Manon

Hello, Manon. Thank you very much for coming.

I’m really happy to be here.

I’m happy to hear that. I look forward to you sharing your story and this part of your journey. Can you please tell us about yourself- not in terms of roles or titles, but in the way you see yourself?

Thank God you didn’t ask that two years ago (laughs). I see myself as a human being like everyone else, trying to do their best to have a happy life, because we have a short journey on Earth, and I want to enjoy it as much as I can — working on myself, on accepting life how it is, dancing, training, eating well. I like to think I’m a healthy person. Sometimes I discover — not that much. My goal in life is actually to enjoy it as much as I can, because we only have one life. Society tries to take you away from who you are, I would say. And I’m glad I came to New Zealand, because it’s a relaxed country, and you have space to become who you really are. I mean, you can do so in France too — but I would never have done that. I would never have had that consciousness of “Oh, actually, I can be myself and be happy.” Yeah. Be happy. So dancing, training, creating beautiful connections… I’m trying. I’m still human — sometimes I’m not the best version of myself but I try.

Beautiful. How did your background shape you as a person?

France shaped me into a hard worker — something I no longer want to be. I’d rather be a smart worker now, because life is too short. We spend so much of our time working… you really have to enjoy it, or at least be passionate about it. That shift happened for me when I moved to New Zealand.

My employer, who made the move possible, taught me a lot — but more than anything, I learned that even at work, you should be able to feel and enjoy every second of every minute of your day. It’s a shame we often don’t. So I let go of being the classic hard worker, and focused on being smarter with my energy and time. That’s one of the reasons I’m trying to develop Sophrology here in New Zealand.

I’m also a little too straightforward — thank you, Mum (laughs). New Zealand isn’t always a fan of that, but I’m learning. I’m doing my best to soften that side of me.

I used to do ballet, which was very difficult for me — I didn’t have the “right” body for it. But it taught me a lot about acceptance. I used to be really hard on myself… and, I’ll admit, hard on others too. I didn’t see it at the time, but I do now. So that’s been another shift — moving away from “hard,” toward “soft,” toward “smart.” Creating space in my mind to make better choices.

Back in France, it was all routine: wake up, eat, work, come home… and then nothing. Another bad day. No more of that (laughs). So yes, that shaped me.

And then there’s life. Sometimes, it just shakes you. One day you get a phone call, and everything changes. A few years ago, I had, well, not a problem exactly, but an experience that completely shifted things for me. It’s what led me to Sophrology. I remember thinking: If I only have five or ten years left to live, I really need to enjoy them.

At first, I considered studying psychology or philosophy. But then I thought — if I survive, what am I going to do with philosophy? How will I make a living? (laughs)

I talked to my dad, and he said, “Why don’t you try Sophrology?” That’s when I discovered it. It’s simple, accessible, practical — and that’s what drew me in. So I made my choice.

I'd love to speak more about Sophrology in a moment, but before we get to that, could you tell us what your strengths and weaknesses are?

In the past, I would’ve said I hated being vulnerable. I hated it with all my gut. I’d hide. I’d be tough, really tough, with myself, and with others too.

My friend Marcello always said I couldn’t stop repeating “me da igual” (“I don’t care”). That was my line. It became my shield. But of course, I did care. I just didn’t know how to show it.

Now, vulnerability has actually become one of my strengths. I’m not afraid to say things like, “You know what? You’re hurting me right now,” or “I feel really small next to you.” I can say, “I don’t feel at ease,” or even, “I feel like a little piece of shit.” And the funny thing is… now that I can say it, I don’t actually feel that way anymore. There’s something powerful in just acknowledging what’s true in the moment.

And beyond that, I’ve lived abroad, I speak three languages, I’m trying to build a meaningful life. At the gym, I’ve somehow created this little family, and that brings me real joy every time I walk through the door.

So maybe my biggest strength is that, over the last two years, I’ve learned how to turn my weaknesses into something else, something useful, even beautiful. My strengths and weaknesses are completely linked, really. How about that? (laughs)

Of course, I’m not there yet. I don’t even know if we ever really get there. But I’m learning that it matters less and less. I just want to do my best, moment by moment.

You already started talking about that — tell us about what you do professionally and how your fitness career influenced your journey with Sophrology?

About ten years ago, I became a group fitness instructor and a personal trainer. I think even back then, without fully realizing it, I had this gut feeling: If you’re going to spend most of your life at work, you’d better do something you actually like.

At the time, I was more focused on the physical side. I wanted to be fit so I could dance. I’ve always loved dancing. And honestly, I loved feeling sexy in my clothes, it’s part of who I am. I used to be ashamed of that. Ashamed of the time I’d spend on my makeup, choosing my outfit. I thought it made me shallow. But not anymore. That’s part of my identity, and I embrace it now.

So I studied in France and became a trainer. Then I found out that the mother company of my employer was based in Auckland. One random Sunday, I took a shower and just decided: I’m going to go to Auckland City and become a fitness instructor there. And I did.

But the truth is, I didn’t like it. It didn’t make me happy. That place works for a lot of people, but it wasn’t for me. And even though I ended up becoming Instructor of the Year in 2019… I resigned right after that. (laughs)

Because I asked myself: What now? I wasn’t interested in becoming an international instructor. I thought, at first, maybe I was just too weak, not good enough, that I didn’t have what it takes. But with time I realized: I just didn’t love it enough. I’d done what I came to do. I got the award, and that quiet voice inside said, Okay. It’s time to go. (laughs)

And then, two years ago, everything changed. I was suddenly confronted with the word “pre-cancer.” I got really scared. What I know now is that it’s actually quite common, but at the time, all I heard was that word.

Your mind goes into a spin — like a washing machine. Even if it turns out to be nothing, you carry that fear. And because the medical process takes time, you have weeks — months, even — to sit with it. That was the first time I truly faced the idea of death.

We’re all human. We’re all going in the same direction. We’re all going to die. And honestly, I’m grateful for that experience, because without it, I would never have done the work I’ve done since. It really was a blessing. Because if you believe you’ll live forever, you stop noticing the small, beautiful joys life gives you.

That’s when I knew: I need to enjoy my life, now. Because you never know what’s coming. I changed a lot. Thankfully, I’m now completely out of risk and I’m so grateful. It was tough in the moment, but you grow in those moments of fear and uncertainty. And that experience, that turning point, is what led me to Sophrology.

That’s been a journey for you… please tell us more about Sophrology.

Sophrology can be a bit of a complex word, especially here in New Zealand, where it's still almost completely unknown. In fact, to my understanding, there are only two trained Sophrologists in the country….

At its core, Sophrology is a kind of training for the mind — a way of rewiring how we experience and respond to life, using simple tools. The “toolbox” of Sophrology includes four main elements: abdominal breathing, gentle movement, visualization, and positive thinking.

During a Sophrology session, you’re guided through a combination of dynamic exercises, starting with movement, breathing, and body awareness. You learn how to connect with your body and listen to the signals it gives you. Because honestly, our bodies are smart. They’re always speaking to us… we just don’t always listen, or we don’t know how to understand what they’re saying.

Like that feeling of butterflies in your stomach before something big. It's not necessarily a bad thing. That’s your body’s way of saying, “Wake up. Pay attention. You have something important ahead, a challenge to meet.” Sophrology helps you become more conscious of these signals, and to respond rather than react.

What’s beautiful is that Sophrology is also grounded in neuroscience. Our brains are constantly changing, this is called neuroplasticity. Neurons die and regenerate all the time. So we’re not stuck. We’re not powerless in the face of stress, anxiety, or negative thinking.

With repetition and consistency, Sophrology gives you the tools to shift those negative cognitive patterns into more positive, supportive ones. But it does take discipline. Like anything else, if you don’t practice, it won’t stick. But if you do, if you build those new neural pathways, your brain literally rewires itself.

There’s a saying in neuroscience: “What fires together, wires together.” The more you reinforce a positive pattern, the stronger it becomes. That’s called the tuning process. And the flip side is pruning: when you stop using an old, unhelpful pattern, it fades away. It dies off. So through this beautiful, gentle practice, you can quite literally reshape the way your mind and body experience the world. And that’s Sophrology.

So interesting!

It is. I'm very passionate about it.

And what would the practice look like? So, say a client comes to you for the first time — do you need to discuss their whole life to start?

We talk about what you want to talk about, nothing more, nothing less. Of course, I’ll ask a few specific questions so I can support you properly, within the framework of Sophrology. The more you’re willing to share, the more effective your protocol can be. But ultimately, you only share what feels right.

You do need to have at least a general idea of what you want to work on, because Sophrology is a structured and goal-oriented method. That initial conversation is called the anamnesis, and it usually takes about 90 minutes — sometimes a little longer.

After that, I’ll check that you know how to use abdominal breathing, and we’ll do a few very simple exercises, nothing complex or intimidating. Then we move into what’s called sophronization. I don’t like to call it “relaxation,” because it’s more active than that. You can think of it like a guided meditation, but you're fully involved. This process brings you into what we call the sophroliminal state, that space between wakefulness and sleep. That’s the moment when you can really begin to shift your cognitive patterns.

So the structure is pretty simple:

• A little talk
• A few gentle dynamic relaxation movements, guided by breath and visualization
• Then the sophronization

And finally, when you softly come back, we talk about what you experienced — what came up, what it reminded you of. That part is called the phonodescription.

A full protocol is usually 12 weekly sessions, but it’s absolutely not compulsory. You can do one session, you can do two. The idea is to become independent. These are tools you can use in your daily life. Ideally, you get to a point where you don’t need me anymore… unless you want to come back.

One Sophrology protocol always focuses on one specific goal. It could be a health-related issue like eating disorders, sleeping disorders, chronic pain, phobias, life transitions: pregnancy, postpartum, menopause; dealing with cancer, stress, anxiety, performance pressure, stressful events like weddings, even things like exam fear or stage fright.

Sophrology helps bring that awareness. Take that “butterflies in the stomach” feeling before an exam or a competition. Most people panic. But what if you saw it differently? What if you thought: This is good. This means I’m ready. I have energy. I care. That shift changes everything. Instead of freezing, you become focused, confident, and productive.

I used to do martial arts, and I know that without that physical charge, that tension, you lose. You need that signal from the body. Sophrology helps you work with it, not against it.

So yes, this practice supports all kinds of challenges. It’s really about helping people live more in tune with themselves, and to manage emotions in a healthy, empowered way.

That's fascinating. So would you say your work as a fitness instructor led you to wanting to help people in a more holistic way?

Yes, that’s really where the first idea started to take shape. As a fitness instructor, I often worked with people who wanted to lose weight, but many of them didn’t fully understand their relationship with food. That’s when I realized, there's something deeper going on. You can’t just focus on the physical body; you have to look at what’s happening in the mind.

If you’re not conscious of your habits, your emotions, or the beliefs driving your behaviour, then training alone won’t create lasting change. As I always say: you don’t know what you don’t know. But once you start becoming aware of what’s going on in your mind, that’s when real transformation becomes possible.

Since I started practicing Sophrology, my entire approach to training has shifted. It’s become much softer, more mindful. I actually integrate Sophrology techniques into some of my PT sessions now, and it brings a whole new dimension to the experience.

So yes, I do see myself moving in a more holistic direction. I’d love to eventually develop a full training method that blends physical movement with mental and emotional awareness. Step by step, it’s unfolding.

Speaking of the devil, I’m so excited about the 8-Week Challenge we’re launching with CLM Ōtāhuhu Fitness Centre! For the first time in New Zealand, a program like this includes Sophrology group sessions — and I can’t wait to begin.

Wow, this is going to be amazing! We’ll add all the details  at the end of the interview. Actually, what exactly does the word “sophrology” mean?

Great question! The word Sophrology comes from ancient Greek:

• Sôs means harmony
  
• Phren means mind or consciousness
  
• Logos means study or science

So, it literally translates to “the science of consciousness in harmony”.

Sophrology was created by Alfonso Caycedo, a neuropsychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at the University of Madrid. His goal was to develop a method that combined the rigor of neuroscience with practical tools to support mental well-being — so it’s deeply rooted in both medical science and lived experience.

Because Sophrology is still very unknown here in New Zealand, I find myself doing everything, from educating people to promoting the practice from the ground up. It’s incredibly exciting but also a bit daunting. In France, it’s a well-established discipline. Sophrologists often work alongside doctors and psychologists, and the practice is widely accepted within the healthcare system.

Personally, I like to think of Sophrology as training for the brain, the same way RPM is training for the cardiovascular system. Through repetition, you build new neural connections, new cognitive pathways. But just like with physical training, the key to results is consistency (discipline and repetition). That’s why it resonates so deeply with me: I already train my body, and now I’m training my mind. When you bring both together — body and mind — that’s where the real transformation happens.

How does this new path and wisdom affect your day-to-day life?

Before this journey, I wasn’t really aware of my own behaviour. For example, when I worked as a personal trainer, I was extremely hard on myself, and that naturally extended to how I treated others. I didn’t realize it at the time, but when you're disconnected from yourself, you can unintentionally be harsh, rigid, or reactive.

Becoming more conscious has completely shifted that. It’s like softening from the inside out. As I learned to be gentler with myself, I also became more compassionate with others. That’s been one of the biggest changes, like night and day.

For me, taking care of my mental health and overall well-being isn’t just a personal choice; it’s a responsibility. Yes, it starts with you, but the impact goes far beyond. When you’re more grounded, present, and kind to yourself, it ripples out to everyone around you. In that sense, it almost feels like a civic duty. Unconscious behaviour can affect others in ways we don’t always realize. And I’ve been guilty of that too.

Now, when I make a mistake, I don't spiral into shame or overthinking like I used to. I acknowledge it, I remind myself I’m human, and I practice self-compassion — often through my Sophrology exercises. That helps me process things more quickly, learn from them, and move on. Before, I would dwell, criticize myself, and stay stuck in my head. I was my own worst enemy. I still have those moments, but now I catch them sooner, and I recover with more ease.

Compared to traditional meditation — which often asks you to sit still and clear your mind, Sophrology feels more accessible. Your brain is still active, but in a focused way. You're doing specific exercises that engage both body and mind, so there's less room for your thoughts to wander. It’s simple, effective, and helps you stay anchored in the present through your physical sensations. That’s made a big difference in my daily life.

What are you hoping to offer to the world through your work?

What I hope to offer the world is what I'm learning to offer myself: a way to connect with who you truly are.

We’re born into a society that doesn’t often give us that chance. At home, at school, no one ever taught me how to speak about what I was feeling. So from a young age, I started building a prison in my own mind, shaped by limiting beliefs like: “You’re stupid,” or “You’re not smart enough to do this or that.” And if you don’t break out of that prison, you’re not really living your life — you’re living someone else’s.

What I want for myself, and what I hope to share with others, is the ability to reconnect with your true self, not just for you, but for those around you. Because when you rediscover who you are, you become more alive, more grounded, more joyful, and that energy is contagious.

But if you stay trapped in that mental cage, it's heartbreaking. Life is short. I was lucky enough to go through an experience that shook me awake, that made me ask, “Is this really the life I want to live?” And the answer was no. But not everyone gets that kind of wake-up call. Many people just keep going, disconnected, until it's too late.

If I could wish for one thing, it would be that everyone gets the chance to truly meet themselves, to live consciously, in harmony with their own worth. That, to me, is the most beautiful gift anyone can receive, and offer to the world.

This is beautiful. Thank you for your work. I'd like to circle back to your personality and your world. You already touched base on your upbringing and your work through Sophrology, but I’d like to know more about what your healing journey has looked like.

It hasn’t been easy. Healing never is. And honestly, I don’t think I’m “healed”. I think healing is a long, lifelong process. But yes, the beginning was painful.

For me, healing has meant learning to simply be myself, fully, in every part of my life. There’s a clear before and after from two years ago. Before, I was constantly trying to prove something, controlling everything, always pushing. But now, I just want to be real.

At work, at the gym, it doesn’t even feel like I’m working anymore. I’m just being, spending time with people I care about. That’s the gift of healing: realizing it’s beautiful to be yourself. And that you don’t need to perform or perfect anything.

With my Sophrology business, it’s the same. I’ve stopped trying to force things. I’m just going to show up as I am, and let life happen. Before, I was such a control freak, wanting to control everything and everyone. But now, I don’t want that anymore. Because you can’t control life. You’re not above it. You’re just a human being like everyone else. So I guess if I had to pick one word that defines this part of my healing, it would be: let go.

That said, letting go doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt. Sometimes you know you have to make a decision, and you know it’s the right one, but it still breaks your heart. Like saying goodbye to someone you care about. You want to stay in that version of yourself where things felt safe and familiar. But once you’re aware, once you’ve seen what no longer fits, you can’t unsee it. You have to move forward.

And that’s healing too. Moving on, even when it hurts. Choosing to grow, even when it’s uncomfortable. Accepting that pain sometimes walks alongside peace.

So no, I’m not done healing. But I’m not trying to rush anymore. I’m just walking the path, with more softness, more honesty, and less fear of who I really am.

Was the cancer scare the catalyst for your healing journey and the changes you made in your life?

Yes, I think so. Before that, you walk around thinking you’re going to stay young forever. You know, intellectually, that one day you’ll get old, one day you’ll die, but you don’t feel it. And when you finally do feel it, when that reality lands in your body… It changes everything.

It wasn’t easy. I cried a lot. You still have to face it, no matter how scared you are. But I’m grateful for that experience now. Because one day, I just woke up and thought, Okay. This is happening. What are you going to do now? And from that moment, everything started to change

I began to appreciate life so much more. Now, I don’t live thinking about the consequences of every decision. I focus on the joy. Every class I teach, we laugh, we connect, we have fun. It feels good. Before, I was always stuck in the mindset of “I should be further by now. I should be doing more. I should have done this or that.” Always the “shoulds.” But not anymore. (laughs) There are no more shoulds. Just acceptance. And honestly, I wish that kind of freedom for everyone — because once you see it, you realise… there’s nothing else you can do.

Of course, there are things in life you don’t have to accept. Like relationships — you don’t have to accept behaviours that harm you. But for the things you can’t control, you learn resilience. That’s what life is teaching us, every day.

And now, I try to learn from everything. Every bad moment, every discomfort. I say, “Okay, this sucks. I don’t like this. But what’s the lesson?” Even in the tiniest things, I look for growth. That’s huge for me now, finding the lesson, even when I’m outside my comfort zone.

So yes, it brought me a lot. And honestly, I don’t know if I’ll be successful as a businesswoman. Maybe I will, maybe I won’t. But I don’t really care. I know Sophrology helped me. And if I can share it with others and it helps them too, that’s amazing. If not, it’s still okay. I’m at peace with that.

Well, we can define success differently, right? Sharing your knowledge and helping others is beautiful.

Of course. And to me, I'm already successful because I'm fine. I'm just fine. I have a whole life to live. The fact that I have all those realizations, all that awareness that I didn't have before, is enough for me.

Is there any part of you that you're still learning to love?

Yes. I’m human. I’m still learning to deal with stress and anxiety, especially around being far from my home country. I know you understand that feeling too. Sometimes I ask myself, What am I doing so far away? And I feel that quiet anxiety around my parents… knowing they won’t be around forever. That’s hard.

But recently, my mother said something that really stayed with me. She told me, “Be happy.” And I know it wasn’t easy for her to say that, to fully mean it. But ever since she did, I’ve felt lighter. It gave me permission to embrace where I am. So now I’m trying to love that part of me too, the part that chose to leave, the part that’s living for herself. I’m doing my best.

And I’m also learning that I don’t need to be perfect and I can make mistakes. I can’t please everyone. And… it’s okay.

I used to be a massive overthinker, and I hated that about myself. Sometimes I still fall into it, but now I just tell myself, You’re human. It’s fine. And little by little, I beat myself up less. That’s the shift. The moment you recognize what’s happening inside you, you calm down. It’s about being conscious of your own process, and that awareness is incredible. It changes everything.

So yes, I still have parts of myself I’m learning to love. But I already love myself so much more than before. Way, way more.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I’d tell her: Be kind to yourself, and be patient. If you truly want something and you're willing to stay committed, it will come, just maybe not in the way or timeline you expect.

I grew up being taught to be strong and independent, and while those are valuable qualities, I would also remind my younger self that it’s okay to need others. It’s okay to lean on people. Life is about connection, real, human connection. You don’t have to carry everything on your own. Strength isn't about doing it all alone; sometimes, it’s about allowing yourself to be supported.

What gives you strength when life feels heavy or uncertain?

I think it's hope. Just hoping for the best, even when things feel hard. Trusting that you’re smart enough, strong enough, and that you already have the resources within you to keep going.

Also, acceptance. Reminding myself that this is life. Some days you feel like crap, you want to cry on the floor, and everything feels too much. But then the next day, the sun comes out, you have a beautiful tango or kizomba dance, and suddenly… things feel lighter again.

And of course, connection. Having good, genuine connections with beautiful humans, that helps a lot. It reminds you you're not alone, and that there’s still so much joy to be found, even in the tough moments.

How do you recharge?

Sleeping. Honestly, I need sleep. People always think I’m full of energy because I’m so bubbly and lively on the outside, and yes, I am! But the truth is, I need at least eight hours of sleep to feel okay. Without it, I’m just not myself. I love sleeping, my bed is one of my happy places.

And then... dancing. Always dancing. It resets everything for me. That, and deep, beautiful connections with people. Because energy is something we share — we’re literally made of electricity, right? So being around people who lift you up, sharing real moments, moving your body. That's what fills me back up.

What intention are you currently holding close to your heart?

Right now, my intention is to trust myself. To stop rushing. To remember that what’s meant for me will come, because I’m showing up and doing my best. I don’t need to force things or panic when I’m not in control. I’m learning not to fall back into my old patterns.

So yeah, trust that I’m worthy. Trust that life will give me exactly what I need, when I need it. And honestly, I’m starting to really feel that now. I’m in a moment where I’m genuinely excited about life. Excited to realize that you truly do receive what you give. That’s such a powerful shift. I don’t feel powerless anymore.

I spent so long feeling stuck and small. But now, just by being joyful and open, life reflects that back. Of course, there are still moments of rejection, moments of doubt, times when I question if I’m enough. But those feelings don’t hold me like they used to. They pass. I acknowledge them… and then I move on.

Last but not least, what does the next season of your life feel like?

It feels exciting. I mean, age is just a number, right? I’m moving into my 40s, and yes, it plays with your mind a little. But truthfully, I’ve never felt better. Because of everything I’ve lived through, all the lessons I’ve learned… I feel more me than ever before. And when you feel that, life becomes way more exciting.

I feel like I’m in the right place at the right time, and that I have everything I need to build the life I want.

And yes, of course there’s a little bit of fear. But not too much. Because I will make mistakes, I'm a beginner. That’s natural. But I’ll learn, I’ll take notes, and I’ll keep going.

And honestly? I’m happy to be a beginner. I hope I stay a beginner in some way, because having that beginner’s mind lets you remain open, curious, and humble. That’s how I want to start this new chapter: fully embracing where I am, enjoying the journey, and knowing that one day… I won’t be a beginner anymore.

Beautiful. That’s all. Thank you so much.

If you’d like to work with Manon and explore Sophrology…

This spring, from 1st September to 24th October, Manon is leading an 8-Week Challenge at CLM Ōtāhuhu Fitness Centre that combines physical training, nutrition guidance, and community support — plus, for the first time in New Zealand: Sophrology Group Sessions.

If you’ve ever wondered about your relationship with food, this program offers a fresh perspective. Instead of focusing only on workouts or diets, it explores lasting change from within. Through guided Sophrology sessions, you’ll discover your unique connection to food, stress, and emotional habits. The challenge is designed to help you:

• Understand the root causes of emotional eating
• Reconnect with your body through mindfulness
• Break free from unhealthy cycles
• Build conscious, sustainable habits

It’s more than a fitness program — it’s a full mind-body transformation, aiming to address why we gain weight in the first place, not just the symptoms.

The 8-week program includes:

• Sophrology sessions with Manon – the first in NZ
• Group fitness training with the CLM Ōtāhuhu team
• Nutrition guidance
• Weekly accountability check-ins
• A supportive, uplifting community

For more info or to register: 

Instagram: Seed Sophrology 

Phone number: 09 276 8207

Website: www.seedsophrology.com