I saw the movie, “Inside Out 2” recently. As you may know, it’s a story of how our emotions interact inside of us to create our external choices and reactions. In this sequel, the new character “Anxiety” starts to run the show more than all other emotions. With Anxiety at the helm, our previous protagonist, “Joy,” is pushed to the side. In a moment of exasperation, Joy says, “Maybe this is just what happens when you grow up…you feel less joy.”
Ooof. I felt this. And I was not alone. There was an audible gasp from the adults in the theater.
It got me thinking about joy, and the ways it gets sidelined while other emotions take charge. Fear, anger, sadness, worry, apathy…these emotions are heavy, and we spend a lot of energy carrying them around.
What the heck is joy anyway? Whereas happiness is often sparked by something external and fleeting, joy is more of a way of being. It’s a mindset that comes from intentional daily thoughts, feelings and actions.
I was particularly inspired by, “The Book of Joy,” in which the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu come together to discuss this elusive topic. One of the things they come back to over and over is the power of compassion. It’s not only about giving this kindness, empathy and grace to others, but also learning to give it to ourselves.
When we shift into this compassionate mindset, we loosen the grip on our expectations, and therefore, open ourselves to noticing and experiencing more joy.
How many times do we judge and criticize other people without knowing them? Those judgmental thoughts are coming from our assumptions, which often come from our own deep fears and insecurities. Shifting our thoughts to include more curiosity and compassion can be a game changer.
Our thoughts drive our emotions. If your thoughts are judgemental, your emotions will correspond. You’ll feel suspicious, angry or afraid. And as a result, your actions will come from a place of fear and distrust. If you infuse your thoughts with kindness, love, and curiosity, what kinds of emotions and actions will correspond?
Replacing judgemental thoughts with kind thoughts, allows permission for people to be imperfect. And when we offer that grace and kindness to other people, we become more able to do it for ourselves. Creating more lightness and levity in our lives is a natural invitation for joy.
As I write this, I’m processing loss and grief. I’m feeling sad and angry, which is making it tricky to embrace more joy (hence my deep-dive on this topic). I recognize that most of our suffering is connected to us wishing things were different than they are. Clinging tightly to expectations of how I think things are “supposed to” be, rather than finding peace and contentment in my current situation is the toughest practice for me. I suspect it’s tough for you, too.
Which is why it’s no surprise that the Yoga Sutras specifically call out this uncomfortable human experience. The Niyamas, which are internal guidelines for living more ethically and spiritually, name Santosha as one of those internal practices.
Santosha invites us to be content with what is, without trying to change it. Not focusing on what’s missing or what could be better. Not relying on things outside of ourselves to make us happy. But rather, finding gratitude and acceptance in what is.
Believe me, it’s easier said than done! But loosening your expectations and beginning to embrace what’s in front of you is one of the most powerful steps to inviting a mindset of joy.
Here are tips for cultivating joy during your yoga class:
How do you cultivate joy on and off of your mat? We would love to hear about it!
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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!