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In this solo episode, Amy Wheeler invites listeners into a conversation about the intersection of childhood religion and the lifelong path of yoga therapy. What happens when the grace-filled teachings of Lutheran Christianity (insert your belief structure here) meet the depth and systematization of Indian philosophy? Can we honor both? Amy explores her own journey—from growing up in a progressive Christian household to becoming a devoted student and teacher of Yoga—unpacking how these spiritual lineages can coexist with humility, respect, and a shared intention to reduce suffering. This episode encourages us all to ask: Can different belief systems lead us toward the same inner peace? And more importantly, can we stay grounded in ethical yoga practice while honoring both source and seeker?

In This Episode, Amy Discusses:

• Her upbringing as a Lutheran minister’s daughter and how values like grace, compassion, and service shaped her early views on faith and spirituality.
• The transformative moment of discovering Yoga philosophy, particularly the structure and clarity of Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtra and the Bhagavad Gītā.
• Navigating cultural appreciation vs. cultural appropriation—especially as a Western Yoga Therapist working with ancient Indian teachings.
• Can someone be a Yoga Therapist and maintain their original religious identity? Amy dives into the conversation about pluralism, integrity, and therapeutic intention.
• Iśvara as a formless universal presence, and whether one’s version of “God,” “Allah,” “Jesus,” or “Buddha” can reflect the same sattvic qualities in a yoga-based healing context.

Amy reminds us that being a yoga therapist is not about spiritual perfection or ideological purity—it’s about long-term dedication to learning, humility, and reducing human suffering. Whether your spiritual background includes religion, atheism, or a mix of philosophies, the invitation is to stay with the practice, keep questioning, and deepen your connection to the wholeness of yoga without abandoning your roots. As she says, “Maybe the real question is whether what you believe is helping you be a better, kinder human being.”

Amy Wheeler's Contact Info:

Website: www.TheOptimalState.com

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @optimalstate

YouTube: Optimal State with Amy Wheeler

LinkedIn: Amy Wheeler PhD

Interested in Studying Yoga Therapy or Ayurveda?

Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at Maryland University of Integrative Health

A rigorous, accredited program rooted in both ancient wisdom and modern integrative health. https://muih.edu/academics/yoga-therapy/master-of-science-in-yoga-therapy/

Therapeutic Yoga for Licensed Health Care Providers (LHCPs)

Learn how to ethically and effectively integrate yoga into your existing healthcare profession. https://muih.edu/academics/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices/

Integrative Ayurvedic Wellness Program

Study the sister science to yoga through the lens of modern wellness, offering tools for nutrition,