Joyful Awakening
Where embodied wisdom awakens authentic joy.
What Is Joyful Awakening?
Joyful Awakening is more than a brand—it’s an invitation to return to your authentic self through multiple pathways of transformation. Drawing from my 18+ years as a yoga therapist and lifelong journey as a seeker, I’ve created a holistic ecosystem where mind, body, and spirit can realign.
Whether you’re diving deep in our immersive retreats in breathtaking locations, embarking on the year-long Joyful Presence program to reconnect with your body’s wisdom, capturing your essence through our transformative photo experiences, or unlocking your energetic blueprint through personalized Human Design readings—each offering is designed to guide you back to your innate wisdom.
My approach integrates ancient practices with modern understanding, creating spaces where overthinking dissolves and embodied knowing emerges. At Joyful Awakening, we don’t just teach presence—we create the conditions for you to remember the joy, clarity, and power that have always existed within you.

Joy is the kind of happiness that doesn’t depend on what happens.
David Steindl-Rast
JOYFUL AWAKENING: CORE VALUES & MISSION
JOYFUL AWAKENING: CORE VALUES & MISSION
OUR MISSION
Joyful Awakening guides individuals back to their innate wisdom through embodied practices, transformative experiences, and intuitive development. We create sacred containers where overthinking dissolves, authentic expression emerges, and joy becomes not just a destination, but the path itself.
CORE VALUES
EMBODIED WISDOM
We believe the body holds intelligence the mind cannot access alone. Our work bridges the gap between intellectual understanding and somatic knowing, helping you recognize and trust the wisdom that lives in your bones.
AUTHENTIC PRESENCE
True transformation happens when we inhabit each moment fully. We create spaces where you can shed performative layers and experience the power of simply being—without forcing, controlling, or striving.
JOYFUL SURRENDER
We embrace joy not as a fleeting emotion but as our natural state when we release resistance. Through letting go of who we think we should be, we discover who we truly are.
COMPASSIONATE GROWTH
Growth doesn’t require harshness or judgment. We honor each person’s journey with tenderness, creating safe environments where transformation unfolds at its own perfect pace.
INTUITIVE ALIGNMENT
When actions flow from inner knowing rather than external pressure, life becomes a dance rather than a struggle. We guide you to recognize and follow your unique energetic blueprint.
SACRED CONNECTION
We foster connections—to self, to others, to nature, to spirit—that remind us of our wholeness. Through these connections, we remember we are never truly separate or alone.
COURAGEOUS AUTHENTICITY
We value the courage it takes to live from truth rather than expectation. We celebrate those willing to stand in their authenticity, even when it means carving their own path.
These values infuse everything we create—from our intimate retreats to our year-long programs, from capturing your essence in photos to illuminating your Human Design. When you experience Joyful Awakening, you’re experiencing an invitation to come home to yourself.
- Since the work done here with Joy is virtual, with the exception of the some workshops and retreats, all practices for you will be done in the comfort of your own home.
Testimonials
“Her approach is as unique as it is diverse and comprehensive. I genuinely feel stronger, both physically and mentally, having gone through her course. I highly recommend the work, it’ll pay dividends if you lean in and commit to the journey.
-GJ
“When I work with Joy, I experience a part of myself I don’t always get in touch with- it’s deep and personal. I want to honor the great truth in this work.”
-MS
“I worked with Joy over a period of two years. Before I started, I was unable to walk comfortably or go into my office for work. After working with Joy, I was able to go into the office as much as I needed as well as travel across the world on my own. I highly recommend working with Joy to improve your health and relationships.”
-JS
“Joy has brought immense improvement to my life as a result of her work. The level of comfort I feel paired with her knowledge of precisely what I need creates a perfect scenario. I cannot recommend Joy enough and look forward to continuing with her!”
-CD
“I’ve worked with Joy 1:1 and in a group setting and she is pure passion and energy. Her enthusiasm is contagious! Joy’s 1:1 work is perfectly tailored to not only your body but your mind and emotions. She is not just another yoga teacher–Joy’s training is specific, deep and gentle. I really appreciate the wide range of teachings and techniques Joy brings to the group experience. She is extremely knowledgeable and experienced, so the work is grounded in effectiveness and her personal experiences. This is no passive, regurgitated and rigid ‘one size fits all’ program. No matter what, you will leave feeling encouraged, mind quieter and with a whole variety of tools to draw upon as life happens.”
-LY
PROGRAMS & RETREATS
Here is where you transform FEAR into FREEDOM — by having the COURAGE to be fearless. And the ability to heal the fear and move forward …
Through Joy’s Yoga Therapy programs and retreats, you will learn better emotional balance and be able to assist yourself with mood regulation. So, whether you’re a first-timer or a yoga-veteran, there’s a little something for anyone and everyone here. Interested in your own individualized program to practice year-round? Or perhaps a get-away retreat?
Keep scrolling to find out which program (or retreat) is best suited for your needs — and desires.
Retreats
Includes:
- California Intensive (5 days)
- Experience Cambodia (12 days)
- Yucatan Adventure (7 days)
The Joyful Awakening
Discover the joyful healing path of yoga. Here is where Joy started her journey with one mission: to improve HEALTH and HAPPINESS around the world, to anyone and everyone who is willing!
The nature of Yoga Therapy is to shine the light of awareness into the darkest of corners. Doing such practices will calm you down, help keep your mind well-rounded while working out and practicing meditation all at the same time.
© 2022 The Joyful Awakening
All rights reserved.
Connect With Joy
Currently in: California
joyrika@gmail.com
323.775.2924 IG: @joy.rika





