Devidas Karina Ayn Mirsky, MA, ERYT

Credits, Contact & Links

Karina Ayn Mirsky is a yoga and meditation teacher and self-transormation coach. She has been training yoga teachers since 2003 and currently runs one of the most popular yoga teacher training programs in Michigan.  She a is a teaching faculty member of the Himalayan Institute and serves as an adjunct professor in Antioch University’s Yoga Studies Program.

Karina grew up singing and dancing in Ludington, MI. In 1998 she completed a BBA in Management from Western Michigan University (WMU). From 1999-2007 she practiced massage therapy, specializing in disabilities management and rehabilitation. For nearly a decade Karina learned much from her clients whose disabilities ranged from rheumatoid arthritis, paraplegia, cerebral palsy, fibro-myalgia to those with undiagnosed chronic pain.

Karina's desire to support peoples physical bodies is matched by her desire to serve their hearts, minds and spiritual lives. Since 1999 Karina has been compiling and legally officiating non-traditional wedding ceremonies in the state of Michigan.

First introduced to yoga by her grandmother at age five, Karina began teaching yoga in 1998, shortly before meeting master teacher, Yogarupa Rod Stryker. She served as his primary teaching assistant from 2011-2005, and became one of the first certified teachers of Rod Stryker's Para Yoga.

In January of 2003 Karina was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer. Yoga and meditation played key roles in both the discovery and recovery from her illness. She now draws from this experience to aid others facing similar life challenges. Karina felt so supported by her local commuity during her cancer treatment that she wanted to give something back, so In October 2003, Karina opened Sangha Yoga in Kalamazoo. She also felt called to share the teachings on a broader scale and began traveling to host workshops, retreats and trainings.

In July 2009 Karina completed MA in "East / West Psychology" through Antioch University Midwest (AUM). She now has a unique coaching practice blending yogic wisdom with Internal Family Systems (IFS) style therapy called "Parts Work." Karina wholeheartedly believes in the power of presence, compassion and deep listening. She aims to hold a safe and receptive space for her clients to heal and transform. In 2006 Rod named Karina "Devidas" (Servant of the Divine Mother).

Karina's gift for reaching college students has made her a favorite guest lecturer in WMU's Holistic Health Department. She regularly presents concepts from the Yoga Sutra to over 200 college students at a time. She is an adjuct professor at AUM, has taught yoga for Kalamazoo College, and lectured in KVCC Meditation classes. Always a student herself, Karina continues her studies in the Himalayan Tradition with Rod, Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Rolf Sovik, Shari Friedrichen, and the staff of the Himalayan Institute. Karina is also deeplhy honored to be the mentee of spiritual psychologist, Tom Holmes PhD in Kalamazoo.

Karina's teachings reflect her understanding of yoga as both a modern therapeutic science and an ancient spiritual system, as well as, a catalyst for personal and global transformation. Her life story, charity efforts and service to others inspires others to live with passion and purpose. - She was even featured in the March 2008 issue of Yoga Journal as one of 21 teachers under the age of 40 who are shaping the future of yoga in America. She also recently graced the cover of the Winter 2012 issue of Yoga International.

To see Karina's local and national teaching schedules see the links below

 

 

Media & Honors

Magazines
Aug 2005 Fit Yoga - interview on Tantric asana
Feb 2008 Kalamazoo Gazette: Be Healthy - interview/photos
March 2008 Yoga Journal - 21 under 40 feature
Sept 2009 Yoga+ Joyful Living - photo spread)
Nov 2009 Yoga Journal - interview on retreats
Dec 2009 Encore - 6 page biography
Fall 2010 Yoga International - hanuamanasana photo spread
Fall 2011 Yoga International - article on Moon Salutation
Winter 2012 Yoga International - cover model & photo spread
Dec 2012 Huffington Post - Yoga How We Serve" w/ Rod Schware

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Radio
"Where's My Guru": Setting and keeping intentions and resolutions

Television
"Yoga Sessions" Kalamazoo Public Access Television

CDs
"Calling the Divine" w/ Rod Stryker
"Kalamazoo Community Rhythm Project"
"Shavasana"

Faculty & Staff Positions
Director of Sangha Yoga & SY Teacher Training School.
Teaching Faculty Member of the Himalayan Institute
Adjunct Professor, Antioch University McGregor
Affiliated lecturer, WMU Holistic Health Dept.


mag cover

 

 

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Our Director

Karina Ayn Mirsky was featured in Yoga Journal as one of 21 teachers under the age of 40 shaping the future of yoga in America. Learn more below:

Karina's Bio

Sangha Calendar

National Event Schedule

 



Sangha Yoga proudly supports the Himalayan Institute.

H.I. logo

Get $10 off a year long membership and a free subscription to Yoga International magazine.
Coupon Code: HISY51412

Sangha Yoga isright next door to Shanti Massage & Healing Arts

Seva means "service with selfless intention." Below are just some of the organizations that Sangha Yoga has raised funds for or offered services to:

Himalayan Institute
Ministry with Community
Toys for Tots
West Michigan Cancer Center
American Red Cross
World Yoga Fund
Youth Aids
The Red Tent
Pretty Lake Camp
PeaceJam
SYTT Scholarship Fund

Philosophy

Start Learning Here
We carry many H.I. Press books at Sangha too!

Yoga Asana

Yoga for Wellness,
by Gary Krafstow

Classic Texts from the Bihar School:

Yoga Publications Trust: Purchases can be made through amazon or ATMA.
Three Bihar Picks:
1. Four Chapters on Freedom
(Yoga Sutra)
2. Hatha Yoga Pradipika
(important practices)
3. Bhagavad Gita  
(an epic tale for all yogis)

Sangha Yoga
157 S. Kalamazoo Mall
Mall Plaza, Suite# 140
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
location details

MapQuest directions

Sangha Yoga, LLC.
Ph: (269) 910-0162
Fax: (269) 344-6469

List of Email Contacts

Bulletin Board

Updated Apr 18th

SPECIAL EVENTS
PANDIT RAJMANI 5/19
COUPLES THAI YOGA 5/31
500HR YTT - JUNE 2013
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