A image of Sthira Sukham Yoga teacher Karen Andujar, who has big beautiful blue-green eyes, straight brown hair, and a warm smile. She's wearing a brown tank top and is sitting on a grey fabric covered bench.

Karen teaches Hatha Flow on Sunday mornings.

 

Karen Andujar

She/Her | E-RYT 500, YACEP

The seeds of my journey were planted to over 35 years ago, in my early teens suffering from chronic migraines that left me debilitated, depressed, and feeling as though was out of options. Over the decades symptoms worsened until I was stuck in bed most days, wondering what kind of life was available. There was a war raging within my body–well vs. unwell, pain vs. ease, optimism vs. depression, and what I could vs. could not do. So many stories, so much self-imposed limitation.

Transformation arrives little by little in the choices we make, and mine was no different. The first step was finding yoga and meditation in 2006. What began as a physical practice to get out of my head, transformed into a slower appreciation of what my body was capable of and an inward journey of curiosity and acceptance. In 2014 I became an RYT200 with East Meets West Yoga, where I taught for nine years, sharing from my heart the teachings and lessons that helped me thrive.

In 2018 I certified as a Professional Life Coach through New. Ventures West.  A year-long exploration of “who am I” and “what am I hiding from” led me to step into those most human parts of myself I disregarded, pushed aside, and frankly didn’t like or felt ashamed. The process of integration–which is ongoing–created space for me to face the stories I had created about my circumstances. 

With a greater sense of clarity, commitment and understanding of my purpose, I jumped into nutrition, movement and mindfulness to expand my arsenal of health becoming a certified nutrition coach through Precision Nutrition and personal trainer through NASM. I completed my 300RYT through the Himalayan Institute in 2020, trained in trauma informed yoga through Veterans Yoga Project, and became an YACEP the following year. 

In August 2022 I completed an M.S. in Health Promotion from the Maryland University of Integrative Health with a focus on workplace wellness. 

I love to challenge students while making every practice accessible to all, meeting each individual where they are, while using humor and lightness to cultivate joy and gratitude. 

When I’m not teaching yoga, I love to spend time with my husband, Yorkie, and Shih Tzu, hiking, going to concerts and learning. Plus I enjoy my work as a Preventative Health Officer in the federal government leading well-being, resilience and mindfulness programs worldwide.