In this heartfelt conversation, Amy Wheeler sits down with Shabana Safdari, yoga therapist, teacher, and founder of Yoga with Shabana, based in Bangalore, India. Shabana’s journey into yoga began with a deeply personal health scare when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Faced with anxiety and fear, she turned to yoga—first for her own healing, and eventually as a lifelong path of service.

Shabana shares:

• How a health crisis transformed her relationship with her body and inspired her to take charge of her wellbeing.
• Her experience of nesophobia (fear of illness) and how yoga helped her move from anxiety to resilience.
• The life-changing impact of yoga therapy on her vertigo, and why she committed to making it her profession.
• The importance of intention in yoga practice and teaching, and how acts of kindness are integral to true healing.
• Her philosophy of simple, sattvic living—fresh food, fresh breath, and fresh thoughts—as the foundation of wellness.
• The role of prāṇāyāma as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern science, and why she believes it is the most powerful tool for transformation.
• How she combines yoga therapy, prāṇāyāma, and sound healing in her signature Rest Reset Method to help clients manage stress, recover from burnout, and rediscover joy.

Throughout the episode, Shabana emphasizes that yoga is not just postures—it is a holistic system of mindset, lifestyle, compassion, and self-regulation. Her clarity, kindness, and lived wisdom shine through, offering listeners a reminder that true yoga begins with simplicity and intention.

Connect with Shabana:

Find her on LinkedIn at Shabana Safdari (search Yoga with Shabana). Her website will be launching soon, featuring her offerings, including one-on-one yoga therapy, corporate wellness programs, and sound healing.

Interested in advancing your own studies in Yoga Therapy and Ayurveda?

Explore these graduate and certificate programs at Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH):

• Master of Science in Yoga Therapy
• https://muih.edu/academics/yoga-therapy/master-of-science-in-yoga-therapy/
• Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices (for licensed healthcare professionals)
• https://muih.edu/academics/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices/
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Ayurveda
• https://muih.edu/academics/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification/

Plus, join us on our Optimal State Mobile App for daily check-ins and simple, easy interventions to help you stay in balance.

And explore our Online Community, where you’ll receive weekly classes and gain access to a library of classes you can enjoy anytime. Learn more at www.AmyWheeler.com.