Karuna Center for Yoga and Healing Arts in Northampton

Karuna is special. One thing that stands out is that each of the classes I take is so thoughtfully designed - usually with a theme (such as opening up the chest) leading up to a final pose. It’s different every week but has a gentle warm up and cool down and can be easy or challenging depending on what you’re up for on a particular day. You’ll be guided and encouraged but never ignored or pushed too far. Teachers are kind and attentive and will give you alternative poses if you can’t / don’t want to do something. The space is huge and open, yet somehow cozy but you can also practice online. The studio is full of props, so you don’t have to bring your own and there’s a rope wall, which is wonderful to have access to. Paul is a brilliant teacher who never stops his learning journey and that translates into an amazing place filled with passionate and compassionate teachers. I can’t recommend this place enough.

Quick feedback about our classes with Paul Menard: he is an awesome instructor! The exercises are very carefully chosen and specific to the audience, whose needs he knows and understands and adapts to with great insight and professionalism.

Paul is an excellent, and exceptional, teacher - in person and online. He is so knowledgeable, energetic, good-humored, a great communicator, and very encouraging to all students. We work hard, and he makes it enjoyable. Thank you, Paul!

Paul is a great instructor, he explains the movements, gave each of us attention as needed, in studio and online. I have anxiety and his kind and gentle voice really helped ease my tension. The studio itself is beautiful with high ceilings, which I found really conducive when working on my breathing because the room is not stifling. I am excited about this journey and I am happy that I chose the Karuna Center to help me!

I find the teaching at Karuna is unmatched in my experience at a number of studios. Even online, the personal feedback and attention to my poses has helped my practice to evolve. I appreciate the gentle kindness along with the intense focus on form and the preparation for and progression from one posture to another.

Compassionate are those who are a part of this studio and you will find nothing less than complete acceptance, growth, and love when you enter this community. Karuna has an over-the-top stunning studio, beautiful Masonic architecture that captures the imagination. The teacher's attention to detail and dedication to the practice will improve your own yoga practice in leaps and strides. The director, Eileen Muir, possesses a remarkable level of devotion to the healing arts of yoga and Shiatsu and is always willing to help those in need. I urge you to come to this space and try a class or two. It could change your life forever. It did for me and I am eternally grateful.

You can tell the teachers at Karuna absolutely love what they are doing and care about each and every student. There are a variety classes for different levels and needs, amazing workshops and guest teachers (like Rodney Yee!) all in a beautiful space! I'm always impressed with the way each class is constructed to lead you to a particular place/skill by the end, and I always feel amazing afterwards. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful place near me!

Attending classes at Karuna has been a wonderful experience. I've been a student here since January and have seen a significant change in my flexibility, breath capacity, patience, and positivity. The teachers at Karuna are inspirational and I highly recommend anyone and everyone (no matter your perceived "ability") to try out a class or a month at the studio.