About Karen Gray
Kia Ora, Ko Karen Gray tōku ingoa.
I grew up in Waikanae and love connecting with the nature and people on the amazing Kāpiti Coast. I also enjoy gardening with the birds in my backyard, and creating together with a Saturday morning art group. I live in Waikanae with my husband and we also have two grown up sons who have flown the nest.
In 2006 I decided to try yoga, and was very fortunate to find my teacher Ruth Diggins and the Viniyoga tradition. Yoga has been an essential part of my own health and wellbeing, particularly doing a daily personal yoga practice and having a close relationship with my teacher. Out of my own positive changes came the desire to share the teachings with others. So I went on to complete the following qualifications:
- 2013 Viniyoga Teacher: 1000 hour Teacher Training with Ruth Diggins.
- 2024 Viniyoga Therapist: 1000 hour Yoga Therapy Training with Dr K Desikachar and Ruth Diggins.
- 2024 Vedic Chant Teacher: 160 hour Chant Teacher Training with Mrs Menaka Desikachar.
Other qualifications: Bachelor Of Arts Degree in Psychology; Certificate in Anatomy & Physiology.
Testimonials
“I’ve been going to Karen’s group classes since she started teaching in 2012. As I adapt to the restrictions of aging (less flexibility and more uncooperative body parts!) Karen’s guidance, sensitive teaching and encouragement have been very supportive and much appreciated.
Sharing some of her own ongoing yoga journey and learnings, Karen brings a deeper understanding and extra dimension to class practice. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be part of Karen’s yoga class.
As a class member said recently ‘You don’t look for a yoga teacher, the yoga teacher finds you’ and for me this rings very true.”
“I’ve been attending Karen’s yoga sessions every week for several years, she shows compassion and is helpful in everything she does.
Karen has also given me individual sessions regarding my personalised practice, which has helped me with relaxation and breath work.”
“The benefits of Viniyoga have steadily layered upon each other for the twelve years since Karen tailored a practice for me; which has been easily discussed and adjusted along the way.
Flexibility and injury prevention came quickly, which were easily maintained, almost becoming prompts, as more profound benefits evolved from the breath-centred focus, leading me towards meditation.
Now I am grateful for an unforeseen transformation from being a bad sleeper to a good sleeper. Also for clarity in life’s decisions, knowing my deeper self better, and finding contentment more easily – peace! Having my own practice to do when and where I like is great too.”