We are living in an unprecedented time in human history. This virus has taken multiple lives, created a shortage on medical supplies, forced large scale human isolation, abruptly closed businesses, and forced many into unemployment. It has left us full of wonder, fear, grief, hopelessness, and stress; and those who have to go into work every day uncertain if/when they’ll contract this invisible killer. We are at war with something that no one alive today has ever experienced, an enemy that impacts all 7.8 billion humans on this planet.
Just writing this puts a blanket of grief over me that shakes me to my core. Yet I cannot help but be so incredibly full of gratitude to live in a small part of the world where, when worse comes to worst, we can look to one another for support. We encourage each other and support small businesses. We give our time and money. We stand together and lift one another up. I’m not here to say this last month has been easy, but it puts some of life’s most precious gifts into perspective. And makes me pray a thousand prayers for all the healthcare workers who show true strength and courage.
While all this is going on in the world around us, we are isolated and without routine. Slower days. Less human interactions. No rush to wake up early or go to bed at a decent time. Less planning since we don’t know when plans can resume. Celebrations and trips are postponed, along with funerals for those who have passed. No hospital visits when babies are born. Marathons, competitions, concerts, and events cancelled. Yet, when we do get to connect, phone calls are longer and video chats become the new norm, book clubs and virtual workouts are an outlet for socialization and connection. Yard work, gardening, and house projects are ramping up. New recipes being baked, or old favorite recipes are making their way back into the kitchen. Hobbies are being discovered, or rediscovered. Memorable stories are being told and old photos are resurfacing. Birthdays and holidays are a bit more meaningful and deeper.
I have come to discover what I need in this season of life – emotionally, physically, spiritually – is restoration. The rollercoaster of emotions that have come and gone into my anxiety-ridden mind and has depleted me beyond the point of wanting anything besides some restorative yoga. As someone who loves to sweat and has a competitive side (I guess 25 years of soccer will do that to you), it has been a struggle to accept and surrender to my body only wanting and needing to restore for a couple of weeks in a row.
I celebrated my 31st birthday during this quarantine, and part of me has joked with friends and family that the first two weeks of quarantine has aged me at least 10 years, putting my age to at least 41. And all joking aside, I woke up two days after my birthday and ached like I never have before. Immediate my mind flooded with thoughts of “is this just me getting older? Is this anxiety? Is this because of the pandemic? Am I going to hurt every morning I wake up? Why can’t I just bounce back like I used to?”. Is it just me who has these thoughts? Surely, I am not alone in these internally contemplations!
When I finally gave my body the beautiful, restorative nourishment it so desperately needed, everything began to shift. My negative self-talk lessened, my anxiety became more controllable, my body became more mobile than it’s been in years, my relationships and conversations with loved ones have become more about quality than quantity, and I’ve found myself spending more of my free time in meditation and spaces of quietness, where my soul can truly heal, reset, and recharge. And I’m honestly way more of a joy to be around when I’m restored.
As I begin to add more physically demanding exercises back into my routine, my mind and body are so grateful for the grace and kindness I gave myself when I needed it the most. It has become my baseline for what’s to come and, although I wish I had the power to magically make this virus disappear, the opportunity this slowness has given me to wash my mind, body and spirit clean of exhaustion, comparison, and negativity, and restore it back to energy, love, and positivity will only give me strength and compassion as we all, as a community, continue to move forward through the unknown.
If you are seeking restorative classes be sure to check out Power Life LIVE!
2024 Power Life, All Rights Reserved.
Built with 🤍 by Blink
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!