Five for Friday: Sharon Gannon

One of my first memories of Sharon Gannon, co-founder of the Jivamukti Yoga School and Method, was in a Thursday night meditation class at the Union Square studio almost six years ago. I had never meditated before and although intimidated, I felt guided to “learn how.” I struggled to sit still and my feet fell asleep but Sharon’s calm and loving presence reassured me that I was in the right place. After that night, I became a student at the school. Sharon and her partner, David Life, have cultivated a true sanctuary above the busy streets of Manhattan where everyone is welcome. Suitably, this month’s focus is comfort in the city.

Q1. What is the #1 wellness practice you live by? That thing that you do every day without fail because it revs you up from the inside out.

A: Letting-go of expectations

 Q. 2. The premise of the blog is that wherever you are in life, is exactly where you need to be. How did you get to where you are today?

A: One thing leads to the next…

Q.3. What was your biggest transformation along the way?

A: Becoming a vegan.

Q.4. If you could only own five items, what would they be?

A: I’d rather renounce ownership.

Q.5. What is the theme song for your life right now and why?

A: Shri Krishna Sharanam Mama—it feels good to take refuge with the Lord Krishna!

About Sharon Gannon – Tripura Sundari

Yogini Sharon Gannon’s quest for independence began with her birth on July 4th, 1951  in Washington, DC. Her interest in mysticism was nourished by her Catholic upbringing. She is a 21st century Renaissance woman who excels in many artistic, spiritual and social mediums including yoga, music, dance, writing, poetry, painting, cooking and political activism.

In 1984 Sharon Gannon and David Life created the Jivamukti Yoga Method, which is a path to enlightenment through compassion for all beings. They are pioneers in teaching yoga as spiritual activism/activation. The Jivamukti Yoga Method emphasizes asana, scriptural study, devotion, prayer, music, chanting and meditation, as well as animal rights, veganism, environmentalism and political activism. Jivamukti’s passionate focus on the original meaning of the Sanskrit word “asana” as seat, connection, relationship to the earth is as practical as it is radical at this time of global crisis and consciousness shift. The Jivamukti Yoga Method is taught worldwide at Jivamukti Yoga Schools and affiliated centers, which are in NYC, Charleston, Washington, DC, Toronto, London, Munich, Berlin, Moscow, Russia, Stavanger, Norway, and Sydney. The Jivamukti practice is also available on DVDs.