, Laurence teaches yoga in Bordeaux, notably within the association Om Sweet Om Yoga Bordeaux
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 to take care of yourself?
After several years of traveling a lot, I felt like I didn't like where I lived anymore. So I started an inner journey. I used my profession as a journalist to start taking care of myself by creating a guide on well-being in Paris: Paris zen, published by the Guide du routard in 2006. This gave me the opportunity to discover Yoga, meditation, Qi Gong, massages but also healthy, organic and vegetarian food.
What practice for your well-being?
I mainly practice Hatha Yoga, which I adapt according to my energy, my cycle, the season. I just finished my second session of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction meditation which brought meditation a little more into my daily practice. I also regularly practice Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra and, when the opportunity arises, I enjoy a good Vinyasa class.
What is the ritual of your practice?
I start each day (or almost!) with a practice of integral Yoga (kriya, pranayama, asana, meditation, mantra). If for some reason I don't do my full practice, I take at least 15 minutes for breathing exercises and meditation.
What do you get out of it?
The practice of Yoga, sauna, massages, walking in nature, a good diet, constitute a healthy lifestyle that seems essential to me today. It contributes to my balance and makes me feel alive, vibrant. All this has completely changed my life!
What do you carry in your yoga bag?
When I go on a course or retreat, I take a lot of things with me… My Jade travel mat, 2 cork bricks, a cotton strap, a small meditation cushion, a wool shawl and at least 1 cotton blanket for candle practice.
What is your favorite object/accessory?
I'm not very fetishistic, but I always have a notebook and a pen with me!
What would be your advice for Tayrona Yoginis?
I recommend going into nature as often as possible! And also to remember that in this world, nothing is perfect, nothing is imperfect and that it is perfect like that! It helps to be a little more kind to yourself. Because it is not always easy to set up a personal practice, or even to be regular at Yoga classes… Practicing compassion meditation (or benevolence) is always a good idea, it is a very powerful meditation. It is very well guided by Nicole Bordeleau
- Where/how do you practice?
I practice at home, no matter where, as long as there is space for my Yoga mat. I regularly go to classes, especially Iyengar Yoga, which I have been practicing for almost 15 years now.
- What is your mantra/favourite phrase?
I love mantras! They are part of my daily practice. It is not easy to choose, but today I choose "Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu", which can be translated as: May all beings, in all worlds, live in happiness, peace, fulfillment and prosperity. To which we can add: and may our thoughts, words and actions contribute to this. It is a powerful mantra of peace and compassion.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/omsweetomyogabordeaux/ & https://www.facebook.com/laurence.pinsard
IG: https://www.instagram.com/pinsardlaurence/
photo credit: @anaka
