“The purpose of Yoga is the attainment of happiness, peace, and bliss. The meaning of Yoga is the union of individual consciousness with Shiva consciousness, with God. Yoga is the meeting of the drop and the ocean. The ultimate result of all Yoga is purity of mind and body.”
– Swami Kripalu
Yoga, from the Sanskrit root “yuj”, is often translated into the word “union”. The practices of Yoga seek to develop a heightened level of consciousness and awareness so that the practitioner may grow in their capacity for compassion, healing, and wisdom of True Self. In short, Yoga is a science of self-awareness that seeks the realization and experiential knowledge of one’s humanity merged with their Divinity.
A well-rounded practice of Yoga requires an understanding of the underlying philosophies and principles surrounding the tradition. Originally, the practice of Yoga was passed on to only the worthy seekers as part of an oral tradition – teacher and student working together to preserve and practice the sacred teachings.
Often in this practice, practitioners may have experiences that are difficult to describe – experiences that are not part of the normal waking consciousness – i.e., feeling a wave of emotion within the mind, or a rise of energies within body. Ancient yogis would also have similar experiences and sought to understand these internal processes. These yogis created models, based on the philosophies of the day, and passed them down to their students. The models were then embellished and expanded, and sometimes, merged with other models – continuing to adapt to the societal shifts. These models give the intangible experience a tangible form and offers a firm foundation and road map as one traverses through the process of Yoga. One such navigational tool that emerged from the Vedanta and Upanishadic Non-dual teachings is the Four Branches of Yoga.
First systematically described in the Bhagavad Gita, Karma Yoga is the practice of selfless service that is predominately action oriented. Karma yogis practice skillful action not for personal gain but to uplift the lives of whom they serve. This is the yoga of an active life – as opposed to a life of renunciation. Action is performed in the spirit of sacrifice (yajna) and the renunciation then falls upon the fruits of action so that no karmic bonds are created. The aim is to seek the Divinity in all and to develop non-attachment to any potential outcomes or results associated with one’s duties and responsibilities.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna describes the path of Raja Yoga as one of “meditation” or “discipline.” Raja or “Royal” Yoga is a systematic path to self-realization which would later be refined and articulated by Sri Patanjali and the Yoga Sutras. Through the weaving together of thoughts and observed truths in a sequence that offers insight into one’s spiritual practice – a road map is revealed. The illuminated path is a progression through the stages of meditation to arrive at samadhi or union – creating the journey from the self to the Self.
“Nothing in the world can purify as powerfully as wisdom; practiced in yoga, you will find this wisdom within yourself.”
– Bhagavad Gita 4.38, translation by Stephen Mitchell
Knowledge and wisdom are gained with the study of scripture and the observation of the Self. The Jnana yogi uses the experiences of practices and the knowledge gained through self-study to seek the wisdom that lies hidden beyond the mind and in the depths of the soul – the unity of humanity with Divinity.
“By devotion he comes to realize the meaning of my infinite vastness; when he knows who I truly am, he instantly enters my being.”
– Bhagavad Gita 18.55, translation by Stephen Mitchell
Through the lens of Bhakti Yoga, the Divine can only be known through the power of love and devotion. The knowledge of Divinity emerges from the awakening, opening, and experience of the heart and energy within. The heart-centered practices often include chanting the various names of God, prayer, and repetition of mantra – a word or phrase that focuses and ultimately, transcends the mind.
While these four branches may be studied and experienced individually – one might find that through the cultivation of qualities from each branch a greater depth of insight of True Nature is gained. As a practitioner continues to explore and grow, they may also find that they are drawn to one branch versus another based upon the point in which they find themselves within their practice or stage of life.
So, how does Hatha Yoga fit into the workings of the Four Branches of Yoga? Hatha Yoga began to emerge around 11th century and could be viewed as a progression of the Four Branches with the addition of other teachings of the day including Patanjali’s Eight-Limbed Path and Tantra Yoga. Hatha Yoga, while being primarily physical in nature, utilizes all the branches – action (karma) though mindful movement and breath practices; meditation and discipline (raja) through movement, breath, and meditation techniques; wisdom (jnana) through the awakening of the Witness Consciousness and the ability to rest in the space of True Nature; and devotion and reverence (bhakti) to the Higher Self.
Hatha Yoga is a practice of physical well-being in which many Western students begin their exploration into this ancient science. Hatha Yoga uses the physical body as a “spiritual doorway” to unleash the potential of innate healing and inner knowing one’s True Nature. When yoga asana (posture) is performed mindfully, one may experience greater concentration, profound stillness, and connection to Source. With the addition of the foundational hatha yoga practices of pranayama (breath control), and mudra (contraction in the body that pulls the mind inward), one can not only rejuvenate and re-balance the physical body but also dissolve the layers of identity within the mental body to become fully absorbed in Spirit. Hatha Yoga aims to create awareness and unity of body, mind, and Spirit – as the goal of the practice is not to escape the body or mind but see them as expressions of Divine energy.
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Stephie's earliest memories of yoga are of standing in shoulder stand with her mom and the Jane Fonda vinyl playing in the background. Stephie's first "official" yoga class did not come until the late '90's when working for a touring children's theatre company. She fell in love all over again. Wanting to share that love, Stephie's journey led her to the east coast and Kripalu center for yoga and health. There, she has completed both 200 and 500 hour teacher training programs and has been given the honor of being named an acharya (teacher of wisdom). She continues to study in the Kripalu and Pranakriya tradition with master-level teacher Yoganand Michael Carroll. Stephie's classes combine her love of fluid movement (vinyasa) and breath work (pranayama) to create a meditation in motion - allowing for inquiry and exploration of one's true self.
“Seek truth, not peace.” -Yoganand Michael Carroll
"The wise proclaim that love is the only path, love is the only God, and love is the only scripture. I am in fact a pilgrim on the path of love.” -Swami Kripalu
Hi, I'm Gaby and a Des Moines native! Since I was young, I was involved in competitive dance and cheerleading. Throughout undergrad and grad school I bounced around to different gyms and workout formats trying to stay active. In the beginning of 2020 I hit a workout plateau and decided to give Power Life a try.. and I'm so glad I did! I was instantly hooked on the fun, sweaty workouts along with the inviting community! You can expect lots of energy, awesome beats, and a challenging workout with me! Outside of Power Life you can find me cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes or New Orleans Saints, enjoying the sunshine, or sipping a margarita!
After one month of crushing a 20 for 30 challenge, Katie was hooked on Power Sculpt. The unique challenge, killer cardio and motivation that she gets from every class keeps her coming back. Outside of work and practicing over the lunch hour, Katie enjoys Iowa Hawkeye games, spending time with her family and dog Norah, and biking the beautiful trails that this wonderful state provides.
I started teaching at Power Life KC in 2015, and haven’t looked back. I am so happy and excited to be in Des Moines teaching! My name is Rachel, and I love bringing an empowering class to my students every time they come to their mats. I cannot wait to see y’all on your mats!
As a former dancer, Jess has always been passionate about staying active. After her freshman year in college she decided to try Power Life as a way to stay in shape. She was immediately hooked! She loves the workouts and community Power Life has to offer. She can't wait to share her passion and practice with you!
I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance at the University of Iowa, a minor in Health Promotion and a 200 hour yoga certification in Hatha yoga. After spending a few years dancing professionally in Colorado, I moved to Omaha to be closer to family. Additionally, I have been working as a massage therapist since 2016. My favorite hobby is to take fitness classes and spend time outside playing with my two dogs, Rufus and Rylee. I love teaching students new ways to be active, so I can't wait to challenge you in my class!
Ally discovered Power Life in Kansas City. It was her first yoga experience and she immediately was hooked from the high energy and challenging workout. Outside of the studio, you can find Ally teaching third grade. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading, and playing with her two dogs. She has upbeat music and wants her students to leave feeling challenged on and off the mat.
Hiya, my name is Renae! I enjoy being outside (hiking, biking, camping, paddle-boarding, etc.) music, adventuring & spending time with my partner & our people. I love that Power Life creates a safe, inclusive, welcoming space and encourages community. I cant wait to sculpt or flow with ya!
I began my yoga journey in 2018 at Tulivesi in Marquette, MI, while receiving my Bachelor's in Psychology. Since May of 2021, I began teaching at Power Life as a 200 Hr RYT. Yoga is a humble-some melting pot for me - uniting mind, body, and spirit - while also connecting me to new friends and opportunities. Off the mat you can find me digging into the metaphysical side of life with a pocket full of crystals, essential oils, and maybe even a Tarot deck.. or 2! In the studio, I offer a space of freedom to be as YOU are to ground, explore, and grow. Come get your flow on with me in a mind-opening and soul-warming class.
I started my yoga journey during the off season for college basketball. It gave me a sense of balance and ignited a passion to continue the practice. When I moved from Denver to Omaha I knew it was time to make the jump to become an instructor. Since then yoga has been my outlet. I could not be more excited to share this passion with fellow yogis both on and off the mat!
Brianna recently graduated from college with her degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. Bri loves spending her extra time running, baking, adventuring and Brunching all over KC. She recently fell in love with Power Life and thought what better way to connect with and energize as many people as she can than by teaching Power Barre classes. Brianna strives to create a Fun, Fit, Fabulous atmosphere through her classes, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
Hi friends! I'm Emily- I'm a yoga/fitness enthusiast, foodie, and an avid reader. I love teaching yoga because it combines so many of the things I love- movement, connections, and people. My favorite things to include in a class are great music, high energy, and the chance to listen to/honor your body. I can't wait to practice with you!
YOU are why I show up onto my mat to teach! First yoga experience, years in, whether I know you or meeting you – you mean something to me, and I appreciate you for making it onto your mat. I hope you’ll experience an energetic challenge (not a scary challenge), one that is safe, fiery, loving and keeps you realizing YOU do hard things! Together we’ll experience multiple options for your body to experience based off what your body needs that practice. Laughs? We’ll absolutely get that in too! I started my practice at Power Life to make friends and find a community - years later my want hasn’t changed, but now I hope you’re a part of it. Come sweat with me in; Power 2’s, Sculpt, Barre or FIT classes.
My yoga practice began in 2017. I was diagnosed with scoliosis and a doctor recommended yoga to help with my pain. I soon realized along with the physical benefits I was also obtaining mental and spiritual benefits as well! I have a natural love for learning and teaching on and off my mat. Off my mat I received my Bachelors in Elementary Education from UMKC and my masters in Teaching English as a Second Language. On my mat I’m certified to teach Power and Hot Yoga. Come take one of my classes for growth mentally and physically and leave with a sense of belonging, empowerment, and peace.
Amy Morrison, E-RYT 500, has been teaching yoga since 2013. She did her first Power Vinyasa teacher training in Costa Rica just to learn something new and ended up falling in love with the practice. Since then, she has done multiple trainings with world-renowned teachers specializing in Vinyasa and meditation. She is a teacher’s teacher as she currently runs the 200-hr teacher training at Power Life. Her classes incorporate intelligent and invigorating sequencing, good music, and calming energy. Amy hopes to help students let go of stress and tension, while building strength and flexibility. Join her for a fun and liberating class!
On a personal note... Amy loves to travel! She is a kid at heart and loves spending most of her free time playing with her two boys, ages 1 and 5. She loves to create new things whether that be working on her clothing line or converting her sprinter van into a tiny home. She loves exploring new places with her family and dog, Frankie, reading books, going to concerts, and painting. Oh, and she loves pizza...
After graduating from Iowa State University, I needed a change in scenery and decided to make the move to Des Moines. Being a part of the Iowa State Track and Field team and being involved in multiple sports my whole life, I was searching for something new and challenging. After a few months of taking classes at Power Life Yoga I was hooked! I fell in love with the intensity Power Sculpt classes bring by incorporating weights into yoga and the encouraging community we are surrounded with. When I'm not at the studio you can find me cooking, biking, or hanging out on the nearest patio with a glass of wine, surrounded by family and friends!
I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2017 and moved to the Des Moines area. I have always loved being active, so I decided to give Power Life a try and fell in love! I love to help others achieve their goals and bring a positive vibe.
Kelli began practicing yoga in her home with an app on her iPad. She wanted more out of her yoga practice, so with encouragement from her husband, tried PLY in 2015. She was immediately hooked by PLY’s positivity, community, and atmosphere. She discovered yoga’s physical and mental benefits. Kelli completed her 200 hour teacher training in 2018. She was inspired to share yoga’s ability to heal and grow physically and mentally with others. Off her mat Kelli is a high school math teacher and coach. She loves spending time with her husband, daughter, and miniature goldendoodle Orly. Going on walks and enjoying summer nights on the deck with a glass of wine are her favorite activities.
Summer had been dedicated to a treadmill-hopping, DVD-led, self-motivated workout routine for years. Not only was it boring, but after having a few babies, it seemed impossible. That’s when she found PLY and it was exactly what she had been looking for-- a versatile practice that is as much about mental and emotional health as it is physical. And while the physical work IS amazing, it’s the community of people that have inspired her to practice and teach.
Off her mat, Summer is a wife, mom, graphic designer, organization junkie, clean freak, knit and crochet enthusiast, and Christmas fanatic.
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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.