I wanted to like this place... No wait, I wanted to LOVE IT... But after the HORRIBLE encounter that I had with Alex (the owner) I had to let others know that while the place is cute, she is only in business because she is the only yoga instructor/class from Laz Cruces to Roswell... So she can do as she pleases. And in case you are wondering, this is coming from someone having done over 1000 classes, is currently on a "1000 Day Yoga & Meditation Challenge", and is currently in yoga teacher training. So I am not just being pissy, but it was really that bad... First off, she seemed nice. She let me charge my phone battery (I am on a road trip across CA/AZ/NM) and was grateful. She guided us into the room and delayed the class a bit because this other person was taking forever in the bathroom and there were 2 of us waiting. Most of the class seemed OK with it and I was feeling the good energy. I was the only person under 35 in the class, but I love adding yin to my yang practice. I was taking photos and she commented that she had wished that I had asked. I felt bad and respected that. I usually do but had a brain fart in this case. I apologized. This was the GENTLE CLASS. She wanted us to go into a "restorative goddess pose" with props. This is my absolute favourite pose so I went about setting myself up thinking that this was an awesome way to start class after all of the activities that I did today in Alamogordo. She then asked me "why I wasn't doing it her way" and I replied that "I like doing it this way". She got mad and basically asked me why I even bothered to show up and went about how her teacher wouldn't stand for it. I was shocked and went about "doing it her way" and when I thought I knew she mocked me by telling me to "show her". I didn't realize that being berated and humiliated publicly was a part of this class, or maybe it was my hazing ritual to get into her good side. Who knows. Of course I challenged her because she had no right to ask me "why I even bothered to show up if I was going to do my own thing". I WAS DOING A MODIFICATION but she kept pressing ALWAYS HAVING TO HAVE THE LAST WORD. I left to wipe the tears but decided to go back and LET GO and give her a chance. I am not perfect, but I learned to forgive. The class was OK. The people in the class were friendly and a few felt bad and asked if I was OK. I tried to help as much as I can with putting away props and getting them and Alex was being civil, so I was grateful for that because there were many times that she could've led me to break my neck. But then again, I KNOW BETTER because I KNOW THE LIMITATIONS OF MY OWN BODY AND WHAT IS RIGHT FOR IT. When I made a joke about my legs being short, she agreed and even used anatomical terminology to seal the deal - as if it was her way to give me a blow without coming off as a horrible person. KUDOS TO HER. In the end, I went to give her her chant paper back and to tell her that she should never question WHY a student decides to show up to the mat and to be glad that they simply do. And she had the balls to reply "that she felt as if I weren't listening to her and was mocking her teaching!". I was so shocked because I cannot believe that this woman just gave me a vision of someone more obsessed with dictatorship than simply letting people feel good about themselves for showing up at the mat. She saw the look on my face and I commented and asked if "she was serious". Then she offered me my money back because "she didn't feel as if I took HER CLASS, anyway"... Always had to have the last word... I went to use the bathroom and when I walked by the counter I saw $16.10 laying there. She couldn't even have the decency to give it to me but no worries... Perhaps it was better that way. Her training is in Iyengar, which I have taken numerous classes in LA and have NEVER once been berated when having done my own modification... Because I KNOW that they best teacher is the one within and good teachers don't teach to satisfly their ego. Well, Alex is certainly one that is all about asserting her authority as a teacher, rather than letting her students occasionally make decisions for herself, her ego and need to "BE THE BOSS" fuels why she probably went on to be a "yoga teacher". I recommend just getting a hotel room in the area and plugging in the laptop to find an online class. That way, YOU CAN DO YOU. Put that $16.10 towards your hotel/hostel/camping fee. Alex needs a lesson in "adhikara". STRAIGHT UP. And best part, she never once cued us to BREATHE. How's that for yoga? read more

We were just stopping in Cloudcroft to ask where we could find a trading post to stock up on chili items. But when we were driving through I noticed this little store front called Instant Karma. I wasn't really planning to, but when my husband went to walk the dog I made a beeline for this place (as a side note, my husband knew just where to find me when he was done - he knows me too well). So at first I just saw clothes in the front, and thought maybe it was an overpriced touristy place like the others in the strip of stores... but then I took a few more steps in, and behold.... it is an active, whole living type lifestyle store with A YOGA STUDIO IN THE BACK! Coolest little store EVER. I just had to spend my birthday money here. I invested in a SIGG water bottle that I have been wanting, a lip balm, and a sticker that says 'BREATHE'. And I supported a small business! Yay. The woman working (I think maybe the owner) was really sweet and helpful, and she had her dogs in the store with her - another plus. I love this place. read more

Great Iyengar Yoga Class I attended one class when I made a day trip to Cloudcroft from Ruidoso. Alex, (the instructor) and Karen were very welcoming. I felt very comfortable in the class. I would certainly attend again when I am in the area. The store was very interesting with many lovely items. read more

Not only was Cloudcroft the best place we visited in New Mexico, but Instant Karma was the icing on the cake. They have everything, and the highest quality items you can find. They even have a juice bar (which was the healthiest thing we had on our trip)! We met Alex, the owner and her coworker -- lovely people! read more

I was in the class mentioned by K R. and would like to respond to her review. Alex is in business, because she is an excellent teacher. She responds well to the needs of her students; there are other yoga studios in the area, contrary to K R's point. Her question to you was not "...why [weren't you] doing it her way" but rather she asked you why you were using the set up your were. This is what Iyengar teachers are taught to ask, as it helps them understand the needs and knowledge of the student in front of them. When you responded "I like doing it this way." She asked you to give the pose a chance as she was teaching it, rather than defaulting to what you always do. I am sorry your experience was not up to your expectations, but you hold as much responsibility for the outcome of the class as Alex. You were not willing to let got of your ego. You are correct, you should have watched an online class as you did not want feedback on your asanas. You seem to believe you know everything there is to know about yoga and your body. Iyengar does not typically cue breathing, the focus is on alignment. CeM read more

Instant Karma is an excellent place for unusual clothing, but not winter/anti-cold clothing, but that's not why I go there. Alex, the owner, is a certified Iyengar Yoga instructor and has studied with B.K.S. Iyengar himself. She regularly attends workshops to keep herself up to date on technique and teaching skills. Alex operates a second studio in Alamogordo that is practice-only and not a retail location. I highly recommend Alex. She is an excellent instructor and has patience to deal with hideously out of shape middle-age people (me more than my wife) and I have noticed improvement in the time that I've been practicing with her and will continue practicing with her as long as we're both here and can. read more

I just stepped into this place out of curiosity while kicking about my favorite small town ever, and found something I was not expecting. Alex operates a juice bar in the back, and it is delicious. Red pear and ginger (I love ginger) was a revelation, and the apple/carrot/ginger was pretty good also. Just ask Alex not to over-ginger your drink (inside joke, she'll still remember me, I wager) read more

I loved this store. Lots of eclectic items, I bought a himalayan salt lamp! Great visiting with the owner and her clerk. And they are sweet enough to even recommend another place to shop- Off the beaten path! So glad we visited this place. It had a wonderful vibe for an old hippie type like me. I highly recommend. Yes, I am a fan. Lots of shops up and down Burro ave and you can easily forget what is in what store so to let you know this store is memorable and I LOVE my lamp! read more

Love everything about this friendly and zen little shop. Alex is amazing and her products are too

Alex is the coolest person I have ever met. My boyfriend and I live a couple hours from Cloudcroft and we visit Cloudcroft (or should I say Instant karma) often. From the moment I met Alex -- a spark came on! It was like meeting my long lost soul sister. She is a kind woman with great taste in fashion. Walking into her store is like breathing fresh air and you walk out feeling enlightened and happy. I look forward to seeing Alex every time we drive to Cloudcroft! read more

great clothing axcesories, hard to find similar in 300mile area