Claire Gulgilminotti to lead charity Christmas yoga in Ordino

Claire Gulgilminotti, a 43-year-old French resident of Andorra for 22 years, will lead "The Big Christmas Yoga" tomorrow at 11:00 at the Centre de Congressos d’Ordino. The session is described as a very gentle, accessible practice; all proceeds will be donated to the animal welfare associations GosSOS and Laika.

Gulgilminotti says the main aim is not the physical practice but bringing people together to create a shared energy of love, kindness and respect for life. The event is intended as a space where each participant can contribute positively and help support animals, which she describes as having no voice and embodying unconditional love.

Her path to teaching yoga began with an interest in ayurveda. Trained originally in laboratory sciences with a fascination for microbiology and a desire to develop medicines, she found ayurveda’s holistic approach—viewing ailments as arising from imbalances across emotional, mental and physical domains—answered many of her questions. She describes ayurveda as a science of life and longevity focused on awareness and maintaining balance.

Yoga followed naturally; after experiencing its benefits as a student she trained as a teacher to share the practice. She regards yoga and ayurveda as sister sciences and says working with people and witnessing their changes has given her a sense of purpose.

Gulgilminotti notes many attendees come to her classes on medical recommendation and remain because of the community atmosphere. Tomorrow’s event is intended both as a practice and as “an act of generosity” to support local animal charities.