Yoga Therapy Hour with Amy Wheeler

Guest: Danielle De Pillis, MS Neuroscience, C-IAYT (12 Petals Wellness)Danielle De Pillis joins Amy from South Minneapolis for a clear-eyed conversation about chronic pain, interoception, and why “sending someone to yoga class” is not the same as yoga therapy. Danielle traces her arc from high-pressure ad agency life into a years-long recovery that rewired her relationship with her body—then back into graduate study in neuroscience at King’s College London to understand the brain networks behind what she and her clients were experiencing. This is a grounded dialogue where ancient yoga maps (kośas, guṇas, abhyāsa/vairāgya) meet modern neuroscience and trauma-informed care.Listen forHow chronic sciatic pain (without injury) resolved through tiny, breath-led movements and attention trainingWhy interoception (insula-based networks) is the missing link across PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction, and eating disordersThe limits of protocols: why yoga therapy must meet the person—not the diagnosisPractical strategies for “sitting is the new smoking” workplacesUsing Yoga Nidra and micro-practices to “bring a region back online” and rebuild brain–body connectionsTrauma-informed considerations for healthcare and why telehealth lowers barriers for clients with PTSDKey ideas & takeawaysPain is a messenger, not a verdict. When we treat it like data, we can adapt habit loops (workload, sitting time, emotional patterns like anger), not just tissues.Attention before ambition. Danielle’s recovery hinged on “microscopic movements, breath, mudrā, and curiosity”—a living example of abhyāsa (steady practice) and vairāgya (non-grasping).Interoception is foundational. Many clients say “I’m fine” until they close their eyes and notice otherwise. Building interoceptive literacy (Yoga Nidra body scan, slow breath, graded exposure to sensation) is therapy.No one-size-fits-all. Back pain, for example, can stem from different drivers (biomechanical load, overthinking/rumination, shock/trauma, life stress). Assessment across the pañca-maya kośa clarifies which lever to pull first.Healthcare and gym yoga. A doctor’s “try yoga” often misfires; yoga therapy (or therapeutic yoga) individualizes, paces, and is trauma-informed.Maintenance is the path. Bodies require lifelong tending. Danielle uses movement “snacks,” nature walks, and between-client resets—little choices that keep systems regulated.Practical practices mentioned (try these)Micro-movement + breath: Choose one joint/region that feels “offline.” Explore 1–2 minutes of tiny ranges with smooth nasal breath and curiosity. Stop well before pain.Yoga Nidra, targeted: If you consistently “drop out” during a specific body region, create a 10-minute Nidra just for that side/area to rebuild signal.Workday resets: Every 45–60 minutes, stand, walk a block, or do 2–3 shapes while the kettle boils.Green-space therapy: Daily time in nature to shift autonomic state toward safety and restoration.Memorable quotes“Attention is where it’s at. People say ‘mindfulness,’ but what changed me was attention—and curiosity.” —Danielle“What got disconnected along the way? That’s the puzzle yoga therapy helps clients solve.” —Amy“We’re not treating a protocol; we’re meeting a person, this week.” —DanielleAbout our guestDanielle De Pillis is a yoga therapist and neuroscience-informed practitioner based in Minneapolis. She holds a Master’s in Neuroscience from King’s College London and runs a global online private practice focused on trauma, chronic pain, and interoception.Website: danielledepillis.comInterested 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 Therapyhttps://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 Ayurvedahttps://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.

In this rich and heartfelt conversation, Amy Wheeler sits down with Canadian yoga therapist and author Leila Stuart to explore her life’s journey through yoga, Ayurveda, chronic illness, and the groundbreaking field of experiential anatomy.Leila shares how yoga first saved her as a 19-year-old in debilitating back pain, again when chronic fatigue and inflammatory arthritis nearly ended her career, and finally when Ayurveda and Panchakarma restored her vitality. Through these challenges, she developed a unique approach to anatomy—one that goes beyond memorization to help people truly feel their bodies from the inside out.Together, Amy and Leila unpack the profound role of interoception (the ability to sense internal states), the therapeutic power of somatics, and the importance of teaching anatomy as a lived experience. They also discuss the “golden thread” that guides each of us toward our dharma—even in times of suffering.This episode is both a personal healing story and a teaching in embodied practice, offering hope, inspiration, and practical insights for yoga therapists, teachers, and anyone seeking wholeness.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe difference between therapeutic yoga and yoga therapyHow yoga and Ayurveda supported Leila through back pain, chronic fatigue, and arthritisThe concept of experiential anatomy and why it’s transformational for students and practitionersHow interoception and somatic awareness rewire the brain-body connectionGentle ways to support people who feel “numb” or disconnected from their bodyWhy beauty, simplicity, and embodiment matter in both healing and teachingThe importance of finding your dharma—and how it can become a pathway to healingAbout Leila StuartLeila Stuart is a yoga therapist, somatic movement educator, and author dedicated to bringing experiential anatomy to the forefront of yoga therapy education. She is the co-author of Pathways to a Centered Body (with Donna Farhi) and author of The Anatomy of Yoga Therapy. Her work blends deep anatomical knowledge with embodied practices that reconnect people with their inner wisdom. Learn more at leilastuart.com.Resources MentionedPathways to a Centered Body by Donna Farhi & Leila StuartThe Anatomy of Yoga Therapy by Leila StuartLeila’s website for workshops, resources, and writings www.leilastuart.comLearn with Amy WheelerMaster of Science in Yoga Therapy – MUIHPost-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga PracticesPost-Baccalaureate Ayurveda CertificationStay ConnectedJoin our Optimal State Mobile App for daily check-ins and simple interventionsExplore our Online Community with weekly classes and a growing library at www.AmyWheeler.comFollow The Yoga Therapy Hour podcast wherever you listen

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.

Episode Summary: What does it mean to live in alignment with your soul’s purpose—especially when the world feels upside down? In this powerful and inspiring conversation, Amy sits down with astrologer, intuitive guide, and author Madi Murphy to explore how to harness life’s cosmic curveballs, leave the comfort zone, and step into your fullest, most authentic self.Madi shares how astrology can act as a “GPS for the soul,” guiding us through both personal transformation and collective upheaval. Together, Amy and Madi dive into the themes of Sacred Rage as a catalyst for change, the necessity of setting clear boundaries, and why “quiet revolutions” are already taking root across the globe.You’ll hear about:·        How Pluto in Aquarius marks a 20-year cycle of transformation, innovation, and power to the people.·        Why sacred rage—channeled wisely—can be a force for justice, creativity, and healing.·        The art of saying “no” without over-explaining, and the empowerment that comes from it.·        Why grassroots movements and personal authenticity will shape the next chapter of our collective story.·        Practical ways to plant seeds for the future, even if you’re not the loudest voice in the room.This episode is both an invitation and a call to action: to fortify your values, live authentically, and play your part in shaping a more empathetic and connected future. Whether you’re navigating a personal rebirth or tuning into the shifting tides of our world, this conversation will leave you inspired, grounded, and ready to claim your cosmic zone.About Madi Murphy: Madi Murphy is an astrologer, intuitive, shamanic practitioner, and author of In the Cosmic Zone. With a gift for blending the mystical with the practical, Madi helps clients align with their “divine assignment” through astrology, intuitive insight, and grounded, actionable tools.Resources & Links:·        Connect with Madi Murphy: https://www.instagram.com/thecosmicrx/?hl=en ·        In the Cosmic Zone – https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/782212/in-the-cosmic-zone-by-madi-murphy/  ·        Follow Amy Wheeler and The Yoga Therapy Hour: www.TheOptimalState.com  Plans of Study for NDMU Yoga Therapyhttps://livendm.sharepoint.com/sites/Academics/SitePages/Yoga-Therapy-Plans-of-Study.aspx?csf=1&web=1&share=EeZhGMscDMFOl1Lk0PD6gOsBTxvKkWvbfjhHLmMMuNpLFw&e=ApOX4h&CID=45c542e6-5528-4c68-a8ac-5596fb4fc161School of Integrative Health at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-healthMaster of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy  Explore NDMU’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals.  https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification #IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool

Episode Summary: In this intimate and empowering conversation, Amy Wheeler sits down with yoga therapist, postpartum doula, and mother of two, Alexi Neal, to explore what happens when the yoga practice you’ve loved for decades no longer serves your body in the same way.Alexi shares her journey from starting yoga at age 12, falling in love with the strength and presence it gave her, to discovering—through chronic pain, pelvic dysfunction, and motherhood—that her hypermobility was both a blessing and a challenge. She opens up about the difficulty of letting go of deep, stretchy poses that felt emotionally nourishing but were damaging her SI joints and pelvic stability.The conversation dives into:How cultural narratives around motherhood and women’s health leave many women without the support they needThe physical and emotional realities of hypermobility and pelvic floor dysfunctionWhy heavy strength training became a surprising but essential part of Alexi’s healing and empowermentHow honoring boundaries in movement is an act of self-respect and long-term sustainabilityThe “village” mindset and how it applies not only to mothering but to self-careAlexi’s story is an invitation to listen deeply to your body, to adapt your practice as life changes, and to recognize that true yoga is not performance—it’s about honoring what supports your wholeness today.Connect with Alexi Neal:Website: soulfulsomatics.com (Soulful with two L’s)Instagram: @soulfullexi Plans of Study for NDMU Yoga Therapyhttps://livendm.sharepoint.com/sites/Academics/SitePages/Yoga-Therapy-Plans-of-Study.aspx?csf=1&web=1&share=EeZhGMscDMFOl1Lk0PD6gOsBTxvKkWvbfjhHLmMMuNpLFw&e=ApOX4h&CID=45c542e6-5528-4c68-a8ac-5596fb4fc161School of Integrative Health at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-healthMaster of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy  Explore NDMU’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals.  https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification #IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool 

Episode SummaryIn this powerful and intimate episode, Amy welcomes Christi Sims, a yoga teacher from Texas who shares her personal story of recovery after a devastating diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). At one point unable to walk, talk, or process language, Christi was told by doctors that her condition was irreversible. Through faith, deep surrender, and a daily yoga practice guided by Dr. Nydia Darby, Christi slowly rewired her brain and body from the inside out.This is the first time Christi has shared her full story publicly, with no website to promote—just a heartfelt desire to help others find hope and healing. Her journey is a testament to what is possible when the soul says, “Take me or heal me,” and both surrender and disciplined daily practice follow.What You’ll LearnWhat it’s like to be diagnosed with MS and lose basic motor and cognitive functionHow yoga helped Christi rebuild her neural pathways and regain her independenceThe role of prāṇa, breathwork, and the mind-body-spirit connection in neurological healingWhy surrendering control and taking full responsibility are not opposites, but companionsThe power of simple, consistent daily practice—starting with sitting and breathingConnect with ChristiIf you or someone you love is navigating a neurological condition and would like to connect with Christi, you can reach her directly at: cksims1@yahoo.com(Shared with permission. Please be respectful.)Resources & MentionsDr. Nydia Darby – Yoga therapist and mentor to ChristiLaurel Grace Yoga Studio, New Braunfels, TXOptimal State – www.theoptimalstate.comDownload the Optimal State App for daily breath, awareness, and movement practicesSubscribe to the Podcast and share this episode with someone who needs hopeThank You, ChristiYour story is a living example of Yoga Sūtra 2.1 in action—discipline, self-study, and surrender. May your journey continue to inspire others to walk toward healing, even when the path is uncertain.

Episode Overview:In one of the most vulnerable and transformative conversations to date, Amy Wheeler sits down with Naomi Finkelstein, a yoga therapist and founder of The Sanctuary, to explore what it means to reclaim body autonomy, live in alignment with truth, and practice yoga from a foundation of ahiṁsā—non-harming—toward oneself.Naomi shares her deeply personal story of being sent to weight-loss camps as a teen, struggling with disordered eating for decades, and ultimately being diagnosed with anorexia at age 40—all while living in a larger body. She speaks honestly about how societal fatphobia masked her illness, and how yoga became both a site of harm and, ultimately, a path to healing.This conversation redefines what it means to "do yoga." It's not about performance. It's about presence, choice, and radical self-respect.Amy openly reflects on how this dialogue challenged her own internalized body narratives. This is not just a podcast episode; it’s an invitation into deep nervous system work, self-reflection, and community reimagining. Topics Covered:Naomi’s journey through fatphobia, eating disorder recovery, and reclaiming the word “fat” as a neutral descriptorThe harm caused by body-normative yoga spaces—and how to create truly inclusive onesTrauma-informed yoga through the lens of personal choice and body consentHow shifting your internal dialogue during practice changes the entire nervous system responseWhat it means to build a yoga community rooted in safety, autonomy, and interdependenceWhy health cannot be measured by weight alone—and how to practice viveka (discernment) in medical spacesA reframe of tapas and ahiṁsā that honors those recovering from disordered eatingKey Quotes:“I had to relearn what it meant to show up on my mat—from a place of choice, not punishment.” — Naomi Finkelstein“The sensation you’re feeling right now? That’s what healing feels like.” — Naomi Finkelstein“If yoga isn’t here to bring us home to ourselves, what are we doing?” — Amy WheelerLearn More About Naomi:Naomi Finkelstein, C-IAYT, is a certified yoga therapist, trauma-informed educator, and founder of The Sanctuary, an inclusive online community supporting people in larger bodies through movement, mindfulness, and nervous system regulation. Her October courses include:Befriending the Body – An 8-week gentle yoga journey for those beginning or returning to practiceYoga Nidrā for Deep Rest – A 6-week guided series to support nervous system recovery Learn more at NaomiFinkelstein.com Listener Note:This episode may stir deep emotions, especially for those in eating disorder recovery or with long-term body image struggles. We invite you to listen slowly, take breaks, and notice your breath and sensations. Healing is nonlinear. Come back to the episode as needed.

Episode SummaryIn this rich and deeply reflective conversation, Amy Wheeler speaks with Bonnie Buckner, author of The Secret Mind: Unlock the Power of Dreams to Transform Your Life. Together, they explore how dreams—both night dreams and daydreams—can become a powerful path to healing, self-awareness, and transformation. Daydreams and night dreams are not just subconscious wanderings—but powerful tools for healing, insight, and transformation. Bonnie explains how the default mode network of the brain, active during dreaming, holds the key to our creative and emotional intelligence, bypassing the inner critic that often stifles our potential. Together, they unpack the symbolism of animals in dreams, the science behind functional mutuality in the brain, and how re-entering a dream through waking imagery can bring resolution and clarity. Amy even shares a personal dream about a mountain lion, and Bonnie gently guides her to see it not as a mystery to decode, but an energy to honor and heal. This episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of neuroscience, yoga philosophy, and the art of listening deeply to the inner self.Drawing from both neuroscience and imagery-based therapeutic tools, Bonnie shares how the default network of the brain, often activated during non-linear, imaginative states, plays a crucial role in our inner healing. She explains how dreams reveal our inner blocks, and how we can use waking dream exercises to address unresolved patterns—without needing to overanalyze or “figure it out.”Amy and Bonnie reflect on:The importance of daydreaming as a seed of creativity and visionWhy sleep dreaming bypasses our inner critic and opens access to deeper truthsHow to re-enter dreams to resolve internal conflict and restore inner harmonyWhy images are the language of the nervous system, and more powerful than words aloneHow dreamwork intersects with yoga therapy, and why Patāñjali encourages dream observation as a path to self-knowledgeThe relationship between creativity and blocked energy, especially for performers and professionals who feel stuckAmy even shares one of her own dreams, and Bonnie offers a moving example of how we can tend to the symbolic beings that appear in our subconscious—offering healing not only to the dream, but to the dreamer.About Bonnie BucknerDr. Bonnie Buckner is the founder of the International Institute for Dreaming and Imagery, and teaches globally on the power of dreams and the creative mind. She works with leaders, creatives, and performers to help them access their potential through dreaming, imagination, and intuitive intelligence.She also leads programs like the Dreamer World Artist Lab and Project Dreaming, where participants use dreams as portals into creative breakthroughs and transformational growth. Bonnie teaches at centers like Kripalu, and continues to bridge ancient inner wisdom with modern cognitive science.Connect & Learn More  BonnieBuckner.com – Book, blog, classes, and dream mentoring  Institute for Dreaming and Imagery – Courses, retreats, and training in dreamwork and creativity  The Secret Mind – Available wherever books are soldHost Reflection“I loved Bonnie’s presence—soft yet strong. Her insights reminded me that our deepest transformations often come not through effort, but through stillness, receptivity, and inner listening. As yoga therapists and seekers, this is an essential reminder: we are dreaming ourselves into being every day.”— Amy Wheeler, Ph.D.

Episode Summary:In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Amy sits down with yoga therapist, somatic psychotherapist, and author Rachel Krentzman, C-IAYT, to explore her stunning new memoir, As Is.This isn’t just a story about yoga. It’s about survival, identity, family, trauma, and healing—and ultimately, coming home to oneself. From her childhood in a strict Orthodox Jewish community in Montreal, to freedom and expansion in California, and finally to her current life in Israel, Rachel takes us through three distinct lifetimes—each with its own transformation.Rachel speaks candidly about:Writing and publishing As Is after ten years of hesitation, rewrites, and deep soul-searchingFacing generational and personal trauma, and choosing to heal rather than hideHer experiences with yoga, somatic psychology (Hakomi), and how they gave her tools to break cycles of shameHer journey bringing yoga therapy into Israeli hospitals, including working with trauma survivors, war refugees, and healthcare professionalsHow yoga therapy offers active, empowering healing—distinguished from both passive treatments and talk therapyThe courage it takes to tell your story, even when others may not approveAmy and Rachel discuss how yoga therapy is uniquely positioned to help people self-regulate, feel their bodies again, and reclaim their narratives—especially during times of personal or collective crisis.Whether you're a yoga therapist, a healthcare provider, or someone navigating your own healing, Rachel’s story is a call to honesty, agency, and inner transformation.“I hope readers see that they are not their story. They are not their shame. There is always a way out—and that way is inward.” — Rachel KrentzmanHighlights:How generational trauma shaped Rachel’s early lifeThe emotional toll—and liberation—of telling the truth publiclyWhat it’s like raising children in Israel amid war and instabilityWhy yoga therapy is growing rapidly in Israel’s healthcare systemThe nervous system, trauma, and how breathwork offered relief when even pain meds couldn’tA vision for yoga therapy as a vital component of integrative medicineLearn More: Visit Rachel’s website to purchase As Is and learn more about her work: www.rachelkrentzman.com As Is is available worldwide on Kindle, paperback, and major book retailers.About Rachel Krentzman:Rachel is a licensed physical therapist, certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT), and a graduate of the Hakomi Institute’s somatic psychotherapy training. She is a pioneer of yoga therapy in Israel, working to integrate it into hospitals and mental health care systems. Connect with Amy Wheeler: Website: www.TheOptimalState.com  Instagram: OptimalStatewithAmy Wheeler  Podcast: Yoga Therapy HourAmy is the Chair of the Dept. of Yoga Therapy and Ayurveda at Notre Dame of Maryland University, School of Integrative Health (Formerly MUIH). Master of Science in Yoga Therapy https://muih.edu/academics/yoga-therapy/master-of-science-in-yoga-therapy/ Explore MUIH’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals.  https://muih.edu/academics/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices/ Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at MUIH: https://muih.edu/academics/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification/

Episode Overview: In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Amy Wheeler welcomes yoga therapists and authors Marilyn Peppers-Citizen and Charlene Muhammad to discuss their groundbreaking new book, Yoga in the Black Community: Healing Through Wholeness, History, and Hope. With humility, courage, and vision, Marilyn and Charlene share the deeply intentional 4-year journey that led to the book’s creation—from its origins in conversations on chronic pain and health disparities to a larger message of universal healing through Yoga.Together, they explore the historical exclusion of Black communities from mainstream yoga spaces, systemic health inequities, and the emotional toll of ongoing racial bias in healthcare and research. Yet this episode is also rooted in hope—emphasizing the healing power of community-based practice, and the recognition that Yoga is not something to be “brought into” the Black community—it’s already there.Listeners will be moved by their reflections on resilience, the limits of resilience, and the need to reimagine yoga therapy education, credentialing, and access through a lens of equity, affordability, and cultural inclusion.Key Topics Covered:How the book organically evolved through monthly conversations, Google Docs, and shared purposeChronic pain, scientific bias, and the history of mistrust in research and healthcareYoga as a path to liberation, community care, and remembrance of inherent wholenessCentering Black lived experience while offering a universal message of healingThe challenges of inclusion in mainstream yoga and the importance of culturally-rooted practiceReimagining Yoga therapy education and credentialing with equity and accessibilityActionable steps for individual and collective healing, starting with self-reflectionA call to yoga professionals to integrate social, historical, and emotional literacy into their workQuotes to Remember:“You don’t need to be in a place to practice Yoga. It’s how you wake up in the morning, how you walk through the day, and how you sleep at night.” – Marilyn Peppers-Citizen“If you want to work with any community, you must know their history.” – Charlene Muhammad“We are not a broken people. We are whole humans with pride, joy, and daily challenges.” – Marilyn Peppers-CitizenResources Mentioned:  Yoga in the Black Community: Healing Through Wholeness, History, and Hope – by Charlene Muhammad & Marilyn Peppers-Citizen  Jana Long’s film: The Uncommon Yogi  Gabor Maté – The Myth of NormalConnect with the Guests:Charlene Muhammad – Yoga therapist, educator, and community healer Marilyn Peppers-Citizen – Yoga therapist and advocate for health equityTakeaway Message: This episode is a call to reflect, remember, and reconnect—with ourselves, our communities, and the deeper truths of yoga. Healing must begin within, and it must include all of us.Listen & Subscribe:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | www.TheOptimalState.comJoin the Conversation:Tag us with your thoughts and reflections using #YogaTherapyHourFollow @OptimalStateYoga on Instagram and FacebookAlso find us on Patreon under The Optimal State and Yoga Therapy HourIf you would like more information about getting a masters degree in Yoga Therapy at MUIH, go to:Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapyPlans of Study for NDMU Yoga Therapyhttps://livendm.sharepoint.com/sites/Academics/SitePages/Yoga-Therapy-Plans-of-Study.aspx?csf=1&web=1&share=EeZhGMscDMFOl1Lk0PD6gOsBTxvKkWvbfjhHLmMMuNpLFw&e=ApOX4h&CID=45c542e6-5528-4c68-a8ac-5596fb4fc161School of Integrative Health at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health Explore NDMU’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals.  https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification