Yoga Therapy Hour with Amy Wheeler

Introduction: Discover the transformative power of healing pelvic floor dysfunction in this enlightening episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour. Join Amy and Leslie as they delve into the depths of urinary incontinence, chronic pain, painful sex, and other difficulties associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. Leslie, a renowned expert, shares her personal journey of overcoming pelvic floor dysfunction and her subsequent specialization, which led to groundbreaking research studies at the prestigious University of California at San Francisco.Episode Highlights:·        Leslie's Inspirational Journey: From Personal Healing to Empowering Others Leslie opens up about her own experience of healing her pelvic floor dysfunction, serving as a testament to the possibilities of recovery and rejuvenation.·        Exploring Pelvic Floor Anatomy, Cultural Messaging, and Energetics Delve into the intricate details of pelvic floor anatomy while unraveling the impact of cultural messaging and energetics on pelvic floor health.·        The Power of Breath: Unlocking Pelvic Floor Wellness Discover the crucial role of appropriate breathing in maintaining a healthy pelvic floor. Learn how reverse breathing negatively affects the pelvic floor and explore effective breathing techniques for optimal pelvic floor function.·        Leslie's Three Essential Areas for Pelvic Floor Well-being Explore Leslie's three key areas: breath awareness, alignment in postures, and mastering the art of engaging and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. Gain insights into how these practices contribute to healing and revitalizing the pelvic floor.·        Understanding Hypertonic and Hypotonic Pelvic Floor Conditions Uncover the differences between hypertonic and hypotonic pelvic floor conditions and gain a deeper understanding of how certain individuals may experience excessive tightness or looseness in either side of their bodies.·        Allopathic Modalities: Pros and Cons Learn about various allopathic modalities commonly used to address pelvic floor dysfunction. Explore the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, empowering you to make informed decisions about your own healing journey.·        The Power of Collaboration: Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and Yoga Discover the benefits of incorporating pelvic floor physical therapy alongside a dedicated daily yoga practice tailored to pelvic floor health. Gain practical insights into optimizing your healing journey.Don't miss this empowering episode packed with valuable knowledge on healing pelvic floor dysfunction. Tune in now to The Yoga Therapy Hour and embark on a transformative path to freedom from chronic pain and discomfort.  If you would like to receive the free infographics and handouts that correspond to each episode on the Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast, please subscribe to our segmented email list. You will have the opportunity to determine the Infographic Topics that you would like to receive. When The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast has a topic that corresponds to your choices, then you will receive an email for that week with the PDF’s for download.Topics you can choose from include: Yoga Therapy & Mental HealthYoga Therapy & Physical HealthSocial Justice in yoga & Yoga TherapyYoga/Ayurveda ToolboxYoga & Indian PhilosophyGlobal & Trending Yoga Therapy TopicsClick the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.https://amywheeler.com/subscribe Check out Amy's website Visit Amy’s training section on her website to check out the courses belowYoga therapy training courses 865-certified-yoga-therapist-program  Leslie Howard:www.LeslieHowardYoga.com

Often times when we are in the middle of a stage of life that is causing us to transition to a new way of being, we feel confused, and we are not sure what to do next. We find ourselves searching for the next thing that will make us happier. Our focus is often outward on the search. In this episode Amy suggests that we go inward and practice self-reflection, or svadhyaya. We can look at those areas of our lives that are increasing our joy and those that are decreasing it. We can evaluate our values and beliefs and see if they are in alignment with our actions. And we can give ourselves time and space to explore without pressuring ourselves. Remember, the joy is in the journey of life, not just the final destination. ·     Amy starts the show with talking about her year anniversary, and how she has reflected on her life this past year.·     She discusses how transitions can be painful, but what if we were able to change our perspective and use this time to be present and create the life we always wanted.·     She says we have to get honest with ourselves and look at the choices we have made and continue to make. ·     Amy talks about how to create more inner joy, and possibly outer joy.·     Amy talks about dharma or life purpose and how to get more clarity about life what gives us meaning and purpose.·     Then she discusses how to “feel” your way through life and listen to your body, not all the talking that is happening in your brain.·     Finally, trust yourself and give yourself the time it takes to get clarity and align with your values for a joy-filled life.If you would like to receive the free infographics and handouts that correspond to each episode on the Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast, please subscribe to our segmented email list. You will have the opportunity to determine the Infographic Topics that you would like to receive. When The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast has a topic that corresponds to your choices, then you will receive an email for that week with the PDF’s for download.Topics you can choose from include: Yoga Therapy & Mental HealthYoga Therapy & Physical HealthSocial Justice in yoga & Yoga TherapyYoga/Ayurveda ToolboxYoga & Indian PhilosophyGlobal & Trending Yoga Therapy TopicsClick the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.https://amywheeler.com/subscribe Check out Amy's website Visit Amy’s training section on her website to check out the courses belowYoga therapy training courses 865-certified-yoga-therapist-program Life Purpose Yoga Therapy Series in October 2023: https://calendly.com/amy-wheeler-optimal-state--schedule/creating-daily-routines-series-oct-2-9-16-clone?month=2023-10

Carrie Heeter, Ph.D., RYS200 and meditation designer in the tradition of Viniyoga has written a fascinating book called ‘An Inside Look at Meditation: Experiences for healing, support and transformation.” Amy and Carrie discuss what it means to have an interactive meditative experience and how this might be different than what most of us think of when we imagine going into meditation. It is a co-creation that can be guided by the meditation facilitator/ designer but leaves space for the meditator to create an experience in their own mind that can lead to self-discovery, transformation and even mental and physical healing. Carrie is a Research Scientist, a developer of Virtual Reality games and has authored over 100 books and peer reviewed articles as a scholar at Michigan State University for 27 years. Get ready to have your mind blown and heart opened in this interview. ·     Amy asks Carrie to help us understand what interactive gaming technology and this type of meditative experience have in common.·     Carrie describes several different meditative practices that she has experienced, as well as designed for her students.·     The intended outcomes vs. what really happens in the mind and heart of a person who has committed to this type of meditative practice is explained.·     We discuss what are the short-term effects of this type of meditation, and what are the longer-term outcomes if one should choose to continue regularly for months or years.·     The importance of having a seasoned mentor is discussed, and the training required to become proficient at creating both group meditative experiences and individual practices as a yoga therapist in the viniyoga tradition.·     The breakdown of what you could expect if you were to give this type of meditation a try and how you could get started.If you would like to receive the free infographics and handouts that correspond to each episode on the Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast, please subscribe to our segmented email list. You will have the opportunity to determine the Infographic Topics that you would like to receive. When The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast has a topic that corresponds to your choices, then you will receive an email for that week with the PDF’s for download.Topics you can choose from include: Yoga Therapy & Mental HealthYoga Therapy & Physical HealthSocial Justice in yoga & Yoga TherapyYoga/Ayurveda ToolboxYoga & Indian PhilosophyGlobal & Trending Yoga Therapy TopicsClick the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.https://amywheeler.com/subscribe Check out Amy's website If you are interested in the (free) Optimal State 12-Day Meditation Challenge contact Krishna@TheOptimalState and she will give you information about how to join us starting June 2023. Contact Carrie Heeter:www.yogamindtools.com

Leslie is a Yoga Teacher and has also completed her certification in Yoga for Mental Health with Optimal State. She has made it her life mission to share her journey from depression, hopelessness, helplessness & mental health difficulties to the woman she has become. She has been able to transform her own nervous system, mental patterns and lifestyle habits into ones that support and nourish her daily. It is from this place of peace that she can share her superpower of helping others to take a similar journey towards more contentment and joy in life. Leslie discovered yoga as a mother of 2 toddlers many years ago, and it has become the North Star, her dharma/ life-purpose.·     We begin with Leslie’s story and how she came to know and understand that yoga could change the trajectory of her life.·     We discuss yoga philosophy and the goal of yoga, which is to come into tune with our Self, to perceive ourselves and the world differently and then to find the tools and technologies that will bring us back into a more balanced state.·     The wonder of yoga, it can be free, you can take it with you anywhere you go, it is an internal resource and the more you use the tools, the better you feel!·     We discuss life trajectory changes and how it only takes tiny little shifts to see big changes in behaviors over time. ·     How extraordinary is it to wake up knowing that a daily practice (even 10-minutes in bed) can help you to feel more steady, grounded, and peaceful throughout the day.·     How anyone can take up yoga practice to find more self-empowerment and we don’t need expensive yoga pants or mats or studios.·     The importance of a daily practice, especially over time.·     How to get started with a daily practice, especially when you don’t feel you have a consistent schedule, consistent place for your mat, family support or maybe you feel you are short on time each day. It is still possible one small step at a time.If you would like to receive the free infographics and handouts that correspond to each episode on the Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast, please subscribe to our segmented email list. You will have the opportunity to determine the Infographic Topics that you would like to receive. When The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast has a topic that corresponds to your choices, then you will receive an email for that week with the PDF’s for download.Topics you can choose from include: Yoga Therapy & Mental HealthYoga Therapy & Physical HealthSocial Justice in yoga & Yoga TherapyYoga/Ayurveda ToolboxYoga & Indian PhilosophyGlobal & Trending Yoga Therapy TopicsClick the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.https://amywheeler.com/subscribe Check out Amy's website Visit Amy’s training section on her website to check out the courses below:Monday night Yoga Therapy Clinics: https://amywheeler.com/monthly-yoga-therapy-clinics-2023Mental Health & Yoga Training with Optimal State: https://amywheeler.com/yoga-and-yoga-therapy-training-courses Contact Leslie Carson: https://yogaleslie.comLeslie’s Instagram Page: YogaForYouWithLeslie

·     The first episode in this series of Counseling from the Perspective of Yoga Philosophy was on March 10, 2023- in case you would like to go back and listen to that one·     Amy discusses the spiritual nature of this type of counseling clients.·     Amy outlines the feelings and sensations in the body that help us to understand we are suffering (because many of us don’t even know we are suffering).·     Amy talks about how yoga therapy can help set up the environment or container for a deep self-reflection and self- connection·     Amy gives examples of the types of exercises a yoga therapist might give to a client to help them have less suffering and create a life that has more joy·     She hopes that you might consider going to a yoga therapist with a mental health focus that can guide you appropriately through a daily practice that will assist you in coming home to SelfIf you would like to receive the free infographics and handouts that correspond to each episode on the Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast, please subscribe to our segmented email list. You will have the opportunity to determine the Infographic Topics that you would like to receive. When The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast has a topic that corresponds to your choices, then you will receive an email for that week with the PDF’s for download.Topics you can choose from include: Yoga Therapy & Mental HealthYoga Therapy & Physical HealthSocial Justice in yoga & Yoga TherapyYoga/Ayurveda ToolboxYoga & Indian PhilosophyGlobal & Trending Yoga Therapy TopicsClick the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.https://amywheeler.com/subscribe This episode is sponsored by: International Association of Yoga Therapists - www.iayt.orgSymposium on Yoga Therapy and Research – www.sytar.org  Check out Amy's website Visit Amy’s training section on her website to check out the courses belowYoga therapy training courses 865-certified-yoga-therapist-program If you would like information on the upcoming Yoga Nidra Facilitators Training, please contact Krishna@TheOptimalState.com to get on the mailing list.

Many of us know Helene Couvrette as the Founder of the Canadian yoga therapy conference called MISTY. Now I introduce you to Helene, AKA Mama Caretaker. Helene has been on a year-long journey of supporting her 18-year-old daughter through Leukemia, blood cancer. Today on the podcast she shares how both she and her daughter got through these difficult times: diagnosis, treatments, anxiety about the future, fear, letting go and more. They both continue to rely on the tools of yoga and yoga therapy to stay present. Helene says we should not be confused and think that this is easy, it is not easy. But it is possible to accept, survive and maybe even thrive again one day. She shares her deepest thoughts, emotions, and moments of the journey. It is a gift to all of us to know that we are not alone, that we all go through difficult times and that we can survive.·     Trust when something feels “off” and don’t wait to get to the doctor·     Dealing with the Shock of a difficult diagnosis·     Positive mindset for the life ahead and treatment options·     Getting honest about the fear and anxiety·     Asking the hard questions when you are ready to hear the answers·     Learning to live with fear and anxiety of the unknown·     The importance of human connection on the journey·     Ability to listen, watch as the witness, visualize good things happening, staying present, small movements in bed, meditation and more·     Keeping these 9-months in perspective of the big picture of your total lifeIf you would like to receive the free infographics and handouts that correspond to each episode on the Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast, please subscribe to our segmented email list. You will have the opportunity to determine the Infographic Topics that you would like to receive. When The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast has a topic that corresponds to your choices, then you will receive an email for that week with the PDF’s for download.Topics you can choose from include: Yoga Therapy & Mental HealthYoga Therapy & Physical HealthSocial Justice in yoga & Yoga TherapyYoga/Ayurveda ToolboxYoga & Indian PhilosophyGlobal & Trending Yoga Therapy TopicsClick the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.https://amywheeler.com/subscribe This episode is sponsored by: International Association of Yoga Therapists - www.iayt.orgSymposium on Yoga Therapy and Research – www.sytar.org Check out Amy's website Visit Amy’s training section on her website to check out the courses belowYoga therapy training courses 865-certified-yoga-therapist-program  Contact Helene Couvrette: linkedin.com/in/helene-couvrette-64b1255homyogacenter.com/ (Personal)homyogaevents.com/  (MISTY-Yoga Therapy Symposium)

Amy discusses how different the Lens of Yoga Therapy is from other Allied Healthcare Professions. She likens Yogic Counseling to that of Buddhist Counsel or Christian Counsel based on a buddhist Koan or the teachings of the bible. Yoga Therapy has it’s own lens for helping human beings to suffer less as a result of meditation and studying the ancient scriptures. This talk is part 3 in a series that began with Episode 25 for Part 1, then continued in Episode 33 for Part 2. If you want to go back and listen to those Episodes you will have a wonderful picture of Yogic Counselling from the perspective of Yoga Therapy. Please always remember that Yoga Therapy is complementary to allopathic medicine, Ayurveda and Psychology.·        Amy begins the episode outlining what is a Vasana (residual emotional imprint) and how does it differ from a Samskara (resultant habitual thought or behavior).·        Amy gives real life examples to help explain the concepts more clearly.·        Vasanas are unconscious and can be positive or negative.·        Samskaras are often conscious, but not always at the top of mind.·        Amy talks about how memories arise through therapeutic yogic meditation.·        She discusses the importance of a therapeutic and safe relationship to hold the results of a deep meditation practice.·        There is a review of the 8 Limbs of Yoga and how each one is important to the process of releasing vasanas.·        We talk about what is likely to happen before you get into deep states of meditation, and why support is needed.·        Last, we discuss getting triggered and what you can do about it to ease the suffering. If you would like to receive the free infographics and handouts that correspond to each episode on the Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast, please subscribe to our segmented email list. You will have the opportunity to determine the Infographic Topics that you would like to receive. When The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast has a topic that corresponds to your choices, then you will receive an email for that week with the PDF’s for download.Topics you can choose from include: Yoga Therapy & Mental HealthYoga Therapy & Physical HealthSocial Justice in yoga & Yoga TherapyYoga/Ayurveda ToolboxYoga & Indian PhilosophyGlobal & Trending Yoga Therapy TopicsClick the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.https://amywheeler.com/subscribe This episode is sponsored by: International Association of Yoga Therapists - www.iayt.orgSymposium on Yoga Therapy and Research – www.sytar.org Check out Amy's website Visit Amy’s training section on her website to check out the courses belowwww.amywheeler.com

Danny White is a C-IAYT (certified yoga therapist), yoga studio owner and musician. Danny has used all three of these avenues to aid in his own healing, allowing him to give back and offer healing of others. Danny has witnessed how exclusionary yoga can be to those that might be put off by the images, sounds, and rituals that have been made popular in our culture. He has decided to change his approach to the work that he does. He sees himself as a missionary, or disciple who can bridge the gap between those who find comfort in the more traditional yoga teachings and those who do not have a yoga background. Danny speaks with Amy about several topics below: ·       Danny feels that yoga should be inclusive and for everyone, regardless of their background ·       He speaks about the breath as a manifestation of spirit/ divine/ God·       Danny talks about how to reduce self-doubt, something that he has had to overcome·       He has a wonderful way to help us increase our faith in “something”·       Amy & Danny speak of the TKV Desikachar approach to yoga therapy/ yoga/ life that says we need to use Function over Form when helping people to heal·       Danny honors us with several mantras and spiritual songs that he and his band have created·       Danny wants to spark emotion and connection to the divine, show us how to be vulnerable and that that light within If you would like to receive the free infographics and handouts that correspond to each episode on the Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast, please subscribe to our segmented email list. You will have the opportunity to determine the Infographic Topics that you would like to receive. When The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast has a topic that corresponds to your choices, then you will receive an email for that week with the PDF’s for download.Topics you can choose from include: Yoga Therapy & Mental HealthYoga Therapy & Physical HealthSocial Justice in yoga & Yoga TherapyYoga/Ayurveda ToolboxYoga & Indian PhilosophyGlobal & Trending Yoga Therapy TopicsClick the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.https://amywheeler.com/subscribe Apps mentioned in the closing:Optimal State App on Android and iPhone (see App store)Betr App on Android and iPhone (see App store) Contact Danny White: TheButterThievesBand.com website

Amy is hearing from so many of you that you enjoy the podcast, listen over tea or when you are walking. These deep conversations seem to be nourishing our collective souls. Many of us are yoga teachers or yoga therapists (certified or in training). The goal of the first 4 Seasons has been primarily to give voice to the field of Yoga Therapy and help us to connect with colleagues. But change is coming! Amy announces in the Season 4 Wrap-Up that we will bring the message to the people/ public in Season 5. We are moving away from talking in jargon, examining the field and how to improve it, and now we will be working towards telling stories of real people and how yoga therapy helped them. We will rely less on “the experts”, although we will have some of those too. We are inviting those who have benefitted from yoga therapy, people interested in yoga therapy and even scientist from other areas that can help us understand the mechanisms that cause such positive outcomes in yoga therapy. Are you ready for Season 5 to begin! We are!·       Amy reviews each guest from Season 4 and the offerings·       Amy talks about her own life and what is emerging·       Amy discusses the shift of the podcast towards the public·       Amy hopes that you enjoyed Season 4! If you would like to receive the free infographics and handouts that correspond to each episode on the Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast, please subscribe to our segmented email list. You will have the opportunity to determine the Infographic Topics that you would like to receive. When The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast has a topic that corresponds to your choices, then you will receive an email for that week with the PDF’s for download.Topics you can choose from include: Yoga Therapy & Mental HealthYoga Therapy & Physical HealthSocial Justice in yoga & Yoga TherapyYoga/Ayurveda ToolboxYoga & Indian PhilosophyGlobal & Trending Yoga Therapy TopicsClick the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.https://amywheeler.com/subscribe

Maya is a soon to be Certified Yoga Therapist and Integrative Ayurvedic Counselor. She shares her story of growing up in Catholic school, being advised to be on prescription drugs from a very young age and finding herself in addiction. She became an idealistic high-school teacher that quickly understood how to put all her own basic needs aside for the kids in her classroom and landed herself in burnout, with the praise of her school administrators. Then Maya found how to self-regulate her energy, her moods, and her ability to focus using yoga and Ayurveda. She was able to stop using prescription drugs and now has inner spaciousness and freedom. Maya now works with youth as a Contemplative Therapists (aka Yoga Therapist) and uses her life experience to help others survive and thrive. This interview is an inspiration to parents of children facing these difficult decisions, to young people, yoga teacher, yoga therapists and even our healthcare providers. There are many paths to the mountain top, and no one way works for everyone.·        Many parents and children must make difficult decisions about their children’s mental health needs.·        The decisions we make for our kids can have life-long effects- both positive and negative·        How our childhood shapes the professions we choose, such as being a teacher·        What does it mean to feel burnt out from your job and what are the options?·        How yoga and Ayurveda can help us to self-regulate from the inside out·        The beauty of using our life experience to help others, once we have a certain amount of recovery If you would like to receive the free infographics and handouts that correspond to each episode on the Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast, please subscribe to our segmented email list. You will have the opportunity to determine the Infographic Topics that you would like to receive. When The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast has a topic that corresponds to your choices, then you will receive an email for that week with the PDF’s for download.Topics you can choose from include: Yoga Therapy & Mental HealthYoga Therapy & Physical HealthSocial Justice in yoga & Yoga TherapyYoga/Ayurveda ToolboxYoga & Indian PhilosophyGlobal & Trending Yoga Therapy TopicsClick the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.https://amywheeler.com/subscribe Check out Amy's website Visit Amy’s training section on her website to check out the courses belowYoga therapy training courses 865-certified-yoga-therapist-program Contact Maya: https://www.integratedmindbodytherapy.com