On a recent afternoon, music by Sona Jobarteh, an acclaimed Gambian instrumentalist, singer and composer, fills a spacious room at Common Grounds Pensacola.
International yoga instructors, collaborators and friends Loise Diana Karlsson, Alayna Butryn and Zarina Iunusova pose on yoga bolsters in half lotus positions in the room’s center.
Two Tibetan singing bowls made by Tibetan refugees sit at Butryn’s feet. Across the room, six white crystal singing bowls glow in front of a large antique mirror leaning against a wall. The room also contains live palms, piles of pillows, blankets and yoga bolsters, and a selection of tea from India, Sweden and the USA’s only commercial tea farm, the Charleston Tea Plantation on Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina.
At this west Pensacola yoga studio that opened in 2023, the threesome is devoted to promoting “healthy body, healthy mind, healthy world,” said Karlsson, Common Grounds Pensacola owner.
Offerings stretch from the simple to the challenging — from educational workshops to Zen kid yoga to vinyasa to restorative yoga to crystal sound healing to botanical wellness workshops to daily and international retreats to sailing/yoga retreats and so much more.
The women’s dynamically diverse backgrounds, skill sets and certifications ensure their clients benefit from some of the most respected yoga masters on the planet.
As the daughter of a father who worked worldwide for aid organizations including the United Nations, and in her positions as chief stewardess on luxury yachts and private luxury estate manager, Karlsson saw the world. She is fluent in Swedish, French, Spanish and English.
“Throughout my decade-long tenure in the (luxury yacht/private luxury estate) industry, I traversed the globe, fueling my passion for yoga,” Karlsson said.
Her global adventures took her to Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, South America, Central America, the Pacific Islands and the United States. Along the way, she found herself in spellbinding Nepal.
Nepal became “the chosen destination” for her to immerse herself in an Indian yoga teacher training school, earning her prestigious teacher training certificate. Here, she delved into the spiritual realm while visiting Tibetan monks and monasteries.
“Meeting my husband, Igor, in Isla Mujeres, Mexico, while working on a yacht marked the beginning of a new chapter,” she explained. “Together, we sailed for a decade, chartering our boat and teaching yoga to guests in remote and breathtaking locations. Our two children were born during these adventures, our daughter in French Polynesia and our son in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.”
Transitioning from sea to land, Karlsson said they sold their catamaran and settled in Pensacola about three years ago.
“Here, I found solace in teaching ashtanga yoga at a local studio downtown,” she said. “Recognizing the absence of yoga studios in west Pensacola, I opened Common Grounds Pensacola, a sanctuary for our community to share the practice in a safe and inclusive environment.” Karlsson also started a boat and property cleaning and concierge service business, catering to luxury homes and vessels.
“At Common Grounds, we offer a variety of classes, day events and retreats aimed at fostering self-care and inner peace,” Karlsson said. “Our restorative classes, accompanied by live crystal sound bowls and Tibetan bowls, provide a space for practitioners to unwind and rejuvenate.
“As a mother and entrepreneur, I understand the importance of finding stillness amidst the chaos, which is why I remain committed to sharing the transformative power of yoga with others.”
Looking ahead, Karlsson said, “We are planning an international retreat in Costa Rica, inviting participants to reconnect with nature, indulge in cultural experiences and deepen their yoga practice.
“Whether through private sessions, group classes or corporate events, my mission remains the same: to guide others on their journey towards self-discovery and holistic wellness,” Karlsson said.
FROM RUSSIA
WITH LOVE OF YOGA
Iunusova is a certified yoga instructor whose yoga journey began in her home country of Russia, where she was introduced to Hatha yoga via 100 hours of foundational training guided by an Indian Brahmin. She also expanded her yoga education in her free time, practicing in between university piano and flute classes, and while studying at a European yoga school, learning under some of Russia’s finest instructors.
“My teaching initially began in Russia; however, after relocating to the USA in 2021, I gained experience in various yoga methodologies within different studios, including Everman studio.”
Today, proficient at teaching in Russian and English, Iunusova specializes in hatha, vinyasa, pranayama and yoga therapy.
“Central to my teaching ethos is the fusion of hatha yoga and vinyasa into a holistic practice of vinyasa yoga flow,” she said. “I emphasize a profound understanding of traditional Indian philosophy and its integration into yoga.”
In addition to Common Grounds, Iunusova teaches at various locations, including resorts, studios and beach settings. She also conducts private classes for individuals, families, groups and vacationers.
“My passion for yoga stems from its ability to make my body feel great every day,” Iunusova said. “It fosters a deep connection with my emotions, enhances my understanding of others and contributes to better health for myself and my clients. I can confidently say that I cannot imagine my life without yoga. Practicing every day allows for continuous personal growth and the ability to help others in a meaningful way.”
WORLDLY VIEW REIGNS
Butryn, a New Jersey native who lived in New York City for 15 years before relocating to Pensacola three years ago, has an MBA in finance and a BS in international business and Spanish.
“Eight years ago, I was working on a trading floor selling foreign currencies at a corporate bank in Manhattan, stressed out of my mind, when I decided to quit my job and book a one-way trip to Asia to explore a new part of the globe,” Butryn shared.
“On this trip, I was able to visit 14 countries, one of them being India where I was fortunate enough to study in Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world located on the sacred Ganges. There, I received my 200-hour yoga teacher training certificate in hatha yoga, a branch of yoga that has been practiced for thousands of years.”
Hatha, like vinyasa, typically involves a set of physical asanas (yoga poses) and breathing techniques (pranayama), but unlike vinyasa, hatha is practiced at a much slower pace and with more static holds, Butryn explained.
“I have been fortunate enough to travel to almost 40 countries in my lifetime and have practiced yoga with teachers from all over the world, which has greatly added to my approach and style of teaching,” Butryn said. “Our life experiences shape us, and with that we all can bring something a little different to the table.”
“I currently teach vinyasa, gentle yoga and chair yoga at Common Grounds Pensacola and the Downtown YMCA. I also offer private one-on-one lessons and private group classes.”
Butryn’s classes focus on positive messages/themes, proper physical alignment to empower students to better deepen their practice on their own, strong focus on “the breath,” guiding students through each inhale and exhale, plus showing them how to properly breathe via diaphragmatic movement and incorporating the healing sounds of singing bowls into every class.
“Transitioning from the high-stakes world of finance to the serene practice of yoga has been such a transformative journey for me, one that has profoundly enhanced my mental well-being,” Butryn said. “I have personally struggled with anxiety and depression for years. Yoga has helped me find solace and strength on the mat and a newfound sense of inner peace and balance. To me, yoga is not just a practice, it is a lifestyle.”
It all makes sense. After all, said Butryn, “The word yoga literally means yolk/union joining body, mind and spirit together.”
MEDITATION & YOGA
Common Grounds Pensacola certified yoga instructor Zarina Iunusova says meditation and yoga truly transformed her life, delivering a deep sense of inner peace and joy. Through daily meditation, she discovered that everything begins in the mind.
“Last year, when I faced the loss of my mother, meditation became my sanctuary, helping me find the strength to care for myself and support my dad through his grief,” Iunusova shared. “Whether I’m traveling the world or experiencing a whirlwind of emotions, meditation keeps me grounded.
“And it’s something anyone can embrace, regardless of age, fitness level or background.”
How to meditate for beginners:
1. Find a quiet space: Choose a quiet and comfortable place where you won’t be disturbed.
2. Get comfortable: Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. You can use cushions or a chair if needed.
3. Focus on “the breath”: Close your eyes and bring your attention to your breathing. Notice the sensation of each inhale and exhale. (Yoga asks us to contemplate and work with our “breath,” using it consciously. With practice, the breath and movement become coordinated and controlled. In yoga, this practice is called “pranayama.”)
4. Let go of thoughts: Thoughts will inevitably arise; the key is to observe them without judgment and gently guide your focus back to your breath.
5. Start small: Begin with just a few minutes of meditation each day and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable.
6. Be patient: Meditation is a skill that takes time to develop. Be patient with yourself and trust the process.
