Awakening the Light Within: Healing the Pain Body Through Practice

🌞 Awakening the Light Within: Healing the Pain Body Through Practice

Let’s be real — our brains are pretty incredible. But they’re also a little overprotective. Their number one job? Keep us safe.
So, through all our experiences, heartbreaks, and “never doing that again” moments, the brain builds layers of protection — often using the ego as its little security guard.

That ego isn’t bad; it’s just trying to protect you from pain. But here’s the catch: those same defenses can start dimming your inner light — that natural radiance that’s always been there.

Over time, we start living from this shadowed state, what Eckhart Tolle calls the pain body. Suddenly, we’re chasing a perfect world that doesn’t exist: more money, validation, success, love — anything to quiet the ache. But nothing external ever fully satisfies, because the root of that restlessness lives inside.

Meet Your Pain Body

The pain body lives mostly in the subconscious. You’ll know it’s in the driver’s seat when you find yourself stuck in the same old loops — frustration, comparison, anxiety, or that low-key feeling that life should feel… better.

Here’s the magic moment: noticing it.
That’s the first step in healing.

Try this quick experiment: think of the word “elephant.”
Now, notice the image in your mind.
Then ask — who’s watching that thought?

That awareness behind the thought — that’s you. The real you. The calm, wise, loving you who’s been there all along.

Befriending the Mind

Think of your mind like a well-meaning little kid — curious, loud, emotional, sometimes dramatic. It means well! But when you let it run the show unchecked, it can drain your energy and keep you stuck in the same stories.

When you step into the seat of the witness — the quiet observer — the mind starts to loosen its grip. It’s not easy (that’s why we practice), but over time, you start to notice space between “you” and your thoughts. And in that space, freedom begins.

The Power of Presence

That quiet awareness?
It’s peace.
It’s joy.
It’s love.
It’s what’s been waiting for you under all the noise.

And the wild part is, it’s always here — accessible in every single moment, if we just pause long enough to feel it.

How The Foundry Supports This Journey

At The Foundry, every class is a chance to reconnect with that light inside you — to move, breathe, and remember who you really are.

  • Hot Yoga & Fitness Classes
    Move energy, release what’s stuck, and reconnect with your power. These classes teach you to breathe through resistance — the same resistance that keeps the pain body alive.

  • Yin Yoga, Breathwork & Meditation
    Slow everything down. Calm the nervous system. Find the quiet between thoughts.

  • Community
    The pain body thrives on isolation. At The Foundry, you’re reminded again and again that you’re not alone. You’re part of something bigger — a community built on love, connection, and shared growth.

BOOK A CLASS NOW!

The Takeaway

The work we do on the mat goes far beyond the physical body.
When you practice with awareness, you begin to heal at the deepest level — peeling back the layers to find that radiant light that’s been within you all along.

Inspired by “Practicing the Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle, “The Untethered Soul” by Michael A. Singer, and the Integrated Mindset Coaching Program.

🏈 Flow, Tailgate & Cardinals — A Game Day Like No Other

Mark your calendars—Sunday, November 23rd is shaping up to be epic. We’re bringing together yoga, food, music, and a live Cardinals game for one unforgettable Foundry experience.

What’s Going Down

  • 11:00 AM — Flow + Pilates on The Great Lawn
    Ease into your Sunday with an energizing yoga + Pilates fusion taught by Todd Deacon & Jess Pate. It’s the perfect warm-up before game day fun.

  • 12:00 PM — Tailgate Time
    Chef-prepared food, great tunes from our live DJ, and your own BYOB setup. Hang out, snack up, and soak in the great atmosphere!

  • 2:00 PM — The Game
    We’ve secured lower-level Cardinals tickets in sections 101 & 102. You’ll be right in the heart of the action as the Arizona Cardinals face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

🎟 Ticket Info

  • Price: $170 per ticket (includes all three parts—class, tailgate, and game).

  • Availability: 150 tickets total, so they’ll go fast.

  • Sale starts: Wednesday, September 24th at 10:00 AM.

  • Limit: 4 tickets per person.

Why You Should Be There

This event isn’t just for the die-hards (though we love those folks!). It’s for anyone who wants to do something different with their Sunday: stretch and move, hang with friends, eat really well, celebrate, and of course cheer on the Cardinals in a live game environment.

Whether you’re a yoga regular, a fan of football, or just looking for an awesome fall day out, this has something for you.

What to Bring / Tips for the Day

  • Arrive a little early for setup & check-in.

  • Wear comfy active clothes for class; bring layers since mornings can be cool.

  • Bring your favorite beverages (BYOB) to tailgate.

  • Sunscreen + water bottle are always good ideas for outdoor time.

  • Bring your Cardinals gear—jerseys, face paint, hats, scarves—whatever shows your spirit!

See You There

Tickets drop September 24th at 10 AM. Be ready, because with only 150 tickets and a limit of 4 per person, these will move quickly.

Let’s make this more than just a game—let’s make it a memory. We can’t wait to flow, tailgate, and cheer with you.

Learn more + get tickets!

Fall Outdoor Series in Phoenix

Cooler temps, golden sunsets, and a little fresh air magic — fall in Arizona is the perfect time to take your practice outside. That’s why we’re bringing back our Fall Outdoor Series: free community Pilates + Flow classes in some of the Valley’s most vibrant outdoor spaces.

These classes are open to all levels, taught by our incredible Foundry teachers, and designed to move, breathe, and connect with community under the open sky.

Here’s where you can roll out your mat this season:

🌿 September Events

Wednesday, Sept 3rd – 6:30 PM
Pilates + Flow w/ Cybil & Jess F
📍 The Park at PV Mall (Tatum & Cactus)

Thursday, Sept 18th – 6:00 PM
Pilates + Flow w/ Blythe & Sofie
📍 The Park at P83 (Peoria)

Saturday, Sept 20th – 8:00 AM
Pilates + Flow w/ Corie & Megan
📍 Scottsdale Fashion Square Rooftop

🍁 October Events

Tuesday, Oct 7th – 6:00 PM
Pilates + Flow w/ Todd & Lizzy
📍 Chicken N Pickle (Westgate)

Tuesday, Oct 14th – 5:30 PM
Pilates + Flow w/ Sandra & Rhett
📍 Tempe Marketplace

Saturday, Oct 18th – 9:00 AM
Pilates + Flow w/ Niki & Jess P
📍 Scottsdale Fashion Square Rooftop

What to Bring

  • A yoga mat

  • Water bottle

  • A friend or two 😉

These events are totally free — our gift to the community. All you need to do is show up ready to move, breathe, and enjoy the fresh air.

Join us this fall as we flow together outside the studio walls. Whether you’re brand new to Pilates or yoga or a longtime Foundry member, these outdoor classes are a beautiful way to move your body and feel part of something bigger.

see all outdoor events + rsvp here

5 signs it's time to say YES to membership!

If you've been showing up here and there, or thinking about getting back into a steady practice — this is your sign. A membership isn’t just a commitment to yoga or fitness — it’s a commitment to yourself. Still on the fence? Here are five signs it might be time to say YES.

  1. Your body is asking for more support. You’re craving less pain, more strength, better posture, and flexibility that actually lasts. If that sounds like you — it’s time.

  2. You need more peace (and less chaos). Mental clarity, energy, lower stress, and that deep exhale you didn’t know you needed — all on the other side of a consistent practice.

  3. You’re ready to connect — with yourself and others. You want time to turn inward and to be part of something bigger. Our studios are built for both solo stillness and uplifting community.

  4. You're looking for a path that feels sustainable. A membership is still the most cost-effective way to practice regularly. Whether you’re flowing five days a week or easing into a steady rhythm, it’s designed to support your goals long term.

  5. You want freedom to move — anytime, anywhere. Take classes in person at any Foundry location or access online content from wherever life takes you. Unlimited access, on your terms.

    If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to go all in — this might just be it.

FIND A STUDIO + MEMBERSHIP NEAR YOU

Introducing Our Newest Studio: The Foundry Gilbert!

We’re growing — again! And we’re thrilled to finally share the exciting news…

The Foundry Gilbert is officially on its way!

Located at Val Vista & Williams Field (right by Trader Joe’s!), our newest studio will bring everything you love about The Foundry to the East Valley: heat, heart, community, and world-class classes — all in one beautiful new space.

This newest Foundry franchise is owned by the incredible Lindsey Garrison, a passionate leader who knows firsthand the power of this practice and this community. Here’s a message from Lindsey:

*"I couldn't be more excited to share this news with you all! As some of you know, I started calling The Foundry home in 2019. After completing my teacher training in 2021, I knew I wanted to do more — I just didn't know what that was quite yet.

Because I love our community, staff, students, events, teachers, leadership, and classes, I felt called to grow that sense of connection right here in Gilbert and the surrounding neighborhoods.

So here we are. Coming soon to my East Valley friends: The Foundry Gilbert.

I cannot wait to share this space with all of you, and bring the world-class service we've all come to love and respect at The Foundry to this side of town.

Stay tuned for grand opening details, specials, class schedules, teacher introductions, and more!"
— Lindsey Garrison, Gilbert Franchise Owner

Lindsey’s journey from student to teacher to studio owner is a beautiful example of what’s possible when passion meets purpose — and we’re so proud to support her in this next chapter.

We can’t wait to sweat with you, Gilbert!

Be sure to follow us for updates on the grand opening, exclusive offers, and the full lineup of classes and instructors you’ll get to experience soon.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GILBERT STUDIO