The Karuna Shala is the perfect place for me when I need to unwind, relax and find peace within myself. Whether I am taking a yoga class (of which I love the pre-natal class offered on Tuesday nights) or getting a relaxing massage I always seem to leave a little happier than I was when I arrived.
When you walk in the door, you are greeted by beautiful colors and eclectic artwork. There are so many visually stimulating things to soak in, I discover something new each time. The people who work here greet you with a smile and believe it or not are always pleasant. They're willing to explain things to you, take the time to listen and help you choose what's right for what you need in that moment. They are not pushy and never try to oversell you on anything. They are genuinely interested in you, nothing else.
I was a big fan of the Karuna Massage before I was pregnant because there are no big choices to make like when you're at a "spa". The massage therapists give your body what it needs (like aromatherapy, hot stones, stretching and tissue work tailored for you) rather than making you pick what you want beforehand and sticking to it just to determine the price. How would I know what my body really needs? That's why I'm there to begin with, right? Nowadays, I really dislike going to a big spa to choose between the deep tissue or the aromatherapy or the hot stones with no muscle work. I was very curious about the Thai massage that is offered at the studio and opted to try it one day. It is absolutely so amazing even though its not a typical massage and you're clothed. The stretching techniques sometimes leave me feeling more relaxed than a regular massage and I've been known to switch between regular and Thai massage with each visit. My husband and his friends have even tried this one and they love it as well. Now that I am pregnant, my pre-natal massage is tailored just for what I need...healing the aches and pains of everyday moans and groans that come with being pregnant. I can honestly say that I have referred my family and my best friends here for the massages alone.
As for the yoga, I began practicing to find peace within myself. Day to day life is very hectic for most of us and I needed a break. I thought that it might be a good idea to incorporate some sort of exercise into this and found yoga. Rather than teaching a class of poses, the instructors here teach you so much more. They focus on breathing techniques, different postures to suit your body, helping you to clear your mind of the hustle and bustle and finding the good inside each of us. There always seem to be something special in each class, from a rose water spritz to a new type of music to a cup of chai after class. These subtle changes keep the classes feeling fresh and a student always on their toes. They allow for us each to discover something new about things we might never have inquired about and I have learned so much.
I know that it sounds like I was paid to write this review, but I promise that I was not. I am a real person just like the rest of you...I work in NY, am married, am having a child and deal with all the same stresses that everyday life brings. The Karuna Shala truthfully gives me a few moments for myself. Moments that I now understand, thanks to the people here, I well deserve.
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