Johnna Smith teaches locally in Charlotte, NC and internationally, connecting people to the powerful and sweet teachings of Yoga. “Our divine birthright is Joy.” She roots this ancient message within her daily Mysore classes, workshops, master classes and co-lead advanced yoga studies.

Years of panic attacks and an inner searching for something led Johnna to the yoga mat. Beginning in 1995, with Ashtanga Yoga practices, she found more joy and less fear.

In 2001 Johnna realized that in this lifetime she wanted to wake up to her true purpose: sharing yoga. Which requires a teacher. She began her lifelong studies of Para Yoga with Tantra Vidya Guru YogaRupa Rod Stryker and is a Level 1  Certified ParaYoga® Instructor . Devoted to yoga’s deeper teachings she, in 2004, began regularly traveling to Mysore, India studying with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and later Sri R. Sharath Jois. In 2016 Sri Sharath blessed her with Authorization Level 2. She is also a Certified Baptiste Teacher®.

Johnna wishes to share the teachings of yoga in a way that inspires people to develop a passion and love for the practice. She incorporates asana, philosophy of yoga, devotional songs and meditations, so that the deeper aspects of the yoga tradition can connect us and bring us closer together.

Her mission is to awaken the world to the yogic teachings, to awaken each dormant heart, and inspire. “Connect to that untapped source deep within, find your fire and follow your heart. Be led to a life of joy and fulfillment.”

She humbly bows to her teachers: Sri YogaRupa, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Sri R. Sharath Jois. “I feel so blessed to have these teachings in this lifetime,  Thank you.”

Practice with Johnna online at Yoga International by clicking here.