Harmony Yoga in New Westminster

In the heart of New Westminster, Karyn Austin has cultivated a space for well-being through her business, Harmony Yoga and Sound. Offering a diverse range of practices, from various yoga styles to soothing sound baths and the uplifting experience of kirtan chanting, Karyn's passion and deep connection to her community shine through. As the sole operator, she manages all aspects of her business, driven by a genuine love for sharing the benefits of yoga and sound.

Karyn's journey into yoga began 20 years ago in London, Ontario, as a young mother seeking something for herself. Inspired by the peace and strength she found in her practice, she pursued teacher training and felt a clear calling to teach, believing that yoga is for everyone, regardless of physical ability. Her enthusiasm for sharing yoga remains strong after two decades.

Adding a unique dimension to Harmony Yoga and Sound is Karyn's musical background. A former keyboard player with a decade of classical music study, she discovered kirtan, a call-and-response chanting tradition, which has become an integral part of her offerings. She finds the collective singing incredibly empowering, particularly for women, and sees the combination of yoga and kirtan as a powerful tool for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

While Harmony Yoga and Sound doesn't have its own dedicated location, Karyn primarily teaches at the well-regarded Dancing Cat Yoga Center in Uptown New West. She also collaborates with other facilitators and is open to bringing her services, such as sound baths, to businesses. Karyn values the strong sense of community she has found in New Westminster since moving there four years ago, noting that word-of-mouth referrals account for a significant portion of her students.

The services offered by Harmony Yoga and Sound cater to various needs. These include group, semi-private, and private yoga classes, as well as immersive sound baths using crystal singing bowls. Karyn also leads engaging kirtan sessions and participates in local festivals, sharing her unique blend of movement, sound, and music with a wider audience. A business sound bath involves Karyn bringing her instruments to a chosen space, guiding participants into relaxation as they are bathed in therapeutic frequencies. She adapts her approach based on the energy of the group, sometimes incorporating gentle movement and breathwork to enhance the experience.

When asked about her favorite class, Karyn expresses a particular fondness for yin yoga, a slow and meditative practice focused on breathwork. In today's busy world, she believes these classes offer a valuable opportunity to slow down and cultivate presence. What sets Harmony Yoga and Sound apart is Karyn's commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. She uses humor to make yoga approachable and emphasizes that it is a "practice, not a perfect". Her popular chakra classes combine gentle movement with an exploration of the body's energy centers. Karyn passionately advocates for the inclusivity of yoga, reminding people that it's a precursor to meditation and about feeling good, not achieving advanced poses.

Addressing common misconceptions, Karyn loves to hear when someone says they are not flexible enough for yoga, as she believes that's a perfect starting point. She emphasizes that yoga is for every body and every life experience, with modifications and props available to support all levels. She also enjoys sharing the Sanskrit names of poses to honor the tradition while ensuring everyone understands the practice. The integration of music, through her harmonium and chanting, adds another unique element to her classes.

Connecting with Karyn and Harmony Yoga and Sound is easy. A Google search for "yoga in New West" often yields quick results. Her website and the Harmony Yoga Facebook group provide further information and contact details. Potential customers can also read reviews on Google to learn about others' experiences. While drop-ins aren't typical, reaching out via email or text is the best way to inquire about classes or book a session.

Karyn's final message is one of encouragement: "If you're scared to try yoga, if you've never tried it, or if you haven't had a great experience with yoga before, I ask you just to give it one more try. Know that the teacher for you is out there". With her dedication to inclusivity and well-being, Karyn Austin and Harmony Yoga and Sound offer a welcoming path to finding balance and harmony in the New Westminster community.