Go in and in.
Be the space between two cells,
the vast resounding
silence in which
spirit dwells.
…Dive in and in,
as deep as you can dive.
be infinite, ecstatic truth.
…Be exactly what you seek,
the Beloved, singing Yes,
tasting Yes, embracing Yes,
until there is only essence;
the All of Everything
expressing through you
as you. Go in and in
and turn away from
nothing that you find.
– Danna Faulds
These lines invite the practitioner to “lift the lid and look deep inside” to allow one’s own multi-dimensional inner universe to be revealed. The continued invitation is to journey through the internal landscape and navigate one’s unique terrain to eventually settle into a place of restful awareness of the Divinity within. This practice is the exploration of the Koshas – the ancient roadmap to the Self by the self. While many may have experiential knowledge of the Koshas and the layers of Being – by giving tangible language and context to a potentially intangible experience, an enhanced level of understanding and the profound insight of the unity of Yoga – merging of one’s humanity with Divinity – may be fully realized.
Pancha = five
Maya = consists of
Maya = veil, covering, illusion
Kosha = sheath, subtle body, treasure
Maya Kosha= enfolding sheaths that cover True Sel
The beauty and often confusing piece of the Sanskrit language is that the more importance a word carries, the more definitions it will have. Sometimes, a word can also have the same spelling but have different vowel sounds that only add depth to the understanding of any given concept. Here, maya pronounced with the short consonant “a” refers to a real structure and form while maya with the long “a” is a reference to the unreal illusionary layers of Being. This understanding implies that the conscious working with the model of the Koshas is a two-fold process. The first step is to become aware of each layer and work to cultivate, purify, and strengthen and the second is to transcend the veils of illusion to step into the light of True Self. Sri Patanjali offers insight to the first task in sutra 2.46 sthira sukham asanam – create steadiness and sweetness in your seat. While the word asanam is used, it is not only a reference to the seat of posture but also the seat of mind – to create steadiness and sweetness in the seat of one’s Witness Consciousness. The invitation is to awaken to the equanimity and bliss within each layer and become aware of the interplay between (each holds the essence of the previous) which creates space to experience the larger framework ushering in a return to wholeness and connection to Source.
Anna is defined as “food” and refers that the physical body grows by ingesting food. This sheath is the densest level of being. In the Western medical model, this layer includes all anatomical structures and physiological systems. Through the lens of yoga, the physical body houses the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, ether) which become the building blocks to one’s physical and mental constitution (vata, pitta, and kapha – from the Ayurvedic model of body-mind states) When the internal elements and primary constitutions are in balance, one may be able to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature. The physical body serves as an alter to the doorway of Divinity.
Ways to strengthen Annamaya Kosha
Prana means “vital life force; energy; aliveness; vitality.” This dynamic life force animates the physical body and serves as a bridge between matter and spirit. Prana is also responsible for all thoughts, desires, and actions. To fully comprehend the most fundamental human inquiry, “who am I?”, one must understand and experience this vast body of Prana – cultivating Prana Vidya (wisdom). Breath is the external manifestation of one’s vitality. By becoming fully immersed in one’s breath, a doorway into wisdom and presence may emerge not only of the physical body but also the mental body and beyond. By observing the breath, one may get a glimpse into all layers of Being and any imbalances that may be present. Prana, also defined as “that which moves,” flows through a matrix of nadis or energy channels. These rivers can become blocked or stagnant through the process of life with emotion, negative beliefs, and trauma. Prana and Chitta are closely linked – where energy goes, mind will follow. The practice then becomes the ability to stabilize and collect Prana/energy so that Chitta/mind may still – slow the momentum to slow the content. By creating a steadiness of mind, one may be able to direct Prana consciously in order to cultivate a greater capacity to heal and transform as well as to remain fully present even in the intensity of daily life. Yoga was designed to free up Prana to become fully awake and alive.
Ways to strengthen Pranamaya Kosha
Manomaya Kosha
Mana is defined as “mind.” At this level, all thoughts, feelings, and emotions are processed – guided by the essence and movement of Pranamaya Kosha. The mind’s very nature is to think, to digest all external influences – it spins.
Four Aspects of the Mind
The mind of inquiry is directly correlated to one’s sense of sight. Within the practices of Yoga, there is an invitation to close the eyes – if one chooses to close the eyes – may be able to immediately quiet the mental body through the practice of pratyahara and the ability to diminish external senses. Through the varied techniques of Yoga, the practitioner is invited to step beyond conscious mind and off the cycle of processing in order to observe – without judgement or attachment – all thoughts and emotions that may arise within the field of awareness. The practice becomes the ability to still Manas, dissolve Asmita, carve new impressions within Chitta, and strengthen and refine the layer of Buddhi – in order to access Atman or Self and the space of radical compassion and right action.
1.2 Yoga is experienced in that mind which has ceased to identify itself with its vacillating waves of perception.
1.3 When this happens, then the Seer is revealed, resting in its own essential nature, and one realizes the True Self.
– Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, as interpreted by Mukunda Stiles
Ways to strengthen Manomaya Kosha
Vijnana means “knowing” or “wisdom” and refers to the higher mind and pure intellect. This sheath is the threshold from thinking mind to witness mind and the ability to develop calm concentration. In the space of the witness consciousness, there is an invitation to observe all thoughts and emotions with great compassion and discernment. As one consciously steps off the cyclical nature of the mind, one may be able to recognize one’s past conditioning and limiting core beliefs. These limiting core beliefs are the unconscious patterns of thought that color one’s notion of self, others, and the world. Within this space of innate knowing, there is potential to transform one’s conditioning and any habits or behaviors that manifest into daily life. By welcoming all that may arise with compassion, the lens through which the mind sees can be cleared – able to see the present for what it is – informed by past experiences but not colored by it. This layer offers an opportunity for insight, growth, and transformation where an intimate relationship to higher wisdom and Self may be achieved.
Ways to strengthen Vijnanamaya Kosha
This type of meditation invites the practitioner to witness and experience all that may arise within the field of consciousness.
Aaa means “bliss” while nanda is defined as “child.” Together, Ananda is the innate joy and bliss of True Self. These feelings are not fleeting but a constant. This inner most sheath provides the answers to one of the most fundamental human questions of “who am I?” – as it is the layer of one’s causal body – that which “causes” one to exist – and the seat of Ahamkara or “I am-ness” and all the corresponding unique traits and characteristics. This kosha is beyond the cognitive mind and in this space free from fear and suffering, it offers the innate capacity to heal any impressions or samskaras. It presents one with the most positive of qualities and the realization of True Nature as truth, consciousness, and bliss.
Ways to strengthen Anandamaya Kosha
This technique that navigates the five sheaths beginning with the physical body and continues to explore and unlock each doorway into the next deeper layer – eventually settling into the place of wisdom and bliss.
This non-dualistic approach to meditation invites the concept of dis-identification. Through the cultivation of the mantra and passive awareness, the yogi is able to clear the field of perception and grow in the capacity to rest in wholeness and the connection to all.
Anandamaya Kosha is not the end of the journey as it is still an illusion and suffering may occur as one may grasp or attach to the feeling of bliss. The journey beyond the koshas leads one to the core of Atman or Self. This Self is the seed of divinity that is whole, infinite, and immortal. This is also the space of unity and connection to all – divinity in all things and all things in divinity. One’s innate wisdom and light is so powerful that it can burn away the layers of illusions – including the physical and psychological conditioning.
Practices to move beyond the Koshas
“Your soul or essence quietly watches. It never changes. It is the same now as it was when you were born…your soul has retained its intrinsic connection to Creation, fully aware that life is the grandest and most sacred of all journeys and worthy of every effort to celebrate it.”
–Yogarupa Rod Stryker, founder of ParaYoga
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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.