I first encountered yoga in my student days in Croydon and got hooked right from the start. I had, from the age of 4-16yrs, been trained in classical ballet and body work was a natural and significant way of expression and communicating for me. Yoga was similar in some ways, but also seemed to hold so many dimensions and truths which had a profound effect on my life. A spiritual journey had begun. Inspired, I began a yoga teacher training course and got my first qualification from the Yoga for Health Foundation. (Ikwell Bury, Bedfordshire) Back then I used to practice with my little daughter and yoga also helped me to experience the easy pain-free second birth of my son.

Later on I discovered the vitality and precision of Iyengar Yoga which was really helpful for me. Dancing had given me a few typical dancers body problems which I learned how to work with and begin to correct. I trained with Silva Mehta in London and got an Iyengar Teaching Certificate Introductory level in June 1990. During this time I had moved to Norfolk and I went regularly to John Claxton's yoga classes appreciating his input from his thorough knowledge and teaching of anatomy.

More recently, wishing to challenge my own practice and have more resources for my students, I embarked on further Iyengar training in Cambridge with Sasha Perryman, and Chelmsford with Sue Long. I have recently passed intermediate level 3 (March 2007), and will be embarking on some remedial training. I will also be offering 1-1 sessions.

Yoga is meant for all and is a way of life based on the 8 limbs of yoga as originally expounded by Patangali. It is a path which includes and integrates ethics, discipline, asana or posture, pranayama - the distribution of life force, with focus and attention of our mind within, meditation and eventually spiritual illumination.

My journey also led me to a deep interest in Buddhist meditation. Many people know me by my name Karunachitta (pronounced karoona- chitta) which is a name given to me in 1990 when I joined the 'Western Buddhist Order.' More recently I am also a student of Shenpen Hookham from the 'Awakened heart Sangha'.

Yoga Testimonials

"Since I have been doing Karunachitta's classes I have started to develop a much deeper awareness of how my body can move, and how it actually feels. Practicing the postures as she teaches them has slowly and gently improved both my strength and flexibility. By the end of the class my mind is quiet and I go home feeling at peace." Sarah Hawthorn, Norwich.

"Karunachitta is an inspired and inspiring yoga teacher with a fantastic sense of fun. In 13yrs of practice, I don't think yoga teaching gets much better than this - its everything yoga should be." Jenny Knight, Norwich.

"For over 20yrs I've observed Andree's practice and teaching of yoga. I respect and value her professional standard as a teacher. Her comprehensive understanding of yoga and supportive encouragement to students of all levels is impressive and inspiring. Her own enjoyment and enthusiasm is infectious. If I could have a personal trainer, I would choose her." Alison Loughlin, Old Red Lion, Castle Acre.