Welcome and thank you for being here!
My name is Karen Andujar and this is my story, or at least part of my story. This part of my journey began three-plus decades ago, early teens suffering from chronic migraines that left me debilitated, depressed, and feeling as though was out of options. Over the decades symptoms worsened until I was stuck in bed most days, wondering what kind of life lie ahead. The Warrior Within started from a very literal place; there was a war raging within my body–well vs. unwell, pain vs. ease, optimism vs. depression, and what I could vs. could not do. So many stories, so much self-imposed limitation.
Transformation arrives little by little in the choices we make, and mine was no different. In time, The Warrior Within also transformed.
The first step was finding yoga and meditation over 15 years ago. What began as a physical practice to get out of my head, transformed into a slower appreciation of what my body was capable of and an inward journey of curiosity and acceptance. In 2014 I certified as an instructor with East Meets West Yoga, where I have been teaching ever since, sharing from my heart the teachings and lessons that helped me thrive.
The second step was pursuing the Professional Coaching Course through New Ventures West. A year-long exploration of “who am I” and “what am I hiding from” led me to step into those most human parts of myself I disregarded, pushed aside, and frankly didn’t like or felt ashamed. The process of integration–which is ongoing–created space for me to face the stories I had created about my circumstances. These stories held nuggets of truth, but had been so warped by justifications, excuses, and blind spots they were doing the exact opposite of what I desired–they created obstacles to health and wellbeing.
With a greater sense of clarity, commitment and understanding of my purpose, I jumped into nutrition, movement and mindfulness to expand my arsenal of health becoming a certified nutrition coach through Precision Nutrition and personal trainer through NASM. I completed my 300RYT through the Himalayan Institute in 2020. All the parts impact the whole. The Warrior Within has evolved into a courageousness to be present with the good, the bad and the in-between (inside and out); the bravery to trust oneself and practice self-compassion; the virtue to align with something bigger than oneself–all in pursuit of self-mastery. In this transformation I have reclaimed by body (not pain free, but better, and lost 25 lbs.), increased spacious equanimity to ride the waves of life, redesigned my stories to support growth, and aligned with a purpose that reminds me why I keep going. My purpose: be the light!
In August 2022 I completed an M.S. in Health Promotion from the Maryland University of Integrative Health with a focus on workplace wellness. A perfect synergy of strategy, theory and practical application combined with complementary approaches to achieve holistic wellbeing for you and your employees.
Our overall wellbeing is a beautifully choreographed dance between our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual selves. My goal is to help you find greater harmony and build your arsenal of health. See my full LinkedIn profile here.
M.S. Health Promotion, Maryland University of Integrative Health Masters of Science in Health Promotion
RYT-500, ERYT-200 Certified Yoga Instructor, YACEP– specialized training through Veteran’s Yoga Project, Y12SR Leadership Training, fundamentals of Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Mindfulness Meditation and Para Yoga Immersion.
Certified Personal Trainer, National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
Nutrition, sleep, stress management and recovery coach, Precision Nutrition
Integral Life Coach, New Ventures West
thewarriorwithin.net 