Special Note: This episode contains swear words and storytelling about sexuality

Introduction:

In this special episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, Amy sits down with the vibrant and authentic Susan Weis Bohlen. As a former Board Member of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) and the author of three bestselling books on Ayurveda, Susan shares her deeply personal story of overcoming body image struggles and how Ayurveda helped her transform her relationship with her body. From battling bulimia to losing over 60 pounds, Susan opens up about her path to self-love, Ayurvedic practices, and her passion for helping others on their journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Body Transformation through Ayurveda: Susan discusses how she went from discomfort in her body to losing 60+ pounds and maintaining it with Ayurvedic practices.
• Healing from Bulimia: Susan shares her long battle with bulimia and understanding her Ayurvedic dosha.
• Ayurvedic Self-Care Practices: The role of Panchakarma and daily self-care rituals like abhyanga (oil massage) in maintaining balance and wellness.
• Living with Authenticity: Susan’s experience of opening her heart and creating space in her life, which eventually led to meeting her husband and finding deeper connection.
• American Jewish Ayurveda: Susan explains her unique approach to Ayurveda, blending her cultural background with ancient practices, making them accessible for a modern audience.
• Thoughts on NAMA: Susan discusses her decision to step away from NAMA Board, which has some similarities to what IAYT is facing at this time.

Susan Weis Bohlen’s Contact Information:

Website: www.SusanWeisBohlen.com

Substack Newsletter: Available on her website

Books:

• Ayurveda Beginner’s Guide
• Seasonal Self-Care Rituals
• Ayurvedic Home Remedies

Check out www.TheOptimalState.com

Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:

• University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series
• Polyvagal Institute Mighty App
• Optimal State Mobile App
• Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon

·    Monday Night Yoga Therapy Clinic on www.TheOpimtalState.com

·    Join us for our Monday night Yoga Therapy Clinics, specially designed to address specific health and wellness topics. The sessions are held every Monday from 4:00-5:15 PM PST and are led by Amy Wheeler, a seasoned expert in yoga therapy. This clinic provides a supportive environment where participants can explore therapeutic yoga techniques to aid in addiction recovery and overall well-being.For those seeking professional development, there is an option to stay longer after class and earn Continuing Education (CE) credits. This extended session offers in-depth training and valuable insights into integrating yoga therapy with addiction treatment.

In this episode of the Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler interviews Julie Afsahi and Jessica Cross, two experienced sound healing practitioners and authors of Seasons of Sound. They dive into the fascinating world of sound healing, exploring its ancient roots, the science behind vibrational therapy, and the profound effects it can have on the mind, body, and emotions.

The conversation touches on topics:

• How sound baths can facilitate deep relaxation and healing.
• The role of the subtle body in sound healing and its relationship with Yogic philosophy.
• The concept of the “post-digestive effect” in sound healing and how it continues to impact participants after the session.
• Their personal journeys into sound healing and the significance of various instruments like gongs, crystal bowls, and chimes in therapeutic settings.
• How they make sound healing approachable and accessible for everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs.
• The connection between sound healing and the seasons, as detailed in their book, Seasons of Sound.

Julie and Jessica also share insights into their sound healing trainings, which are offered both in-person in Texas and online, and discuss the importance of inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in their work.

Key Takeaways:

• Sound healing operates on many levels, including the physical, energetic, and emotional layers.
• The subtle body and energetic shifts play a crucial role in how sound impacts us.
• Their book, Seasons of Sound, offers a framework for practicing sound healing in alignment with the cycles of nature and the seasons of life.
• There is still much to be explored and researched in the field of sound healing, and they invite more practitioners to dive deeper into the science behind it.

About Our Guests:

• Julie Afsahi is the owner of Soul Strong Yoga in Austin, TX, where she integrates sound healing into her yoga offerings.
• Jessica Cross is a certified sound healer and the founder of Sound for Stress, helping individuals relieve stress through the transformative power of sound.
• Together, they co-authored Seasons of Sound, a guide for sound healing practitioners that aligns sound practices with the seasons of the Earth and life.

Resources:

• Soul Strong Yoga
• Sound for Stress
• Seasons of Sound Book

Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:

• University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series
• Polyvagal Institute Mighty App
• Optimal State Mobile App
• Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon

·    Monday Night Yoga Therapy Clinic on www.TheOpimtalState.com

·    Join us for our Monday night Yoga Therapy Clinics, specially designed to address specific health and wellness topics. The sessions are held every Monday from 4:00-5:15 PM PST and are led by Amy Wheeler, a seasoned expert in yoga therapy. This clinic provides a supportive environment where participants can explore therapeutic yoga techniques to aid in addiction recovery and overall well-being.For those seeking professional development, there is an option to stay longer after class and earn Continuing Education (CE) credits. This extended session offers in-depth training and valuable insights into integrating yoga therapy with addiction treatment.

In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler welcomes Melaney Seacat, a yoga therapist and somatic experiencing practitioner, to discuss the powerful intersection of these two healing modalities. Melaney shares her personal story of recovery from a serious hip injury sustained during a hiking accident, her healing journey, and how it shaped her approach to working with trauma and the nervous system.

Melaney explains how life experiences are like boulders in a stream, and how we can navigate them using the principles of both yoga therapy and somatic experiencing. She emphasizes the importance of regulating the nervous system, titration of trauma release, and building a "healing vortex" through small, manageable steps.

In this insightful conversation, Melaney and Amy dive into:

• The trauma vortex and healing vortex models in trauma recovery
• How yoga therapy uses breath, movement, and mindfulness to stabilize the nervous system
• The integration of somatic experiencing techniques with yoga therapy for trauma resolution
• Practical tools like finger slides and orientation to the senses that empower clients to manage their nervous system
• How to safely navigate trauma processing without re-traumatization

Whether you're new to these practices or a seasoned therapist, this episode offers valuable insights into the healing potential of combining yoga therapy and somatic experiencing.

Key Timestamps:

• [10:24] Melaney shares her personal story of healing from a hiking accident.
• [10:25] Using the metaphor of life as a stream and the trauma vortex.
• [10:27] The role of yoga therapy in stabilizing disorganized nervous systems.
• [10:29] Ethical considerations in integrating yoga therapy and somatic experiencing.
• [10:30] Melaney’s favorite mini-intervention for regulating the nervous system.
• [10:33] Tools for orienting to the senses and reducing hyper-vigilance.
• [10:37] The resolution model in somatic experiencing and its parallels in yoga therapy.

Learn more about Melaney Seacat's work at seacatsomatictherapy.com

Follow Us:

• Website: TheOptimalState.com
• Instagram: @TheOptimalState
• Facebook: The Optimal State of Living

Don't forget to subscribe to The Yoga Therapy Hour for more expert discussions on yoga therapy and emotional well-being!

Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:

• University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series
• Polyvagal Institute Mighty App
• 7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal Theory
• Optimal State Mobile App
• Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon

In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast, Amy Wheeler welcomes Anuradha Gupta, an Ayurvedic doctor and educator from Kerala Ayurveda, to discuss best practices for culturally competent care in healthcare, particularly with respect to LGBTQIA+ issues. Anuradha shares her background in Ayurveda and how she has worked to integrate cultural competence into the Ayurvedic healthcare system. She reflects on the challenges of providing care to marginalized communities, such as the LGBTQIA+ community, and the importance of creating safe and affirming spaces for healing.

Key points include:

• Cultural Competency vs. Cultural Humility: Anuradha explains the distinction between cultural competence, which involves learning about different communities, and cultural humility, which emphasizes curiosity and respect for individual experiences.
• Challenges in LGBTQIA+ Healthcare: She highlights the systemic issues, such as discrimination and lack of access, that disproportionately affect the LGBTQIA+ community. Anuradha also discusses the health implications of minority stress and trauma.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Both Yoga Therapy and Ayurveda are ideally suited to offer personalized, trauma-informed care that supports the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ clients.
• Historical Context: Anuradha discusses the history of LGBTQIA+ acceptance in India, dating back to Vedic times, and how colonization introduced homophobia and discrimination.
• Best Practices in Care: Drawing from her research, Anuradha outlines best practices for healthcare professionals working with LGBTQIA+ clients, emphasizing the need for open affirmations, trauma-informed approaches, and integrating alternative care with allopathic practices.

Resources shared:

• GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality, a resource for culturally competent healthcare practices.
• PFLAG: A support organization for families and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own biases and to create spaces of healing that are inclusive, respectful, and affirming for all identities. You can connect with Anuradha Gupta via LinkedIn or explore her work at Ayurvedic Footprints.

LinkedIn: Anuradha Gupta

Ayurvedic Footprints: Anuradha's private practice focused on sustainability and gentle healing.

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that culturally competent care is not only about knowledge but also about empathy, curiosity, and creating safe spaces for marginalized communities.

Follow Us:

• Website: TheOptimalState.com
• Instagram: @TheOptimalState
• Facebook: The Optimal State of Living

Don't forget to subscribe to The Yoga Therapy Hour for more expert discussions on yoga therapy and emotional well-being!

Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:

• University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series
• Polyvagal Institute Mighty App
• 7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal Theory
• Optimal State Mobile App
• Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon

In this solo episode, host Amy Wheeler explores the concept of Ahimsa (non-harming) and being in relationship with one another as the key guiding principle for making ethical decisions and policies in both individual and organizational contexts. Amy focuses on how yoga organizations like Yoga Alliance and the International Association of Yoga Therapy (IAYT) can enhance their decision-making processes by prioritizing non-harming, inclusivity, and community involvement from the ground up.

What is Ahimsa?

Amy defines Ahimsa as non-harming and non-violence toward oneself, others, and the environment. Ahimsa applies to emotional, mental, financial, community and societal well-being, guiding how we treat ourselves and each other.

Ahimsa as a Guiding Principle in Organizational Decisions

Amy explores how Ahimsa can shape ethical decision-making in yoga organizations, including Yoga Alliance and IAYT. She encourages a review of their policies and decision-making frameworks to ensure that they uphold the values of non-harming, transparency, and inclusivity. Amy discusses the importance of community involvement in shaping these policies, particularly through a collaborative, ground-up approach that empowers individuals and organizations to take shared responsibility for one another.

Humanistic Secularism and Its Connection to Yoga Ethics

Amy discusses humanistic secularism as an ethical framework based on human values like empathy, social responsibility, and inclusivity, without relying on religious or spiritual beliefs. She highlights how this worldview aligns with Ahimsa and discusses its practical application in modern decision-making, both in personal choices and at the organizational level. Amy also discusses the challenges that organizations face in maintaining ethical practices in a fast-paced, competitive environment and provides solutions on how to stay aligned with Ahimsa.

Call to Action

Amy invites listeners to join the new Facebook Group, "The Future of Yoga Therapy," to voice their opinions, introduce themselves, and participate in shaping the future of yoga therapy. This is a space for meaningful dialogue about ethical decision-making and shared responsibility within the yoga community, with a focus on Ahimsa and being in relationship with one another as a grounding foundational principle.

Follow Us:

• Website: TheOptimalState.com
• Instagram: @TheOptimalState
• Facebook: The Optimal State of Living

Don't forget to subscribe to The Yoga Therapy Hour for more expert discussions on yoga therapy and emotional well-being!

Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:

• University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series
• Polyvagal Institute Mighty App
• 7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal Theory
• Optimal State Mobile App
• Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon

In this deeply insightful episode, Amy Wheeler sits down with Brooke West to explore the intricate landscape of yoga therapy, mental health, and the critical need for peer support within the yoga community. Brooke shares her personal journey, including the development of her emerging program, Mad Yoga Network, which serves as a peer support platform specifically for yoga teachers and therapists. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by neurodivergent yoga professionals, the struggle of maintaining financial stability in the wellness industry, and the powerful potential of collaborative networks.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Mad Yoga Network:

• Brooke introduces her Mad Yoga Network, a consciousness-driven peer support group for yoga teachers and therapists. This network aims to create an open, supportive space where professionals can discuss mental health, financial challenges, and the unique experiences of neurodivergent individuals in the yoga community.

1. The Need for Peer Support:

• The conversation highlights the critical importance of peer support in the yoga industry, especially for those struggling with mental health issues. Brooke emphasizes that peer support allows for open dialogue about personal challenges, fostering a sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation.

1. Challenges in the Yoga Industry:

• Brooke and Amy discuss the difficulties of making a living as a yoga teacher or therapist, particularly in the post-pandemic world. They address the misconceptions about the financial stability of well-known yoga professionals and the reality that many are struggling to sustain their livelihoods.

1. Intellectual Property and Ethics:

• The episode touches on the sensitive issue of intellectual property theft within the yoga community. Brooke shares her personal experiences and the emotional impact of having her work appropriated without credit, highlighting the need for ethical practices in the industry.

1. The Future of Yoga Communities:

• Brooke discusses her vision for intentional communities based on the values of yoga, where individuals can share resources, responsibilities, and support. She draws from her experiences with various intentional communities and worker cooperatives, suggesting that this model could provide a sustainable way forward for the yoga community.

1. Yoga as a Tool for Mental Health:

• The episode explores how yoga can be a powerful tool for managing mental health, not just for practitioners but also for yoga teachers themselves. Brooke and Amy discuss the potential of yoga to support those experiencing spiritual awakenings, which can often be mistaken for mental health crises.

Resources and Upcoming Events:

• For more information about Brooke West and her work, visit Brooke West Yoga.
• Learn more about the Mad Yoga Network and how to get involved in upcoming peer support sessions.

Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:

• University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series
• Polyvagal Institute Mighty App
• 7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal Theory
• Optimal State Mobile App
• Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon

·       Monday Night Yoga Therapy Clinic on www.TheOpimtalState.com

·       Join us for our Monday night Yoga Therapy Clinics, specially designed to address specific health and wellness topics. The sessions are held every Monday from 4:00-5:15 PM PST and are led by Amy Wheeler, a seasoned expert in yoga therapy. This clinic provides a supportive environment where participants can explore therapeutic yoga techniques to aid in addiction recovery and overall well-being.

·       For those seeking professional development, there is an option to stay longer after class and earn Continuing Education (CE) credits. This extended session offers in-depth training and valuable insights into integrating yoga therapy with addiction treatment.

Guest: Jemarc Axinto (They/She/He), a Filipinx, Nonbinary, Trauma Recovery Coach, and Wellness Consultant.

Episode Summary: In this deeply insightful episode, Amy Wheeler is joined by Jemarc Axinto, a Trauma Recovery Coach with a passion for helping others overcome trauma at its root in the nervous system. Jemarc shares their personal journey of healing alongside their partner, Ezra, who made a remarkable recovery from chronic illness and complex PTSD by radically rewiring their brain and nervous system. This conversation explores the intersectionality of trauma recovery, neurodivergence, and the importance of holding space for both our humanity and the humanity of others.

Key Topics Discussed:

· Journey to Healing: Jemarc recounts how discovering a book by Dr. Tidal sparked a transformative healing journey for their partner, Ezra. This journey led them to focus on retraining the nervous system to heal from deep-rooted trauma.

· Understanding Trauma: Jemarc emphasizes that trauma is often misunderstood, explaining how our brains can become "addicted" to stress chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline, and how retraining the brain can lead to radical healing.

· The Role of Neurodiversity: Drawing on their own experiences, Jemarc discusses the importance of acknowledging and integrating neurodivergence into the healing process, and the challenges of navigating the world as a neurodivergent individual.

· Creating a Trauma-Free World: The conversation explores the idea of co-creating a world where trauma reactivity doesn't rule our lives. Jemarc advocates for a world where everyone can hold their own humanity and that of others, even in challenging situations.

· Balancing Anger and Compassion: Jemarc shares personal stories about the importance of addressing harmful behaviors without dehumanizing others, and the power of maintaining both compassion and boundaries in our interactions.

· Self-Empowerment: For those ready to embark on a healing journey, Jemarc offers guidance on how to start, including the importance of therapy and the need for radical self-empowerment in the process.

Connect with Jemarc Axinto:

· Website: www.jemarcaxinto.com

· Social Media: @JemarcAxinto (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook)

· 3-Month Program: Jemarc offers a comprehensive 3-month program focusing on brain, body, and spirit to support radical healing. For more information, visit their website.

Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:

· University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series

· Polyvagal Institute Mighty App

· 7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal Theory

· Optimal State Mobile App

· Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon

·       Monday Night Yoga Therapy Clinic on www.TheOpimtalState.com

·       Join us for our Monday night Yoga Therapy Clinics, specially designed to address specific health and wellness topics. The sessions are held every Monday from 4:00-5:15 PM PST and are led by Amy Wheeler, a seasoned expert in yoga therapy. This clinic provides a supportive environment where participants can explore therapeutic yoga techniques to aid in addiction recovery and overall well-being.

·       For those seeking professional development, there is an option to stay longer after class and earn Continuing Education (CE) credits. This extended session offers in-depth training and valuable insights into integrating yoga therapy with addiction treatment.

Episode Description: In this solo episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler delves into the challenges and rewards of starting new ventures and facing difficult tasks. Drawing inspiration from her students at Optimal State, Amy explores the delicate and vulnerable nature of putting our hearts into something new. She shares insightful exercises designed to help us uncover areas of cognitive dissonance and encourages us to reflect on whether we are showing up authentically in our lives.

Amy discusses the importance of self-awareness, the willingness to be seen for who we truly are, and the courage it takes to step into new experiences with trust in ourselves. She emphasizes that connection, presence, and authenticity are key when navigating new challenges, rather than striving for perfection. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that we don’t need to have everything figured out in advance; instead, we can trust that we’ll know what to do when we get there.

Key Takeaways:

• The significance of starting new things and the vulnerability that comes with it.
• An exercise to identify areas of cognitive dissonance and authenticity in your life.
• The importance of self-awareness and knowing yourself before projecting authenticity to others.
• Practical tips for showing up authentically, even in challenging situations.
• The power of connection and presence over perfection in new endeavors.

Episode Quote: "Starting new things requires vulnerability. It requires a level of self-trust. And here's the key: you will know what to do when you get there."

Call to Action: Take a moment to reflect on areas in your life where you might be holding back from being your true self. 

Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:

• University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series
• Polyvagal Institute Mighty App
• 7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal Theory
• Optimal State Mobile App
• Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon

·       Monday Night Yoga Therapy Clinic on www.TheOpimtalState.com

·       Join us for our Monday night Yoga Therapy Clinics, specially designed to address specific health and wellness topics. The sessions are held every Monday from 4:00-5:15 PM PST and are led by Amy Wheeler, a seasoned expert in yoga therapy. This clinic provides a supportive environment where participants can explore therapeutic yoga techniques to aid in addiction recovery and overall well-being.

·       For those seeking professional development, there is an option to stay longer after class and earn Continuing Education (CE) credits. This extended session offers in-depth training and valuable insights into integrating yoga therapy with addiction treatment.

In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler welcomes Bob Cirino, the Founder of Apple Tree and a dedicated practitioner and teacher at the Yoga Studies Institute. Bob shares his journey into yoga and meditation, emphasizing how ancient spiritual texts guide his work. As an exceptional communicator, Bob simplifies complex concepts, making them accessible and relatable.

Bob delves into his transformation from a skeptic to a devoted yogi, exploring how yoga evolved from just a physical practice into a comprehensive lifestyle. He explains the profound connection between the mind, body, and subtle energies, drawing from his studies in Tibetan Yoga and the Pancha Kośa system. Bob also discusses the significance of the prāṇa, or subtle energy, as a bridge between the mental and physical realms, and how this understanding can lead to greater compassion and ethical living.

The conversation also touches on modern neuroscience, the role of the vagus nerve, and how practices like Ujjayi breathing can shift the nervous system from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest, promoting mental and physical well-being. Bob introduces the concept of "Navanga" or the "9th limb" of yoga, which he describes as compassionate wisdom—a crucial aspect that underlies all other yoga practices.

Bob challenges the notion of privilege in yoga, asserting that practices like Ujjayi breathing can level the playing field, making yoga accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. He also addresses the debate around enlightenment and ethics, providing insights into how an ethical life naturally emerges from dedicated yoga practice.

Listeners are invited to explore these teachings further through Bob’s work at the Yoga Studies Institute (www.YogaStudiesInstitute.org) and his platform, Spiritual Warrior (www.spiritualwarrior.life), where he helps individuals master their purpose and live fearlessly.

Key Takeaways:

• The transition from physical yoga practice to a holistic lifestyle.
• The significance of connecting mind, body, and breath in yoga.
• How ancient spiritual texts inform modern yoga practices.
• The role of Ujjayi breathing in influencing the nervous system.
• The concept of "Navanga" and its importance in yoga practice.
• The intersection of privilege, accessibility, and ethics in yoga.
• Insights into the relationship between enlightenment and ethical living.

Resources:

• Yoga Studies Institute
• Spiritual Warrior
• Instagram: @bob.cirino

Join us for this enlightening conversation and explore how the ancient wisdom of yoga can be applied to modern life, fostering compassion, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of the self.

Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:

• University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series
• Polyvagal Institute Mighty App
• 7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal Theory
• Optimal State Mobile App
• Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon

·       Monday Night Yoga Therapy Clinic on www.TheOpimtalState.com

·       Join us for our Monday night Yoga Therapy Clinics, specially designed to address specific health and wellness topics. The sessions are held every Monday from 4:00-5:15 PM PST and are led by Amy Wheeler, a seasoned expert in yoga therapy. This clinic provides a supportive environment where participants can explore therapeutic yoga techniques to aid in addiction recovery and overall well-being.

·       For those seeking professional development, there is an option to stay longer after class and earn Continuing Education (CE) credits. This extended session offers in-depth training and valuable insights into integrating yoga therapy with addiction treatment.

Episode Description:

In this solo episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler explores the importance of having an outside reference point in our lives. Drawing on personal experiences, reflections, and teachings from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, Amy delves into why it can be valuable to seek external perspectives to gain clarity and understanding. She also discusses how to approach challenging conversations with friends, family, and mentors and the role of humility in personal growth.

Key Points Covered:

• Introduction to the concept of an outside reference point in yoga and life.
• Personal resistance to the idea of relying on external perspectives.
• The balance between autonomy and the need for external feedback.
• Examples of honest relationships and the importance of setting boundaries.
• The role of mentors in offering unbiased reflections and guidance.
• Amy’s experiences with mentors, both paid and unpaid.
• The process of moving from self-referenced perception to clear perception as outlined in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.
• The importance of pattern recognition and inference in developing clear perception.
• How to navigate and accept multiple perspectives, even when they conflict with personal beliefs.
• The challenge of maintaining clarity in emotionally charged situations.
• Upcoming Optimal Yoga Nidra Facilitator course offered by Optimal State.

Summary:

In this insightful solo episode, Amy Wheeler emphasizes the importance of having an outside reference point to gain clarity and understanding in our lives. Through personal anecdotes and teachings from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, she discusses the value of seeking external perspectives, even when it challenges our sense of autonomy. Amy also highlights the role of honest communication and the need for humility in personal growth. This episode encourages listeners to consider the benefits of having mentors or trusted individuals who can offer unbiased reflections and help navigate life’s complexities.

Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:

• University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series
• Polyvagal Institute Mighty App
• 7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal Theory
• Optimal State Mobile App
• Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon

·        Monday Night Yoga Therapy Clinic on www.TheOpimtalState.com

·        Join us for our Monday night Yoga Therapy Clinics, specially designed to address specific health and wellness topics. The sessions are held every Monday from 4:00-5:15 PM PST and are led by Amy Wheeler, a seasoned expert in yoga therapy. This clinic provides a supportive environment where participants can explore therapeutic yoga techniques to aid in addiction recovery and overall well-being.

·        For those seeking professional development, there is an option to stay longer after class and earn Continuing Education (CE) credits. This extended session offers in-depth training and valuable insights into integrating yoga therapy with addiction treatment.