Sharon Gannon David Life

Sharon Gannon, born in 1951, is an American yoga instructor, musician, author, and dancer, recognized for co-founding the Jivamukti Yoga method with David Life. Their approach to yoga integrates spiritual philosophy, ethical veganism, and animal rights advocacy. Gannon's early life involved studies in dance and a deep engagement with yoga, meditation, and bhakti practices, influenced by gurus such as Shri Brahmananda Saraswati and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. She met David Life in 1982, and together they began teaching and eventually established the Jivamukti Yoga Center in New York upon returning from studying Sivananda Yoga in India.

Beyond yoga, Gannon has a background in the arts, including dance, performance art, and music, co-founding the band Audio Letter and the performance art salon Salon Apocalypse in Seattle. She has also been a significant advocate for animal rights, co-founding an spay & neuter clinic and receiving recognition for her work. Gannon and Life transferred ownership of Jivamukti Yoga Global in 2017, and the method is now taught internationally. Their teachings have influenced many, including notable students like Sting and Madonna.

Sharon Gannon and David Life are the architects of the Jivamukti Yoga method, a system that blends physical asana practice with spiritual teachings, chanting, meditation, and philosophical inquiry. Their approach emphasizes yoga as a path to liberation, incorporating ethical principles such as ahimsa (non-violence) and advocating for animal rights and veganism. The method also includes the study of scriptures and devotional practices. Gannon and Life studied various yoga traditions, including Sivananda and Ashtanga Vinyasa, before developing their unique style. They established the Jivamukti Yoga Center in New York in 1986 and have since seen their teachings spread globally through affiliated schools and teachers. In 2017, they passed the stewardship of Jivamukti Yoga Global to new leaders, ensuring its continued dissemination.

Prior to their extensive work in yoga, Sharon Gannon was deeply involved in the Seattle art scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Her artistic endeavors included dance, choreography, performance art, and music, where she co-founded the band Audio Letter and was part of the group that established the Salon Apocalypse performance art space. This artistic foundation informs the expressive and creative elements often found in Jivamukti teachings. Gannon's commitment extends to animal rights, where she has been a lifelong advocate for ethical veganism. She co-established a spay and neuter clinic that significantly reduced euthanasia rates for pets in New York City. Her activism has been recognized by various animal welfare organizations, and she has collaborated with PETA.