Photo credit: @bymaddieturnbull & Prana House
Biography
For over 30 years Kamini has created unique body of teachings combining the ancient wisdom of yoga with modern psychology.
Trained at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health with degrees in Anthropology and Psychology from Smith College and La Salle University, Kamini Desai PhD has served as Education Director of the Amrit Yoga Institute, Director of Wellness at Yarrow, an executive retreat center, and on faculty of the Foxhollow Leadership Center.
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She is the co-founder and curriculum developer of I AM Yoga Nidra, one of the 5 major schools of Yoga Nidra, founder of I AM Yoga Therapy and the former director of the 800hr IAYT- Accredited I AM Yoga Therapy program. She now serves as the Director of I AM Education featuring advanced studies and trainings in personal development. Kamini is the developer of the I AM Yoga Nidra app, author of the source text; Yoga Nidra: The Art of Transformational Sleep, and the book Life Lessons, Love Lessons.
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Kamini is the daughter of Yogi Amrit Desai, founder of Kripalu Center, Amrit Institute, and one of the original yoga masters who pioneered the popularity of yoga in the West.
I have to tell you-
I am completely blown away...this has seriously changed my life.
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-Shonda, Student
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You explained the Eastern philosophy of the Tao and Yoga with more clarity than in any book I’ve ever read.
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-David, Engineer
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Considered an expert in the inner sciences of yoga, relaxation and artful living, she has been guest speaker and teacher at various institutions for learning including Smith College, Ramapo College Esalen, Omega, Kripalu, Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, Honor Health Cancer Center, Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga in India, SVyasa University of India ,The College of Psychic Studies in London and the Institute of Integrative Psychiatry. Her guided Yoga Nidra experiences have been used in various government institutions and correctional facilities. Her current voluntary work includes PTSD training for Yoga Teachers in the Ukraine seeking to be of service in this time of need.
Her insight and experience-based trainings and lectures have been welcomed worldwide including India, England, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, France, Austria, Portugal, Germany, Turkey, Iceland, Italy, Jamaica, The Bahamas, Greece, Mexico and throughout the United States and Canada.
In addition to her work in assisting individuals towards personal empowerment and fulfillment, Kamini’s corporate clients have included Bahamas Princess Resorts, Kellogg’s, KEDS, Sony, KPN Telecom and Mars Confectionary as well as the Department of Defense and the Internal Revenue Service of the Netherlands.
Kamini sat on the Editorial Board of the Light on Ayurveda Journal, associated with the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth. In 2012 she was awarded the title of Yogeshwari (a woman of yogic mastery) for her keen ability to bring ancient illumination to the genuine challenges of the human experience. Kamini has been featured on the cover of Yoga Magazine, Natural Awakenings, Cosmopolitan, Fit and Healthy magazine, and has published numerous articles in the United States and Europe.
Kamini conducts various certification trainings in Yoga Nidra, Yoga Therapy, Yogic Philosophy and advanced teaching skills.
From the bottom of my heart I cannot ever have the perfect words to explain my sincere gratitude and appreciation for your teachings.
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-Julie, Yoga Teacher
Kamini is certified as an IAYT 800hr Yoga Therapist, E-RYT 500 and YACEP in yoga instruction. She is also certified in contact partner yoga, Phoenix Rising yoga therapy, massage therapy, danskinetics, and holistic health education.
She speaks Dutch, French, and English.