Episode Description:

In this deeply moving and profoundly insightful episode, Amy Wheeler welcomes yoga therapist, author, and pelvic health expert Cheri Dostal Ryba to share her personal story of healing, embodiment, and reclamation. Cheri’s journey touches on intergenerational trauma, family estrangement, caregiving for a parent in crisis, and the body’s remarkable wisdom in processing, protecting, and ultimately guiding us toward healing.

Cheri vulnerably recounts the transformative chapter of her life that unfolded after her family returned to Wisconsin, just as her book, Pelvic Yoga Therapy for the Whole Woman, was released. Amid navigating her family’s unraveling, Cheri found herself in the heart of her own embodied healing journey — trusting the intelligence of her body, allowing grief to move through her, and reclaiming her own sense of safety, belonging, and joy.

This conversation is a testament to the power of somatic practice, ancestral healing, and trusting the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signals our bodies give us, even when our minds may not yet have words for the story.

Please note: This episode touches on sensitive topics, including family trauma, suicide attempts, and intergenerational wounding. While the conversation is approached with compassion and care, we advise listener discretion, particularly if you are listening with children or if these topics are personally triggering.

Topics Covered:

• How yoga, breathwork, and mantra supported Cheri’s healing process
• The wisdom of the body in revealing truth — even before the mind catches up
• Grieving necessary endings and choosing healthy boundaries with family
• The role of the pelvis in personal power, belonging, and embodied wholeness
• How yoga therapy can support pelvic health, trauma recovery, and personal reclamation
• Cheri’s upcoming Pelvic Yoga Book Summit – May 2-3, 2025

Quotes from the Episode:

"Sensitivity is the privilege and responsibility of remembering." — Toko-pa Turner

"Healing is living — fiercely committing to the present moment." — Cheri Dostal Ryba

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Pelvic Yoga Therapy for the Whole Woman: A Professional Guide by Cheri Dostal Ryba
• Event: Pelvic Yoga Book Summit - May 2-3, 2025 (Registration opens by April 4, 2025)
• Book Mentioned by Amy: Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry Cloud
• Mantra Discussed: Mahā Mṛtyuñjaya Mantra – exploring its symbolism of effortless release and surrender

About Cheri Dostal Ryba:

Cheri is a yoga therapist, pelvic health specialist, somatic educator, and author. Her work empowers individuals — particularly women — to reclaim their embodied sense of safety, pleasure, and sovereignty. Through her book, retreats, and upcoming summit, Cheri weaves together the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of healing the pelvic bowl, while honoring the whole person.

Connect with Cheri:

Website: www.cheridostalryba.com

Pelvic Yoga Book Summit: www.cheridostalryba.com/pelvicyogabooksummit

Instagram: @cheridostalryba

The Yoga Therapy Bridge Blog:

https://amywheeler.com

Come join us at Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) for our Signature Programs starting in Fall 2025.

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