Portrait of a globetrotting yogi: Sharleen Gonnet
Born in Annecy, it was quite early that Sharleen Gonnet, yoga teacher, felt the need to discover the world, to live and share these values of freedom.
During her first trips to the antipodes, she discovered surfing and yoga. She was really touched by this approach to life, this awareness of my body and my breathing.
When she returned to France, she moved to the Atlantic coast to surf. Following this beautiful discovery in Bali, she decided to take yoga classes more regularly in Hossegor with the superb Caroline Beliard who gave her a real love for Yoga and it was the beginning of her own inner journey. Little by little, Yoga became an integral part of her life, she began to practice more and more regularly, then she immediately felt the benefits on her body and mind… After a few years of daily practice, she then decided to take her practice to the next level. Sharleen therefore booked a ticket to India to study this practice more deeply and become a teacher. Then, she continued to train with American schools. And it was the beginning of a new adventure… Without ever imagining that Yoga would take me where it took her… Subsequently, Sharleen continued to travel, until landing in “her little paradise”, Tahiti. There, she then taught Yoga for several years... Today, she continues to teach in France and all over the world depending on the retreats she organizes...
It was only natural that we asked him a few personal questions about his yoga practice, which we are sharing with you today.
How did you get into taking care of yourself?
Thanks to surfing, surfing is like Yoga, it is a complete lifestyle where you naturally come to eat healthily and take care of your body. After a few trips to surf with my friends, I discovered the practice of Yoga in Bali then in Hossegor and everything resonated in me, I was hooked.
What practice for your well-being?
When I lived in the islands, without hesitation my Açaï bowl every morning, my yoga and my surf session, but the routines change with the flow of life... Since I returned to France, I especially try to eat balanced, seasonal things and I continue to practice. Life is more hectic here, so I let myself be carried by the Flow and I especially try to enjoy myself in everything and of course, in Annecy we have plenty to do with beautiful walks in the mountains and snowboarding outings as soon as the snow is there.
What is the ritual of your practice?
I always start by breathing quietly, then I let myself be carried away by the music, a bit like a dance.
What do you get out of it?
Cliché if I say total well-being? So true, addicted to Yoga is an understatement... This feeling of freedom after a session is indescribable, but above all of connection with oneself, that is priceless...
What do you carry in your yoga bag?
When I go to teach, I always have my little notebook with me… In this notebook I regularly write down what I am grateful for, or inspiring quotes that have touched me. I then pass them on to my students when we discuss certain topics during practice.
What is your favorite object/accessory?
This famous notebook
What would be your advice for Tayrona Yoginis?
To practice mindfulness in the true sense of the term, aligned with our primary nature, without forcing, to live with more ease and with flow, to experience the true meaning of the word well-being.
