Yoga Therapy Hour with Amy Wheeler – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

Guest: Shyam Raganathan - Philosopher and Professor at York University of Ethics, Morals, and Political Philosophy

Summary: In this enlightening episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, we are joined by Shyam Raganathan, a distinguished philosopher and teacher of ethics, morals, and political philosophy. Together, we delve into the profound journey of what it means to be a student of yoga and how this path guides us toward becoming sovereign human beings with a deeply ingrained internal compass for our morals and ethics.

Key Topics Discussed:

·        The Essence of Being a Yoga Student: Shyam explores the foundational aspects of being a dedicated student of yoga, emphasizing the importance of developing an internal moral and ethical compass and to not be influenced by external forces.

·        Sovereignty and Internal Compass: The discussion highlights how yoga practice helps us cultivate sovereignty, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with a strong sense of internal guidance that is free to building identities around the painful parts of life that we have experienced.

·        Internal and External Forces: Shyam sheds light on the various internal and external forces that influence our decisions to speak up or remain silent during difficult times, and how understanding these forces is crucial for personal growth.

·        Interconnectedness of Human Welfare: The conversation emphasizes the collective responsibility we have towards ensuring clean water, healthy food, shelter, and safety for all humans. Shyam underscores the idea that what affects one ultimately affects us all, advocating for a compassionate and inclusive approach to global issues.

·        Addressing Oppression and Internalized Colonization: Shyam explains how we often unconsciously perpetuate oppression through an internalized colonization mindset. He offers insights into breaking free from these patterns to achieve true liberation and sovereignty.

·        The Cycle of Oppression: Shyam discusses how the oppressed often adopt the ways or thinking of their oppressors, unconsciously becoming what they claim to fight against. They begin to form an identity around their oppression rather than the goodness and fairness they desire. This critical insight helps listeners understand the importance of breaking this cycle to create a more just and equitable world.

·        Call for Peace and Compassion: In the context of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, Shyam urges listeners to care deeply for all people, but at the same time he says that the Government of Israel has reacted disproportionately to the threat, and it is time to stop the violence.

Shyam’s Media Handles:

• www.yogaphilosophy.com
• IG: shyamraganathan
• IG: yogaphilosophy_com

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
• New Moon and Full Moon Meditations with Optimal State: Email [email protected] for details on June, July, and August 2024 sessions
• Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon

·        Monday Night Yoga Therapy Clinic: https://theoptimalstate.com/monday-yoga-therapy-clinic/

·        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.

·        Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon link:

https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhour

In today’s episode, Amy gives us a glimpse into one of her global talks from last year at the 5th Annual Asian Yoga Therapy Conference in Singapore. Amy was asked to talk about Covid19 and how using appropriate pranayama can help people to feel happier, healthier and recover more quickly through breathing exercises. The key is gentle breath and movement coordinated, with mental focus. Amy talks about what happens physiologically when we exhale and when we inhale.

They talk about the following:

• Amy begins with a short discussion about the prana- mala-agni model of healing.
• Then Amy discusses the role of nitric oxide in immune system functioning
• She demonstrates how to create nitric oxide through pranayama
• The three lobes of the lungs and how each part plays a role in pranayama and recovery
• Amy goes into detail about internal respiration and deep breathing
• Amy describes external ventilation and the importance of gentle movement
• Amy shows different body positions that are helpful in healing and recovery
• The role that the sympathetic nervous system plays in healing vs. not healing
• The Bore Effect in breathing
• How holds after inhalation or holds after exhalation impact the physiology of our systems
• The promise the yoga therapy has potential to help those with Covid Long-Hauler

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 Health

• Yoga Therapy & Physical Health

• Social Justice in yoga & Yoga Therapy

• Yoga/Ayurveda Toolbox

• Yoga & Indian Philosophy

• Global & Trending Yoga Therapy Topics

Click the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.

https://amywheeler.com/subscribe

Today’s podcasts is sponsored by: Optimal State

We have all benefitted from the ancient wisdom of India and her people, so it feels really great to be able to serve in this way. The Optimal State family has pledged on-going support of $250 per month, to go directly to KYM Mitra (www.kym.org). We will collect the monies and gift them each month. Please consider a recurring monthly payment to the fund. Even a small gift or intention makes a difference! If we make more than $250 in any given month, it will roll into the following month’s payment. The hope is that we can contribute for many years to come. If you even lose the link to donate, it is at the top of the homepage at www.amywheeler.com also. I will be reporting on the website the progress; how much money is coming in at any given time and where we are in the process of getting this project off the ground.

Here is the link for you to get started with your donation. We are so happy that you have decided to join us. We thank you for the bottom of our hearts!

Link to click in the description: 

http://Paypal.me/KymMitraDonation

The Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast also has a Patreon page. We now have 5 staff that help us product the audio and video versions of the podcast. Please consider donating to help us keep this good work for the field of yoga therapy going. 

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhour

The new You Tube Channel for this podcast is: YouTube: AmyWheelerPhd    https://www.youtube.com/c/AmyWheelerphd

Check out Amy's website: https://amywheeler.com/

Feel free to use download our free eBook and mobile App by going to the websites below.

www.OptimalStateApp.com

www.GoldZoneBook.com

Facebook: Optimal State by Amy Wheeler     https://www.facebook.com/OptimalStatebyAmyWheeler

Twitter: Optimal State of Living with Dr. Amy

TikTok: Dr. Amy@OptimalStateofLiving

Instagram: Optimal State by Amy Wheeler   

Pinterest: TheOptimalState    https://www.pinterest.com/TheOptimalState

In today’s episode, Amy chats with Dr. Shyam Ranganathan. Shyam is a thought-leader, author, and teacher of Eastern Philosophy, and an expert in the traditions of Indian Moral Philosophy. Dr. Ranganathan is a trained scholar and researcher of philosophy and is the author, editor, and translator of numerous peer-reviewed, scholarly works.

His research focus across disciplines is understanding how non-Western traditions are marginalized in a Westernized world, and how BIPOC traditions of philosophy can help understand this process of colonialism and provide alternatives to inform our way forward and away from colonialism. 

Amy & Dr. Ranganathan discuss What Yoga is and yoga as a philosophical practice, the benefits of true Yoga, understanding who you are as an individual, and so much more. Today’s episode promises to be enlightening.

They talk about the following:

• Shyam’s thoughts on Trauma-Informed Yoga and why this is phrase he does not prefer to use
• What is Yoga?
• What is The Purpose of Yoga?
• What it takes to understand Yoga Philosophy from a clear lens
• Shyam’s advice on finding an ideal teacher of Yoga Philosophy
• Models of Yoga Education
• How Shyam interacts with his students and what he expects in the learning arena
• The benefits of true Yoga, which include being authentically true to yourself
• Living life on your terms in all situations and with all people
• A key component in knowing and understanding who you are at your core level of being

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 Health

• Yoga Therapy & Physical Health

• Social Justice in yoga & Yoga Therapy

• Yoga/Ayurveda Toolbox

• Yoga & Indian Philosophy

• Global & Trending Yoga Therapy Topics

Click the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.

https://amywheeler.com/subscribe

Today’s podcasts is sponsored by: Optimal State

We have all benefitted from the ancient wisdom of India and her people, so it feels really great to be able to serve in this way. The Optimal State family has pledged on-going support of $250 per month, to go directly to KYM Mitra (www.kym.org). We will collect the monies and gift them each month. Please consider a recurring monthly payment to the fund. Even a small gift or intention makes a difference! If we make more than $250 in any given month, it will roll into the following month’s payment. The hope is that we can contribute for many years to come. If you even lose the link to donate, it is at the top of the homepage at www.amywheeler.com also. I will be reporting on the website the progress; how much money is coming in at any given time and where we are in the process of getting this project off the ground.

Here is the link for you to get started with your donation. We are so happy that you have decided to join us. We thank you for the bottom of our hearts!

Link to click in the description: 

http://Paypal.me/KymMitraDonation

The Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast also has a Patreon page. We now have 5 staff that help us product the audio and video versions of the podcast. Please consider donating to help us keep this good work for the field of yoga therapy going. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhour

The new You Tube Channel for this podcast is: YouTube: AmyWheelerPhd    https://www.youtube.com/c/AmyWheelerphdCheck out Amy's website

Feel free to use download our free eBook and mobile App by going to the websites below.

www.OptimalStateApp.com

www.GoldZoneBook.com

Facebook: Optimal State by Amy Wheeler     https://www.facebook.com/OptimalStatebyAmyWheeler

Twitter: Optimal State of Living with Dr. Amy

TikTok: Dr. Amy@OptimalStateofLiving

Instagram: Optimal State by Amy Wheeler   

Pinterest: TheOptimalState    https://www.pinterest.com/TheOptimalState

To checkout Shyam’s offerings

https://www.yogaphilosophy.com/

On today’s episode, Amy chats with Alyssa Pfennig an intuitive business coach, digital marketing strategist, and Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) living her best life with her daughter in the heart of Mexico’s central highlands. She has trained in using yoga practices such as asana, pranayama, and meditation, to help with structural, mental, and emotional issues and helps students make every pose accessible and comfortable.

Alyssa is an E-RYT 200/RYT 500 with the Yoga Alliance and a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). Alyssa and Amy discuss Alyssa’s courageous move to Mexico, Blending yoga and marketing as a career, Niching down in your business, Prioritizing one’s self and more.

They talk about the following:

• Alyssa’s take on merging her Yoga career with her Marketing career
• How Alyssa was able to merge her Yoga career with her Marketing career
• Alyssa's journey to move to Mexico as a single mom with her daughter in tow
• How Alyssa was able to overcome doubts she faced before relocating
• How Alyssa followed her heart and her dreams of living outside of the USA
• Importance of prioritizing ourselves
• Advice from Alyssa on narrowing down and focusing on the right things

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 Health

• Yoga Therapy & Physical Health

• Social Justice in yoga & Yoga Therapy

• Yoga/Ayurveda Toolbox

• Yoga & Indian Philosophy

• Global & Trending Yoga Therapy Topics

Click the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.

https://amywheeler.com/subscribe

Today’s podcasts is sponsored by: Optimal State

We have all benefitted from the ancient wisdom of India and her people, so it feels really great to be able to serve in this way. The Optimal State family has pledged on-going support of $250 per month, to go directly to KYM Mitra (www.kym.org). We will collect the monies and gift them each month. Please consider a recurring monthly payment to the fund. Even a small gift or intention makes a difference! If we make more than $250 in any given month, it will roll into the following month’s payment. The hope is that we can contribute for many years to come. If you even lose the link to donate, it is at the top of the homepage at www.amywheeler.com also. I will be reporting on the website the progress; how much money is coming in at any given time and where we are in the process of getting this project off the ground.

Here is the link for you to get started with your donation. We are so happy that you have decided to join us. We thank you for the bottom of our hearts!

Link to click in the description: 

http://Paypal.me/KymMitraDonation

The Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast also has a Patreon page. We now have 5 staff that help us product the audio and video versions of the podcast. Please consider donating to help us keep this good work for the field of yoga therapy going. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhour

The new You Tube Channel for this podcast is: YouTube: AmyWheelerPhd    https://www.youtube.com/c/AmyWheelerphd

Check out Amy's website https://amywheeler.com/

Feel free to use download our free eBook and mobile App by going to the websites below.

www.OptimalStateApp.com

www.GoldZoneBook.com

Facebook: Optimal State by Amy Wheeler     https://www.facebook.com/OptimalStatebyAmyWheeler

Twitter: Optimal State of Living with Dr. Amy

TikTok: Dr. Amy@OptimalStateofLiving

Instagram: Optimal State by Amy Wheeler   

Pinterest: TheOptimalState    https://www.pinterest.com/TheOptimalState

On today’s episode, Amy chats with Rebecca Sebastian, A 20-year teacher of yoga and 10-years of experience as a yoga therapist. Rebecca is the owner of the Sunlight Yoga Center, Rebecca Sebastian is passionate about yoga, yoga teaching, and helping lift our local community. She is the co-founder of the Quad Cities Yoga Foundation in the Midwest of the United States (Iowa).

Rebecca and Amy have a lively conversation about building a business in yoga and yoga therapy. This is a joyful journey where the yoga is applied to the business, and not the other way around. Stay clear about your mission, your core values, your time, and your boundaries, and get support around your trauma with money (if needed). It is possible to find running a yoga business as a joyful extension of teaching the actual yoga and living your yoga. Get a cup of tea and be ready to take some notes!

They talk about the following: 

• How to run a business based on feminist business principles
• Bringing the yoga to your business, not the business to the yoga
• Developing a mission-driven organization and getting clear about your core values
• Understanding what you are selling, and it is not yoga (surprisingly)
• Building a business that does make you feel gross
• Getting clarity around money and feeling clean
• Seva model of business 
• Percentage model of business
• Sliding scale model of business
• Non-profit organizations 
• How to feel more comfortable on social media and becoming a creator
• Marketing as a series of love letters to your peeps
• Creating posts on social media that make you feel happy to share what you love with the world!

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 Health

• Yoga Therapy & Physical Health

• Social Justice in yoga & Yoga Therapy

• Yoga/Ayurveda Toolbox

• Yoga & Indian Philosophy

• Global & Trending Yoga Therapy Topics

Click the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.

https://amywheeler.com/subscribe

Today’s podcasts is sponsored by: Optimal State

We have all benefitted from the ancient wisdom of India and her people, so it feels really great to be able to serve in this way. The Optimal State family has pledged on-going support of $250 per month, to go directly to KYM Mitra (www.kym.org). We will collect the monies and gift them each month. Please consider a recurring monthly payment to the fund. Even a small gift or intention makes a difference! If we make more than $250 in any given month, it will roll into the following month’s payment. The hope is that we can contribute for many years to come. If you even lose the link to donate, it is at the top of the homepage at www.amywheeler.com also. I will be reporting on the website the progress; how much money is coming in at any given time and where we are in the process of getting this project off the ground.

Here is the link for you to get started with your donation. We are so happy that you have decided to join us. We thank you for the bottom of our hearts!

Link to click in the description: 

http://Paypal.me/KymMitraDonation

The Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast also has a Patreon page. We now have 5 staff that help us product the audio and video versions of the podcast. Please consider donating to help us keep this good work for the field of yoga therapy going. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhour

The new You Tube Channel for this podcast is: YouTube: AmyWheelerPhd    https://www.youtube.com/c/AmyWheelerphd

Check out Amy's website

Feel free to use download our free eBook and mobile App by going to the websites below.

www.OptimalStateApp.com

www.GoldZoneBook.com

Facebook: Optimal State by Amy Wheeler     https://www.facebook.com/OptimalStatebyAmyWheeler

Twitter: Optimal State of Living with Dr. Amy

TikTok: Dr. Amy@OptimalStateofLiving

Instagram: Optimal State by Amy Wheeler   

Pinterest: TheOptimalState    https://www.pinterest.com/TheOptimalState

To checkout Rebecca’s offerings

Blog: www.sunlightexperience.com

Non-Profit: qcyogafoundation.com

Nina Zolotow is a seasoned writer that has co-authored the Yoga for Healthy Aging Blog and the book by the same title with Baxer Bell. Now Nina brings a new book forward called “Yoga for Times of Change.” With all that is happening individually and within society, this appeared to be the perfect topic for today’s podcast. I think it is safe to say that most of us are experiencing some forms of anxiety, depression, fear and anger as we navigate these challenging times.

Amy and Nina talk about the following:

·        The Body-Mind connection and how most yoga students do not understand that their body outward interface of the mind.

·        How Nina conceived this book and the perfect timing for these difficult days.

·        How we can use our Thinking Brain vs. our Emotional Brain for emotional digestion.

·        Nina’s approach to sequencing yoga asana for anxiety, depression, fear, anger. She does not think of it as a prescription or “one size fits all.”

·        The importance of letting students experience the practice, instead of discussing yogic theory with the student and expecting the student to understand. Yoga is experiential.

·        The different ways we can work with anger. Anger can be a motivator, a protector, a message, a way to understand boundaries, or a call for becoming the Witness.

·        Why is yoga such a great solution for these times of change.

·        Where do we go next individually and as a society in dealing with these times of change?

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 Health

• Yoga Therapy & Physical Health

• Social Justice in yoga & Yoga Therapy

• Yoga/Ayurveda Toolbox

• Yoga & Indian Philosophy

• Global & Trending Yoga Therapy Topics

Click the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.

https://amywheeler.com/subscribe

Today’s podcasts is sponsored by: Optimal State

We have all benefitted from the ancient wisdom of India and her people, so it feels really great to be able to serve in this way. The Optimal State family has pledged on-going support of $250 per month, to go directly to KYM Mitra (www.kym.org). We will collect the monies and gift them each month. Please consider a recurring monthly payment to the fund. Even a small gift or intention makes a difference! If we make more than $250 in any given month, it will roll into the following month’s payment. The hope is that we can contribute for many years to come. If you even lose the link to donate, it is at the top of the homepage at www.amywheeler.com also. I will be reporting on the website the progress; how much money is coming in at any given time and where we are in the process of getting this project off the ground.

Here is the link for you to get started with your donation. We are so happy that you have decided to join us. We thank you for the bottom of our hearts!

Link to click in the description: 

http://Paypal.me/KymMitraDonation

The Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast also has a Patreon page. We now have 5 staff that help us product the audio and video versions of the podcast. Please consider donating to help us keep this good work for the field of yoga therapy going. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhour

The new You Tube Channel for this podcast is: YouTube: AmyWheelerPhd    https://www.youtube.com/c/AmyWheelerphdCheck out Amy's website

Feel free to use download our free eBook and mobile App by going to the websites below.

www.OptimalStateApp.com

www.GoldZoneBook.com

Facebook: Optimal State by Amy Wheeler     https://www.facebook.com/OptimalStatebyAmyWheeler

Twitter: Optimal State of Living with Dr. Amy

TikTok: Dr. Amy@OptimalStateofLiving

Instagram: Optimal State by Amy Wheeler   

Pinterest: TheOptimalState    https://www.pinterest.com/TheOptimalState

Contact Nina Zolotow: www.YogaForTimesOfChange.com

Xu-Ya (pronounced Shu-Ya) is working with her business partner, Janus Tsai, to bring yoga therapy to Taiwan. They are trailblazers and in the early phases of helping the yoga community and private clients to understand “What is yoga therapy?” and “How can it help with health, happiness and beyond?” Xu-Ya also goes by Jelly, and she tells us that there are many yoga studios in Taiwan that focus on yoga for the physical body, but that yoga therapy and even talk therapy is very new to their culture. Jelly talks to us about the challenges and how sometimes she feels helpless to bring yoga therapy to Taiwan. However, yoga therapy has transformed Xu-Ya from the inside out, and she feels a deep need to share it with her community. She understands that this will be a life-long journey and the field of yoga therapy will grow slowly over time in Taiwan. She is passionately committed to the proliferation of yoga therapy to the people and country of Taiwan over many decades.

Amy and Jelly talk about the following:

·        How Jelly was transformed from the inside out in her own yoga therapy practice. 

·        How she became transformed and became self-empowered due to yoga therapy. This new perspective created unexpected changes in her life and a new way of being in the world.

·        How Jelly is connecting to people all over the world to support her love of yoga therapy.

·        How the culture and people of Taiwan might appear in opposition to the essence of yoga therapy (tuning into interoceptive awareness, sensation, feelings, emotions).

·        The challenges of bringing yoga therapy to Taiwan, and the niche that yoga therapy can provide, which is different from any other type of healthcare provider.

·        Xu-Ya’s and Janus’ goals for the future of yoga therapy in Taiwan over many decades.

·        The passion that Xu-Ya and Amy share for yoga therapy, even when it is difficult. There is nothing else they would rather do personally or professionally.

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 Health

• Yoga Therapy & Physical Health

• Social Justice in yoga & Yoga Therapy

• Yoga/Ayurveda Toolbox

• Yoga & Indian Philosophy

• Global & Trending Yoga Therapy Topics

Click the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.

https://amywheeler.com/subscribe

Today’s podcasts is sponsored by: Optimal State

We have all benefitted from the ancient wisdom of India and her people, so it feels really great to be able to serve in this way. The Optimal State family has pledged on-going support of $250 per month, to go directly to KYM Mitra (www.kym.org). We will collect the monies and gift them each month. Please consider a recurring monthly payment to the fund. Even a small gift or intention makes a difference! If we make more than $250 in any given month, it will roll into the following month’s payment. The hope is that we can contribute for many years to come. If you even lose the link to donate, it is at the top of the homepage at www.amywheeler.com also. I will be reporting on the website the progress; how much money is coming in at any given time and where we are in the process of getting this project off the ground.

Here is the link for you to get started with your donation. We are so happy that you have decided to join us. We thank you for the bottom of our hearts!

Link to click in the description: 

http://Paypal.me/KymMitraDonation

The Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast also has a Patreon page. We now have 5 staff that help us product the audio and video versions of the podcast. Please consider donating to help us keep this good work for the field of yoga therapy going. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhour

The new You Tube Channel for this podcast is: YouTube: AmyWheelerPhd    https://www.youtube.com/c/AmyWheelerphdCheck out Amy's website

Feel free to use download our free eBook and mobile App by going to the websites below.

www.OptimalStateApp.com

www.GoldZoneBook.com

Facebook: Optimal State by Amy Wheeler     https://www.facebook.com/OptimalStatebyAmyWheeler

Twitter: Optimal State of Living with Dr. Amy

TikTok: Dr. Amy@OptimalStateofLiving

Instagram: Optimal State by Amy Wheeler   

Pinterest: TheOptimalState    https://www.pinterest.com/TheOptimalState

Contact Xu-Ya (Jelly) Wang: https://www.xuyawangyogatherapy.com/en/home-en/

In today’s episode, Amy chats with Ranju Roy and David Charlton. Ranju has been practicing yoga since the mid-1980s. Ranju has taught many yoga classes, retreats, and workshops in the UK. He has taught at the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) Congress, Association for Yoga Studies (aYs) Conventions, and many In-Service Trainings. David has been studying yoga since 1987. He also has an MA in Eastern Philosophy and a particular interest in Sanskrit, Vedic chanting, and yoga philosophy. Both Ranju and David train teachers through the organization Sādhana Mālā Yoga Training.

Amy talks with Ranju Roy and Dave Charlton about yoga tradition, what is yoga vs. yoga therapy, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, the nature of suffering in the mind and how we can move forward with our yoga communities/ sangha. Ranju and Dave have worked together in the UK for several decades creating workshops, teacher trainings and practicing as yoga therapists. They bring a refreshing viewpoint in that they have been committed to a tradition long-term, but they each remembered the goal of yoga was to become more authentically themselves. The path has lead each of them to understand with clarity what it means to be self-directed, to observe the patterns of their own minds and to continue to show up with an open heart and discriminating mind. They talk about the following:

• What does it mean to be in a yoga lineage or tradition?
• What are the benefits of being in the TK Tradition?
• What does it mean to take personal responsibility for your life?
• How can we spiritually mature and embody our own life?
• The difficulties in finding a teacher
• How sangha can become our spiritual path
• What is Yoga Therapy?
• Is Yoga different than Yoga Therapy?
• Was Patanjali a yoga therapist?
• Isn’t all yoga therapeutic in nature?
• What was Desikachar’s take on therapy?
• The guṇa and therapy

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 Health

• Yoga Therapy & Physical Health

• Social Justice in yoga & Yoga Therapy

• Yoga/Ayurveda Toolbox

• Yoga & Indian Philosophy

• Global & Trending Yoga Therapy Topics

Click the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.

https://amywheeler.com/subscribe

Today’s podcasts is sponsored by: Optimal State

We have all benefitted from the ancient wisdom of India and her people, so it feels really great to be able to serve in this way. The Optimal State family has pledged on-going support of $250 per month, to go directly to KYM Mitra (www.kym.org). We will collect the monies and gift them each month. Please consider a recurring monthly payment to the fund. Even a small gift or intention makes a difference! If we make more than $250 in any given month, it will roll into the following month’s payment. The hope is that we can contribute for many years to come. If you even lose the link to donate, it is at the top of the homepage at www.amywheeler.com also. I will be reporting on the website the progress; how much money is coming in at any given time and where we are in the process of getting this project off the ground.

Here is the link for you to get started with your donation. We are so happy that you have decided to join us. We thank you for the bottom of our hearts!

Link to click in the description: 

http://Paypal.me/KymMitraDonation

The Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast also has a Patreon page. We now have 5 staff that help us product the audio and video versions of the podcast. Please consider donating to help us keep this good work for the field of yoga therapy going. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhour

The new You Tube Channel for this podcast is: YouTube: AmyWheelerPhd    https://www.youtube.com/c/AmyWheelerphdCheck out Amy's website

Feel free to use download our free eBook and mobile App by going to the websites below.

www.OptimalStateApp.com

www.GoldZoneBook.com

Facebook: Optimal State by Amy Wheeler     https://www.facebook.com/OptimalStatebyAmyWheeler

Twitter: Optimal State of Living with Dr. Amy

TikTok: Dr. Amy@OptimalStateofLiving

Instagram: Optimal State by Amy Wheeler   

Pinterest: TheOptimalState    https://www.pinterest.com/TheOptimalState

To checkout their offerings

https://www.sadhanamala.com

Books mentioned in the podcast

Embodying the Yoga Sutra

https://www.amazon.com/Embodying-Yoga-Sutra-Support-Direction/dp/1578636884