Yoga Therapy Hour with Amy Wheeler

In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy engages in a captivating conversation with Barrie Risman, a long-time yoga teacher deeply rooted in the Iyengar and Anusara traditions. Barrie's expertise and insights have been recognized in esteemed publications such as Yoga Journal, Yoga International, and Elephant Journal. Together, they delve into the profound notion that our yoga practice extends beyond mere structural alignment, encompassing the intricate balance of our body, mind, and spirit through an elemental approach.Barrie introduces the idea that as we attain a harmonious equilibrium within ourselves, we gain clarity about our core values, our purpose in the world, and our true selves. With time, a remarkable shift occurs, propelling us to transcend our individual identity and realize our profound connection to the web of life, the cycles of nature, and the vast intelligence permeating the universe. Ultimately, we come to understand that we are not separate entities but an integral part of Mother Nature herself.Key Points Explored in the Podcast:·        Yoga as a Path to Natural Harmony: Barrie and Amy engage in a discussion on how the practice of yoga can bring us closer to the natural world, profoundly influencing our sense of self, wisdom, resilience, strength, and awe. By aligning ourselves with the elemental forces of nature, we deepen our connection to the world around us.·        Unveiling the Face of Supreme Consciousness: Barrie introduces the concept of Sakti, the embodiment of supreme consciousness. This powerful insight serves as a reminder of the profound spiritual nature of our existence, intertwining the physical and metaphysical realms.·        Sacred Moments in Nature: Communing with the natural world allows us to experience sacred moments that can be revisited during times of anxiety or despondency. Barrie emphasizes the significance of these moments as a source of solace and rejuvenation.·        The Power of Reflective Practices: Barrie highlights the transformative potential of reflective practices such as journaling and receptive listening. These practices enable us to delve deeper into ourselves, fostering self-awareness, and facilitating personal growth.·        Embracing Grief and Collective Suffering: The hosts explore how to navigate personal and collective grief amidst the current state of the world and humanity's suffering. Barrie offers a heartfelt breathing practice to help us embrace and move through our grief, allowing it to flow rather than remaining stagnant within us.·        The Work That Reconnects: Amy and Barrie discuss the profound work of Joanna Macy called "The Work That Reconnects." This framework offers a transformative path to engage with the interconnectedness of life, guiding individuals to find meaning, purpose, and empowerment in the face of the world's challenges.Join Amy and Barrie in this thought-provoking episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour as they unravel the intrinsic link between our yoga practice, the natural world, and our interconnectedness with all living beings. Discover how embracing this profound connection can lead to a profound shift in our perception and illuminate our path towards self-discovery, healing, and ultimately, oneness with the universe. 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 www.optimalstateyoganidra.com Contact with Barrie Risman:E-mail: Barrie@barrierisman.com Website: www.barrierisman.com Facebook: @barrierisman @barrierismanyoga Instagram: @barrierisman LinkedIn: @barrierisman Joanna Macy:Active Hope: https://www.amazon.com/Active-Hope-Unexpected-Resilience-Creative/dp/B0B47NGWGS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24QJOH62FJCBU&keywords=active+hope&qid=1688143602&sprefix=active+hope%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-1  https://www.joannamacy.net/main

In this powerful episode with Pamela, we delve into the realm of courage, resilience, and personal growth with an incredible guest who exemplifies what it means to be truly brave. Join us as we explore the inspiring story of Pamela Brinker, a woman who has faced her deepest fears head-on and emerged stronger than ever before. In her book and interview, Pamela's unwavering determination to confront life's challenges becomes evident, proving that she is one of the exceptional few who fearlessly embrace discomfort and adversity daily. Tune in to gain the courage and insight you need to navigate your own life circumstances and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery.·        Surrendering Assertively: Discover how Pamela approaches the concept of surrendering in a way that empowers her. Learn the art of assertive surrender, where vulnerability meets strength, enabling individuals to overcome obstacles with grace and resilience. ·        Deep Love: Explore the profound meaning of love in Pamela's life and how it has shaped her bravery. Uncover the transformative power of love, both for oneself and others, and the impact it can have on our abiity to face challenges head-on. ·        Vulnerability and Bravery: Gain insights into the interplay between vulnerability and bravery. Discover how embracing vulnerability can fuel courage and become a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery. ·        Building Strength: Pamela shares practical tips and strategies for doing hard things and cultivating habits that foster inner strength. Learn how to step outside your comfort zone, embrace discomfort, and forge a path towards personal empowerment and resilience. ·        Fear as an Advisor: Explore a unique perspective on fear and how it can serve as a valuable guide in life. Discover how to redefine fear's role and harness its wisdom to make informed decisions and propel personal growth. ·        Overcoming Barriers: Pamela sheds light on the common barriers that prevent individuals from embracing their own bravery. Gain valuable insights and actionable advice on overcoming these obstacles and unlocking your full potential.  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 www.optimalstateyoganidra.com Connect with Pamela Brinker:Website: www.pamelabrinker.comIG: @pamelabrinkerbravery Huberman Lab Podcast on Cold Water Therapy:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/huberman-lab/id1545953110?i=1000615145824

Mala talks in the podcast about the nexus of neuroscience, yoga, and Psychology and how it can be used to help us have peak performance both internally and externally. That is to say, how you feel inside, while becoming your best self on the outside. Mala has many suggestions for training your mind that come from the practices of yoga and ayurveda, as well as modern Psychology. She talks about alternate ways to cope with stress and anxiety and depression and gives practical examples of how to change your mindset on the spot. Mental Health and healing are the new pandemic and both Mala and Amy are ready for action!·     Mala talks about practical ways to cope, instead of using drugs, alcohol and eating to take the edge off.·     She talks about the daily rhythms of cortisol and melatonin when the human system is functioning well, or not so well.·     Mala discusses the cascading effects in the neurophysiology when we have a positive mindset or a negative mindset.·     She talks about the different types of brainwaves and how to cultivate our best states of mind.·     She discusses the Vagus Nerve and morning routines to help stimulate it.·     Finally, Mala talks about how daily yoga practices over many decades can lead us to listen to our deepest inner intuition. 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 www.optimalstateyoganidra.com Contact with Mala Cunningham:www.positivehealthsolutions.comwww.carciacyoga.com Podcast Hidden Brain with Shankar Vedante & Richard Davidsonhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750?i=1000615761994https://centerhealthyminds.org

Andy and Amy talk about how the daily practice of yogic living can nourish us, cleanse us, and ultimately transform our lives. Of course, the definition of yoga is living all the 8 limbs outlined by Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra. Andy talks about enjoying life and exploring our highest potential as human beings. He discusses how most of us have too little movement in our lives, and too much mental simulation causing us to not feel well. He goes on to give many helpful and practical suggestions about how to enjoy a life well-lived.·     Andy helps us go back to the basics to create a happy and healthy life·     How daily routines can help us with difficult problems like insomnia·     How something as simple as following the breath can unlock reconnection to Self·     The 4 Aims of Life according to Indian Philosophy·     How to start a daily practice if you struggle with commitment to routines·     Other resources from Patanjali on the journey towards health, healing and happiness·     How to be present to the simple joys in 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 Check out Amy's websiteVisit Amy’s training section on her website to check out the courses belowYoga therapy training courses865-certified-yoga-therapist-programwww.optimalstateyoganidra.com Contact Andy Curtis-Payne:www.yogandy.comhttps://www.tsyp.yoga/find-a-yoga-teacher-near-you/#!biz/id/5beeca84afd6918d621bac41https://www.facebook.com/andrew.curtispayne

Michael Hutchinson has been studying the breath in the KYM tradition for over 4 decades both experientially and scientifically. He has recently written a new book called Breath for Health, using the main tenants of the teachings from TKV Desikachar, to express how to breathe simply and effectively. Amy interviews Michael and discovers that he offers a rare glimpse into how we can use breath for as little as 10-minutes per day and it will change our lives. Michael knows this because he has felt the impact of simple breath techniques within himself for decades, taught others and observed how different breathing techniques impact the human system, and read the research on respiratory physiology. In the end, he shows us how the simple breathing techniques taught be Desikachar are shown to be effective for health, healing and beyond. ·     Michael is a thoughtful and introspective human being that thinks, feels and speaks with subtle awareness and clarity·     Michael defines what optimal breathing looks like and feels like·     Michael shows how he uses techniques such as bhavana (thinking- feeling and imagining) to help people breath more comfortably and efficiently·     He talks about how we can use breath to create more space in our mind and heart·     He explains how even a short breathing practice every day can change the trajectory of one’s life·     He discusses how the unconscious observation of breathing patterns within families can be transferred from parent to child·     Yoga Sutra 2.34 and the importance of ahimsa or non-violenceIf 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 www.optimalstateyoganidra.com Contact with Michael Hutchinson:www.twobirdsyoga.comwww.breath4health.yoga

Beth and Amy talk about how small traumas and big traumas throughout all the years of our life leave their imprint on the autonomic nervous system. Beth explains that the nervous system almost has scar like residuals that cause problems later in life, impacting many other systems of the body: digestive system, immune system, cardiovascular system, endocrine system and more. Beth has recently written a book called Trauma-Aware Yoga & Movement Therapeutics for Older Adults: Managing Common Conditions by Healing the Nervous System. ·     Beth talks about how “finding a sense of safety in your own body” is the key to healing and yoga therapy offers a “bottom up” approach (from the body, through the nervous system, and finally to the brain).·     Amy and Beth talk about how Beth began finding literature about the Vagus Nerve all the way back in 2004 and intuitively knew that this might be the key to healing from the inside out, both mental and physical problems.·     Beth discusses the Glymphatic System (lymph system in the brain) and how it cleans out debris, which is so necessary for mental health.·     Beth takes us through a wonderful deep head massage that we highly recommend you get on our You Tube Channel to watch, that is Optimal State with Amy Wheeler You Tube Channel.·     Then Amy and Beth talk about the Phrenic Nerve and the importance of breathing, moving the respiratory diaphragm, again leading to the bottom-up healing approach.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 www.optimalstateyoganidra.com Contact Beth Spindler: https://www.bethspindleryogatherapy-teachtoinspire.comNew Book: Trauma-Aware Yoga & Movement Therapeutics for Older Adults by Singing Dragon Publisher

Anne and Amy discuss the beauty and challenges of aging, both for us and our elderly parents and clients. They talk about how yoga therapy can assist aging parents in those times between physical therapy appointments and after insurance no longer approves more sessions. The approach of yoga therapy is a Wholistic approach that focuses on physical improvements, breathing exercises, mental and emotional well-being, combatting loneliness and creating connection, and possibly even feeling the spirit alive and well in one’s life.·     Anne gives examples of how she helps her clients improve their physical activity and mobility, having an Associates Degree in Physical Therapy and being a Yoga Therapist.·     The importance of breath and the impact on the nervous system is discussed.·     How elderly people need meaning and purpose, and a reason to wake-up in the morning.·     The deep connections that are sometimes formed between the client and yoga therapist and even the client’s family.·     Helping clients manage their body and mind as it deteriorates, cleaning up any regrets and getting honest about their life.·     Tuning into the sacred or spirit-filled areas of their lives.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 websiteVisit Amy’s training section on her website to check out the courses belowYoga therapy training courses865-certified-yoga-therapist-programwww.optimalstateyoganidra.com Contact Anne Smith Basco: therapeuticyogawithanne.com (do not use- www at the beginning)

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