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
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