As someone who thrives on a schedule and routine, finding time to slow down rarely ever has a defined place on my calendar. Whether it’s school, work, family, friends, etc. there is always something that we could be doing. We could be doing an extra task to get ahead at work, or we could be using any free time to check something off our to-do list, but we also could use those 10-15 minutes to just slow down. When I say slow down, I’m not talking about binging your favorite trash television show on Hulu, but instead, I’m talking about true time to yourself (minus screens). Easier said than done, right? There is no way that age-old quote of the need to slow down will help you speed up is accurate, right? In trying to find time to slow-down, I’ve found that the magic is in the balance. As someone who is used to doing something all the time, taking a big chunk of time to not do anything sounds daunting. Instead, I started with 10 minutes of putting my phone on do not disturb and stepping away from laptop. From there, here are the best tips I’ve experienced for finding enjoyment and beauty in those slow, 10-minute-or-less moments.
Fresh air is always good for the soul! Even as it gets colder outside, throwing on a coat and stepping outside if only for 2-3 minutes can help to break up the list of tasks you are cranking through or spend some time away from your computer/phone screen. I use time outside to do a Five Senses Mindfulness exercise. This includes taking under five minutes to ground yourself where you are and acknowledge what you hear, smell, see, taste, and can touch. It is a great way to break the continued work/family/school thoughts circulating in your head and can help ground you in the present moment.
Insight Timer and Headspace are two apps with many mediation videos and breathing exercises (and also have free options!). Many of these guided meditations are under 10 minutes and are tailored to different parts of your day and/or how you are feeling making it a tool you can use for any length of time or part of the day.
Finding time to journal is a great way to slow down and be aware of how you are feeling and doing. Others may find it more difficult to know where to start when journaling, so finding a guided journal is a great way to get in the habit of finding time for yourself to do this each day. The Gratitude Journal and A Year of Zen are two highly recommended options for those wanting to dabble into journaling.
I have found reading to be one of those things that people either love or hate. If you love it, picking up a good book is a quick 10-minute slowdown that can easily turn into 20-30 minutes (or more). For those that don’t love reading, grabbing a book like All Along You Were Blooming or Milk and Honey are a great way to start as they both have short stories/poems to read and reflect on.
If you’re looking for something a little longer than 10 minutes, Power Life’s Restore class is one hour of slowing down, connecting to your body, and finding relaxation. As you start to incorporate more and more time into your slow down, finding time to take a Restore class at least once a week is a great way to dedicate more time to yourself.
These are so many things that you can do to help slow down and break the hustle and bustle of every day but being intentional about finding this time is just as important, especially as we head into the holiday season where there are so many things to do, all the time. Despite what I said in the beginning, it is true that you need to slow down in order to speed up. Slowing down allows us to fill our cups, supports us in finding time for ourselves, and propels us forward in self-growth. Next time you feel the urge to work a little longer, turn on your TV right away, or feel like you’re just doing things to fill your time, take 10, 20, or maybe even 30 minutes to feel your time by slowing down and finding gratitude in those moments.
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2024 Power Life, All Rights Reserved.
Built with 🤍 by Blink Wellness
Parking available in the Scheels Parking Lot.
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Kirk was working 80-hour weeks and wearing his shoulders as earrings when he found yoga in 2005. Forever the competitive athlete, he loved the physicality of yoga. When the spiritual and philosophical side of yoga were exposed to him, Kirk was hooked. Yoga provided him with what other activities couldn’t -- the ability to foster the benefits of practice both on and off of the mat. Yoga was something that Kirk could bring into all aspects of his life.
Kirk knows that yoga can be intimidating, so he crafts a class that is playful and inviting, while still being challenging and safe. His creatively planned classes build strength and flexibility in your body and mind while establishing clarity, giving you more confidence to overcome obstacles in your life, and keeping you injury-free. His classes are themed with a message that is relatable and will inspire you to take it with you off your mat. Kirk has been teaching yoga since 2008 and lead his first teacher training in 2012. Where Kirk truly shines is in coaching, developing and bringing out the best in others.
Kirk enjoys traveling (40+ countries to date!), snowboarding, and cherishes time with his wife and two daughters.
Christen Bakken’s yoga journey began in 1998 in a Bikram studio that provided a safe and secure place to practice. She saw the yoga mat as a place to remember her purpose and a place to play. As she continued her studies and began her journey to teaching in 2006, Christen infused yoga classes with devotion and the yoga mat became a place of personal transformation and healing. Her classes are filled with laughter, song, sweat, and usually heart openers. In 2013, Christen began training yoga teachers. This is the place where she finds the most joy - in community with folks looking to grow and be of greater service in their homes, on their mats, and in the world. Over the years, she has led trainings in Denver, the Midwest, Florida, and now abroad. She has trained in continuing education modules, 200-hour, 300-hour, and 500-hour programs. Beyond the mat, Christen is a passionate adventure seeker - she loves to bike, snowboard, and spend time with her husband and pups. She sees each day as a blessing and hopes to remind all who interact with her of this truth.
We validate parking for THREE garages in the area!
Two Light garage located directly north of the studio. Please bring your ticket inside for validation.
Three Light garage at Main and Truman. Garage entrance on Truman. Please bring your ticket inside for a validation sticker.
Power & Light garage at 13th and Grand. Please ask for a parking pass at the studio front desk. (Hot tip: the Power & Light garage has a ton of space! But be sure to give yourself a little extra time to walk to the studio.)
If you find that you are running a couple minutes late due to parking, please call the studio to let the instructor know to wait for you before locking the doors.
We have partnered with our friends at Greenslate to provide 1 hour and 15 minute validated parking for Power Life students in the lot at 36th and Harney (just south of the Cottonwood Hotel). Read below to learn how to take advantage of this perk:
Step 1: Scan the QR code located in the lot.
Step 2: Select your destination (i.e. “yoga studio”).
Step 3: Ask for the validation code at the Blackstone studio front desk and enter it on your phone.
Step 4: You are all set! Have fun at class!
Please note:
The validation provided by Power Life and Greenslate is for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Need to add additional time to your parking space? You can do that conveniently from your phone!
This option is valid once per day per license plate.
There is a paved lot and gravel lot on the West side of the building.
Meters on Court and 4th (by Peace Tree) for $0.25/hour, 9am-9pm Mon. – Sat. 12-hour max*
Meters on 4th (to the North) for $1.25/hour. Mon – Sat. 4-hour max.
All meters are free on Sundays and major holidays.
*Starting July 8, 4th Street will temporarily become a one-way. Students will only be able to enter our parking lot from the North via Court Ave. and exit it going south. Thank you for understanding!