Sharon Feanny is an established name in the Caribbean yoga world. Her beloved former studios Shakti in Kingston and Montego Bay were popular with local Jamaicans and overseas visitors. Like many people, Sharon has pivoted into the digital space sharing her Shakti brand’s online yoga courses, detox programs, cooking workshops and webinars with a global audience. You can also book a TROD or participate in occasional wellness retreats at Shakti Home, her beach house in Treasure Beach on the south coast of Jamaica. Her cookbook “Live Fit Kitchen” promotes a flexitarian 80/20 approach to food.
We love your cookbook Live Fit Kitchen, for those who are not fortunate to have a copy as yet, what inspired you to write it?
My biggest inspiration was to leave a legacy for my children and inspire them to eat well. I also wanted to share these recipes with all the incredible people that have supported me throughout the years, taking my yoga classes and doing my detox programs or attending my cooking workshops.
Your 80/20 approach to food is refreshing, most people are put off by strict diets, we love that you allow room for an occasional treat, was this intentional to make individuals feel more at ease?
This is just how I live my life, I have been around long enough to see diet fads come and go, what I know for sure is that eating more of a plant based diet is better for our HEALTH AND HEALTH of the planet. I refer to the 80/10/10 rule that I do 80 percent of the time, means that 80% of the plate is planed based, 10% is protein (animal or not) and 10% is complex carbohydrates. 20% of my day/week/year, I eat whatever I want, food is life and life is for living!
Yoga is a powerful force worldwide and there are so many types, Hatha, Bikram, Ashtanga to name a few. For novices who do not understand its popularity, where does one start and why should one practice yoga?
Yoga is simply a science of health and happiness. There are so many styles of yoga to choose from, I would suggest to anyone to find a teacher or studio that is convenient to them and try out different styles. There is yoga for every BODY, you don’t have to be flexible to do it.
Are there any yoga tips you can share that one can do at their desk or in their car, such as a breathing exercise?
Yes, my suggestion is to take 10 slow deep breathes, you can’t believe the healing power that 10 slow deep breathes can give you. The next time you are stuck in traffic or waiting in a long line at the bank, instead of getting anxious, relax your shoulders, soften your belly and breathe.
You do so many wonderful things that help thousands of people, what more can we expect from you in the future?
Thank you so much for that! It is truly mission in life to help others LIVE FIT, LIVE LIFE & LIVE LOVE.
What is most exciting for me is Shakti Activation, my online yoga + detox+ self care programs. The online format allows me to share my gifts with the world in a very affordable way. Right now I am hosting various courses with participants who do not just reside in Jamaica but some as far away as Bali, Japan and Ghana.
You can find more information about an array of Sharon’s wellness offerings on sharonfeanny.com
