Jai Mata Di! I would first like to thank my friend and mentor, Wendy Borger for inviting me to teach at the beautiful sacred space she created at Spandarama Yoga Studio. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to share my practice here, with everyone who walks through the door.

I was drawn to the practice of Yoga from a place of feeling "beaten-up" by life, and a desire to live to my fullest potential. In 1994, I picked up a "how-to" Yoga book. The more I read about and practiced Yoga, the more I wanted. After years of study and developing my own sacred sadhana, my teacher encouraged me to start teaching Yoga classes in 1998.

In 2000, I opened a Yoga studio in Oregon which I directed for three years. During that time, I was blessed with the opportunity to study with many advanced senior Yoga Instructors who helped me advance my own practice. I met my first meditation teacher there and was given my spiritual name, Karuna, which means compassion, love in action! During that time I studied, learned and practiced Traditional Thai Massage.

My passion in practice was fiery and I was naturally attracted to the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga practice. In 2003, I lived in India and studied with with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and his grandson Sharath at the Ashtanga Yoga Mandarim in Mysore. While there, I studied Vedanta, Vedic Chanting, Sanskrit, pranayama and meditation; and lived in the Sivananda Yoga Ashram, where the discipline of Yoga went deep into my subtle body and being.

I have continued my Yogic studies throughout the years and consider myself a student. Life and relationships are our greatest teachers, and being armed with the practice of Yoga can help maintain a sense of balance through all of life's turbulence. When I fall down, I get back up. When I cry, I wipe my tears, try to smile and think of the Divine.

In my years of Yoga Sadhana and teaching, I have led many workshops, yoga retreats and adventures both nationally and internationally. I have been blessed to teach all levels of students, offer therapeutic yoga and train other teachers. I have a deep desire to share what I have learned with others. It brings me such joy to turn someone on to the gifts of the practice, and to see that spark of recognition in their eyes! May all who practice experience Peace! Om Shanti