In 2017, before the Covid period, I was leading many retreats at the foot of Mont Blanc. It was on one of those occasions that my path crossed Sandra’s.
I was guiding a retreat focused on the first group of Lu Jong movements — the Movements of the Five Elements.
Sandra is a joyful, positive, motivated, and determined young woman.
When we practice Lu Jong, the goal is not simply to develop the flexibility of the body, but rather the flexibility of the mind. If we were to focus only on physical flexibility, it would quickly reach its limits and bring little true benefit. Instead, through Lu Jong, we cultivate mental flexibility — using both the body and the wisdom teachings of the mind. With this openness of spirit, the body naturally relaxes, and physical flexibility unfolds. This is the magic of the union of Body and Mind. Transformation of the mind brings transformation of the body.
Sandra understood this deeply. Over the years, she committed to the Lu Jong Teacher Training, which ran from March 2021 to February 2022.
A few days ago, Sandra posted some photos on her Facebook account and invited me into her circle of friends. When I saw the images, I immediately felt inspired to share her story — the journey of transformation of the body through the mind. I suggested an interview, and she kindly agreed. This gives you the chance to get to know her — and perhaps even meet her at the classes she now offers in the Geneva region, on the French side, starting this spring 2022.
First, let’s take a look at her posture. Posture speaks for itself. Today, Sandra sits in presence, in strength, and in lightness. In this “before-and-after”
What motivated you to join your first retreat in 2017?
Actually, it was a friend who discovered Valérie’s website and suggested I try this practice. When I read the description of Lu Jong, what caught my attention was that it is a therapeutic yoga, a yoga in movement. And at that time, I really needed a deeper connection between my body and my mind. So I wanted to give it a try.
What led you to become a teacher?
Becoming a teacher was not something I ever imagined back in 2017! It unfolded step by step, as I experienced different feelings along the way.
As I practiced more and more regularly, I began to notice changes — at different levels: in my body, in my mind, in my outlook, and in the way I responded to life.
I often realized that when I practiced Lu Jong movements in the morning, my whole day went better. And when I faced difficult situations at work, I was able to handle them with more calm and perspective.
As this practice became part of my daily life, I naturally wanted to learn more about Buddhism and the origins of Lu Jong. What is behind this practice that brings me so much benefit every single day?
I had always been drawn to Buddhism, with a curiosity nurtured by my travels, books, and films.
One day, I saw on Valérie’s website that she was organizing a Teacher Training in India. India had always been a country I wanted to visit, so I thought: what a beautiful combination — travel and learning. At that time, my motivation was not really to teach, but to deepen my integration, to learn the 21 movements and the culture behind them.
Unfortunately, that training abroad didn’t take place. Perhaps it just wasn’t the right time for me. But a seed had been planted.
Little by little, it grew: I attended more workshops with Valérie, joined practice days, and even went to teachings with Tulku Lobsang during his visits to Geneva and Lausanne.
And then, one day, it was simply the right time. I felt ready! The flower had opened, its petals shining bright, ready to radiate like the sun.
This time I knew: I didn’t just want to take the Teacher Training for myself — I wanted to share this precious practice with others.
Now that you are a teacher, how do you feel about this new responsibility?
Now that I am a teacher, I feel a strong desire to share this practice — and at the same time, a desire to keep learning.
I feel the wish to teach and to offer it to anyone who wants to come, in the spirit of PWYC (Pay What You Can). I have no specific expectations, I simply want to be there, open, welcoming — sharing with joy and love.
As for the responsibility of teaching, I welcome it with confidence, while honoring the authenticity of the teachings I received. This is my way of respecting the transmission from Tulku Lobsang Rinpoche, who brought this practice to the West, and of honoring the lineage that connects us all.
At the moment, I am continuing my studies in Buddhism and in Shiné and Lhaktong meditation with my teacher, Valérie Lobsang-Gattini, and I hope one day to join her on retreat in India or Nepal. I am deeply grateful for her guidance and her trust.
🌸 Connect with Sandra Richard
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