Natural Health Magazine UK OCT 2009
Interview with Sharon Gannon by editor of Natural Health: Emma Van Hinsbergh

1. Why did you first become interested in yoga?
SHARON: Because I felt it was a way that could help me get closer to God.

2. Where is your favourite place to practise?
SHARON: At home

3. What do you do to complement your practice?
SHARON: more practice! Do you mean asana practice? In that case, to compliment my asana practice I do other yogic practices, like meditation, prayer, pranayama, studying Sanskrit scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra and eating a vegan diet.

4. Do you have any particularly favourite postures and if so why?
SHARON: My favourite asanas are inversions: handstand, shoulder stand and headstand, because they alter my mood and state of mind more dramatically and positively than any other activity.

5. What's the greatest lesson yoga's taught you?
SHARON: That God is real, and devotion to a Guru is essential.

6. Most embarrassing yoga moment?
SHARON: I can’t remember the last time I was embarrassed; perhaps the practice of yoga helps one to get over that kind of self-conscious stuff?

7. What do you dislike about yoga?
SHARON: Nothing.

8. Who do you admire?
SHARON: People who have passion for what they do and do what they do regardless of criticism from others or how much hard work or money is involved. Some of my heroes are: Ingrid Newkirk (founder of PETA—People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals—the largest animal rights organization in the world) Julia Butterfly Hill (lived in a Giant Redwood tree for 2 years in Northern California to stop it from being cut down; wrote a book about it titled: Legacy of Luna) Michael Franti (the most talented musician, singer, songwriter, performer, activist making music in the world today)

9. What is your greatest achievement?
SHARON: Still working on it.

10. What advice would you give to someone who wants to improve his or her practice?
SHARON: Practice everyday…but not for yourself—offer your efforts to someone else. But most important: be a vegan—don’t eat animals or drink their milk!

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