Episodes

  • Breaking the Cycles of Chronic Pain: Sharmila Saigaonkar on Yoga Therapy, Networking within Your Community and Creating a Healing Environment

    Breaking the Cycles of Chronic Pain: Sharmila Saigaonkar on Yoga Therapy, Networking within Your Community and Creating a Healing Environment
    Jul 5 2024

    In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour and Beyond, we welcome Sharmila Saigaonkar from Ontario, Canada, to discuss her groundbreaking work in chronic pain management. Sharmila collaborates with chiropractors and other interdisciplinary colleagues in a whole health module, advocating for the power of community networking and persistence in the face of challenges. Her inspiring journey demonstrates that with dedication and effective networking, both businesses and clients can thrive. Sharmila also delves into the common resistance to daily yoga practice, the emotional aspects of chronic pain, and the importance of lifestyle balance in the healing process.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Discussion on the resistance faced by individuals in adopting daily yoga practices, despite its benefits in alleviating chronic pain.
    • Insights into the mental-emotional aspects of chronic pain and the importance of turning inward to connect with the Self.
    • Sharmila’s perspective on how chronic pain symptoms are an intelligent response to stress and lifestyle imbalances.
    • The role of lifestyle assessment in chronic pain management, including sleep, exercise, sitting, walking, and joy levels.
    • Importance of feeding the senses and brain with positive stimuli and avoiding stress-inducing environments.
    • Sharmila’s journey in creating her own yoga therapy business, the challenges she faced, and the significance of building a supportive community.

    In this insightful episode, Sharmila Saigaonkar shares her expertise in chronic pain management and yoga therapy, and the holistic approach she employs in collaboration with chiropractors and interdisciplinary colleagues. Sharmila emphasizes the power of networking and persistence, illustrating how these efforts can lead to positive outcomes for both businesses and clients. She and Amy explore the resistance to daily yoga practice, the interplay of mental-emotional and physical pain, and the importance of lifestyle balance in the healing journey. Sharmila also provides valuable advice on assessing lifestyle factors and fostering a supportive community. Tune in to learn more about Sharmila’s inspiring work and practical tips for managing chronic pain.

    Links:

    • Find Sharmila on Instagram: @saigaonkarsharmila
    • Visit her website: SharmilasYogaTherapy.com
    • Connect on LinkedIn: Sharmila Saigaonkar

    Additional Resources:

    • 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 Krishna@TheOptimalState.com for details on June, July, and August 2024 sessions

    Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon
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    56 mins
  • Yoga, Ethics, and Global Responsibility: Shyam Raganathan on Israel and Gaza

    Yoga, Ethics, and Global Responsibility: Shyam Raganathan on Israel and Gaza
    Jun 28 2024
    Guest: Shyam Raganathan - Philosopher and Professor at York University of Ethics, Morals, and Political PhilosophySummary: 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.comIG: shyamraganathanIG: yogaphilosophy_comAdditional Resources with Amy Wheeler:University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga SeriesPolyvagal Institute Mighty App7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal TheoryOptimal State Mobile AppNew Moon and Full Moon Meditations with Optimal State: Email Welcome@TheOptimalState.com for details on June, July, and August 2024 sessionsOptimal 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
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    58 mins
  • Embracing Life’s Journey: The Pilgrimage of Yoga with Ranju Roy

    Embracing Life’s Journey: The Pilgrimage of Yoga with Ranju Roy
    Jun 21 2024
    Episode Summary: In this profound episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour and Beyond, we sit down with Ranju Roy, author of Yoga as Pilgrimage, Sutras for a Modern Age. Ranju shares his autobiographical journey through yoga and life, offering insights into how ancient yoga texts can be a guide for personal transformation. The discussion is deeply personal, influenced by the recent loss of his granddaughter, which added a poignant depth to his reflections on life, loss, and the path of yoga.Key Points Discussed:Introduction to Ranju and His Book:Overview of Yoga as Pilgrimage, Sutras for a Modern Age.Deep Dive into the Book’s Structure:Part 1: Exploration of personal sutras developed through lived experiences. Ranju’s creation of 23 personal "sutras for life" based on his decades of yoga practice and living as a human being.Part 2: Insight into Kriya Yoga, the 8 Limbs of Yoga, and themes of embodiment and dissolution.Part 3: Reflections on life's pace, competition, comparisons, success metrics, and the inevitability of life’s end.Personal Stories and Loss:Ranju shares the emotional impact of his granddaughter short life and passing and this experienced suffering that has influenced his recent thoughts about life and yoga.Discussion on dealing with profound loss without becoming hardened, using yoga as a tool for internal support and resilience.Yoga’s Role in Embracing Life’s Challenges:How yoga practices can help relinquish control and accept suffering.The importance of maintaining hope and adaptability in the face of life’s challenges.Philosophical Reflections:Themes of incarnation, living fully, and the dissolution of individual manifestations.Using yoga not as a shield, but as a means to soften into life's difficulties and move forward with courage.Listener Takeaways:Insight into integrating yoga principles into daily life challenges.Understanding the therapeutic role of yoga in dealing with loss and grief.Inspiration to use personal adversity as a path to spiritual and emotional growth.Conclusion: Ranju Roy’s insights offer a moving and transformative perspective on how yoga can be more than just a physical practice—it can be a pilgrimage through the trials and triumphs of life. His open discussion about personal loss and the philosophical underpinnings of yoga encourages listeners to reflect on their own journeys and find strength in the teachings of yoga.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.comwww.TheOptimalState.com Please note that the video version of The Yoga Therapy Hour will now be offered exclusively on The Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon Page, and also weekly on our Optimal State Mobile App (offered on both Android and iPhone platforms). The audio version will continue to be offered on all major podcast platforms including the new You Tube Podcast Platform. University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series:Online Therapeutic Yoga Series webpage: https://csh.umn.edu/for-community/wellbeing-workshops/online-therapeutic-yoga-series Polyvagal Institute Mighty App with Amy Wheeler and Marlysa Sullivan and the hosts of the Yoga and Yoga Therapy Group within the Apphttps://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/pviapp 7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal Theory offered by the Polyvagal Institutehttps://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/items/therapeutic-yoga-tools%3A-a-polyvagal-informed-certificate-for-body-mind-practitioners Optimal State Mobile App for iPhone and AndroidDownload the App for the respective App Store for free! New Moon and Full Moon Meditations with Optimal State in June, July and August 2024 (Free)Use this same Zoom Link for all session and join us! Join via Zoom: Meeting ID 817 6064 3575 June 5th at 7:30-8:30pmCST- New Moon Celebration and Meditation June 8th at 8:00-9:00amCST- Yoga Nidra for Working with High Blood Pressure June 20th at 7:30-8:30pmCST- Summer Solstice Celebration and Meditation June 21st at 7:30-8:30pmCST- Full Moon Celebration and Meditation Email Krishna@TheOptimalState.com for details for July and August 2024 meditations Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour ...
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    48 mins
  • Healing Through Play: Pediatric Yoga Therapy with Gina Shelton

    Healing Through Play: Pediatric Yoga Therapy with Gina Shelton
    Jun 14 2024
    Healing Through Play: Pediatric Yoga Therapy with Gina SheltonIn this enlightening episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, we're joined by Gina Shelton, a dedicated Pediatric Yoga Therapist at Tok Children's Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. Gina shares her unique approach to connecting with children through yoga therapy, detailing the innovative strategies she employs to engage mentally and emotionally with her young patients.What You'll Learn:Connection Strategies: Discover the techniques Gina uses to form meaningful connections with children, helping them feel secure and understood.Play Therapy: Learn about the toys and playful approaches Gina incorporates into her sessions to facilitate a fun and therapeutic environment for children.Breathing Exercises and Interoceptive Awareness: Gina explains how she teaches these crucial techniques to help children manage their emotions and physical sensations.Parental Involvement: Understand how Gina collaborates with parents to ensure they are a supportive part of their child's healing process.Group Yoga for Teenagers: Gain insights into the dynamics of teaching group yoga sessions to teenagers in a hospital setting.Challenges and Rewards: Hear how Gina navigates the challenges of working with children who may be resistant or non-cooperative and why self-care is essential to her role.Self-Care Practices: Learn about the self-care routines that enable Gina to maintain balance and effectively support her patients.Gina's passion for helping children cope with issues like anxiety, depression, lack of sleep, and pain through yoga therapy shines throughout the episode. Her dedication to her part-time role emphasizes the importance of balance and self-care in delivering effective therapeutic interventions.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: https://amywheeler.com Visit Amy’s training section on her website to check out the courses belowYoga therapy training courses 865-certified-yoga-therapist-program www.optimalstateyoganidra.comwww.TheOptimalState.com Yoga Therapy Clinic with Optimal State:https://calendly.com/amy-wheeler-optimal-state--schedule/cancercare?month=2024-03 University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series:Online Therapeutic Yoga Series webpage: https://csh.umn.edu/for-community/wellbeing-workshops/online-therapeutic-yoga-series Polyvagal Institute Mighty App with Amy Wheeler and Marlysa Sullivan and the hosts of the Yoga and Yoga Therapy Group within the Apphttps://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/pviapp 7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal Theory offered by the Polyvagal Institutehttps://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/items/therapeutic-yoga-tools%3A-a-polyvagal-informed-certificate-for-body-mind-practitioners Optimal State Mobile App for iPhone and AndroidDownload the App for the respective App Store for free! New Moon and Full Moon Meditations with Optimal State in June, July and August 2024 (Free)Use this same Zoom Link for all session and join us! Join via Zoom: Meeting ID 817 6064 3575 June 5th at 7:30-8:30pmCST- New Moon Celebration and Meditation June 8th at 8:00-9:00amCST- Yoga Nidra for Working with High Blood Pressure June 20th at 7:30-8:30pmCST- Summer Solstice Celebration and Meditation June 21st at 7:30-8:30pmCST- Full Moon Celebration and Meditation Email Krishna@TheOptimalState.com for details for July and August 2024 meditations Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon link:https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhour
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    45 mins
  • Balancing the Scales: Therapeutic Asana Sequencing in Yoga with Amy Wheeler

    Balancing the Scales: Therapeutic Asana Sequencing in Yoga with Amy Wheeler
    Jun 7 2024
    Summary: Join us for an enlightening episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour and Beyond, featuring renowned yoga expert Amy Wheeler. With over 25 years of experience in teaching yoga teachers how to sequence their classes effectively, Amy brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. Having served as a yoga university professor for 20 years in California, she is now the Therapeutic Yoga Teacher at the University of Minnesota, specializing in addressing conditions like low back pain, neck pain, insomnia, and anxiety.In this episode, we delve into:Classical Sequencing Techniques: Amy discusses how to effectively sequence yoga classes in a studio or gym setting catering to drop-in students, ranging from beginners to advanced practitioners.Therapeutic Approach to Sequencing: Learn about the shift from traditional group class sequencing to a more therapeutic, individualized approach that starts with an assessment of participants.Nervous System Focus: Explore how to "dial up" or "dial down" the nervous system through yoga to achieve a balanced (sattvic) state of mind and body, emphasizing the importance of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) in therapeutic yoga.Troubleshooting Student Experiences: Amy explains why sometimes yoga sessions don't have the intended effect on students and how to adjust techniques based on individual feedback post-class.Yoga as a Relationship: A reminder that yoga teaching is about the relationship with the individual, not just about delivering choreographed postures, highlighting the necessity to tailor sessions to meet each student's unique needs.Tune in to gain insightful tips from Amy Wheeler on enhancing your yoga teaching through thoughtful sequencing and a therapeutic understanding of yoga’s impact on the nervous system. 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.comwww.TheOptimalState.com Yoga Therapy Clinic with Optimal State:https://calendly.com/amy-wheeler-optimal-state--schedule/cancercare?month=2024-03 University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series:Online Therapeutic Yoga Series webpage: https://csh.umn.edu/for-community/wellbeing-workshops/online-therapeutic-yoga-series Polyvagal Institute Mighty App with Amy Wheeler and Marlysa Sullivan and the hosts of the Yoga and Yoga Therapy Group within the Apphttps://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/pviapp 7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal Theory offered by the Polyvagal Institutehttps://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/items/therapeutic-yoga-tools%3A-a-polyvagal-informed-certificate-for-body-mind-practitioners Optimal State Mobile App for iPhone and AndroidDownload the App for the respective App Store for free! New Moon and Full Moon Meditations with Optimal State in June, July and August 2024 (Free)Use this same Zoom Link for all session and join us! Join via Zoom: Meeting ID 817 6064 3575June 5th at 7:30-8:30pmCST- New Moon Celebration and MeditationJune 8th at 8:00-9:00amCST- Yoga Nidra for Working with High Blood Pressure June 20th at 7:30-8:30pmCST- Summer Solstice Celebration and MeditationJune 21st at 7:30-8:30pmCST- Full Moon Celebration and MeditationEmail Krishna@TheOptimalState.com for details for July and August 2024 meditations Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon link:https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhour
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    35 mins
  • Harnessing the Power of Therapeutic Yoga in Modern Healthcare

    Harnessing the Power of Therapeutic Yoga in Modern Healthcare
    May 31 2024
    In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler delves into the transformative world of yoga therapy and therapeutic yoga, and their integration into modern healthcare settings, educational institutions, mental health programs, and addiction clinics. Amy Wheeler, an expert in the field and former President of the Board for the International Association of Yoga Therapists, offers an invaluable roadmap for practitioners aiming to introduce therapeutic yoga programs into diverse environments.Key Highlights:· Yoga Therapy in Healthcare: Amy explores the burgeoning role of yoga therapy within healthcare settings. She identifies where therapeutic yoga programs are currently making significant impacts, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and specialized clinics, offering listeners insights into existing successful models.· Educational Environments: The discussion moves to the integration of therapeutic yoga in educational settings, highlighting its benefits for both students and educators in managing stress, enhancing focus, and promoting overall well-being.· Mental Health and Addiction: Amy discusses the critical role of therapeutic yoga in mental health programs and addiction clinics. She sheds light on how yoga therapy can serve as a powerful tool in these contexts, aiding in the regulation of the nervous system, reducing stress responses, and supporting recovery processes.· Finding and Utilizing Research: A guide to locating research and evidence supporting the efficacy of therapeutic yoga is provided. Amy shares valuable resources and strategies for practitioners to educate potential employers and stakeholders about the benefits of incorporating yoga therapy into their services.· Physiological and Mental Health Benefits: The episode delves deep into the physiological changes brought about by yoga therapy, such as improved nervous system regulation, decreased allostatic load, and enhanced heart rate variability. Amy explains how these changes positively affect mental health and various bodily systems, including the cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, and immune systems.· Community Engagement: Amy provides a step-by-step guide for yoga therapists to engage with their communities and identify individuals and groups who can most benefit from their services. This section is packed with practical advice on networking, building partnerships, and effectively communicating the value of therapeutic yoga.· Success Story: The episode culminates with Amy sharing her personal success story of creating and sustaining a therapeutic yoga program at a university for 25 years. She highlights the program's impact on students and athletes, emphasizing the broader implications of her work on campus wellness culture.Conclusion: Amy Wheeler's call to action is clear—there's an urgent need for yoga therapy in today's world to address a wide array of health challenges. This episode is a treasure trove of information, inspiration, and practical advice for yoga therapists and anyone interested in the intersection of yoga and healthcare.A Must-Listen For: Yoga therapists, healthcare professionals, educators, mental health practitioners, individuals in the recovery community, and anyone passionate about the integration of holistic practices into mainstream health and wellness paradigms.List of Current Therapeutic Yoga Programs: https://yogatherapy.health/for-health-care-providers/clinic-systems/Comprehensive Review of Yoga Research 2020: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jicm.2021.0420?utm_campaign=JICM+FP+March+7+2024&utm_content=Read+more&utm_term=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Adestra2016 Yoga in America Study by Yoga Alliance and Yoga Journal: https://www.yogaalliance.org/2016YogaInAmericaStudyIf 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.comwww.TheOptimalState.com University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series:Online Therapeutic Yoga Series webpage: https://csh.umn.edu/for-community/wellbeing-workshops/...
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    29 mins
  • Navigating Life and Career Paths Intuitively with Heather Mason

    Navigating Life and Career Paths Intuitively with Heather Mason
    May 24 2024
    Episode Overview: In this inspiring episode, Amy Wheeler welcomes Heather Mason, Founder of the Minded Institute. Minded Institute offers a unique yoga therapy + psychotherapy school in London. Heather discusses her journey toward creating and accrediting her innovative training program within the university system. The conversation evolves into a deeper exploration of living purposefully, tuning into our professional paths, and the art of deep inner listening.Key Points Discussed:· Creating a Unique Educational Path: Heather shares her experiences in establishing a successful school that merges yoga therapy with psychotherapy, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of getting the program accredited by the university system.· Life Purpose and Professional Paths: The dialogue shifts towards understanding one's life purpose and finding the right professional trajectory through deep inner listening and being open to the universe's signs.· Intuitive Decision-Making: Heather opens up about her personal approach to decision-making. Contrary to conventional goal-setting, she emphasizes staying present, responsive, and trusting her intuition to guide her steps.· The Journey of Non-Planning: Heather discusses her method of moving through life without rigid plans, such as typical 3 or 5-year strategies, focusing instead on remaining awake to opportunities and trusting herself to make sound decisions at every turn.· Being of Service: The episode concludes with Heather sharing insights on how to use one's gifts effectively and be of service, while also accommodating personal challenges.Guest Bio: Heather Mason is a pioneer in integrating yoga therapy and psychotherapy into a formal educational program. Her work not only enriches her students but also contributes significantly to the broader field, setting new standards in holistic health education.Closing Thoughts: Heather's journey is a testament to the power of intuition and flexibility in achieving professional success and personal fulfillment. Her story encourages listeners to trust their paths, embrace their capabilities, and remain open to life's limitless possibilities.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 www.TheOptimalState.com for the Monday night Yoga Therapy Family Clinic Polyvagal Institute Mighty App with Amy Wheeler and Marlysa Sullivan and the hosts of the Yoga and Yoga Therapy Group within the Apphttps://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/pviapp7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal Theory offered by the Polyvagal Institutehttps://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/items/therapeutic-yoga-tools%3A-a-polyvagal-informed-certificate-for-body-mind-practitionersOptimal State Mobile App for iPhone and AndroidDownload the App for the respective App Store for free!New Moon and Full Moon Meditations with Optimal State in June, July and August 2024 (Free)Use this same Zoom Link for all session and join us! Join via Zoom: Meeting ID 817 6064 3575June 5th at 7:30-8:30pmCST- New Moon Celebration and MeditationJune 8th at 8:00-9:00amCST- Yoga Nidra for Working with High Blood Pressure June 20th at 7:30-8:30pmCST- Summer Solstice Celebration and MeditationJune 21st at 7:30-8:30pmCST- Full Moon Celebration and MeditationEmail Krishna@TheOptimalState.com for details for July and August 2024 meditationsOptimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon link:https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhour
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    51 mins
  • Embracing Transformation Through Detachment and Receptivity: Insights from Yoga Therapy with Amy Wheeler

    Embracing Transformation Through Detachment and Receptivity: Insights from Yoga Therapy with Amy Wheeler
    May 17 2024

    In this spiritually based episode of the Yoga Therapy Hour, Amy Wheeler delves into the profound processes of loss, grieving, and the transformative power of letting go. Through her personal insights and the teachings of T.K.V. Desikachar, Amy explores the journey towards receptivity and the unexpected transformations it can usher into our lives. This solo episode is a deep dive into the essence of Yoga therapy and its application in navigating the ebbs and flows of life with grace and authenticity.

    Key Points:

    • The Significance of Detachment and Receptivity: Amy shares her observations on how the principles of detachment and receptivity, as taught by T.K.V. Desikachar, can lead to profound personal transformation and spiritual growth.
    • Letting Go of Expectations: She emphasizes the importance of releasing expectations and agendas to fully embrace the present moment and the opportunities it presents.
    • The Journey Towards Authenticity: Amy reflects on the challenges and rewards of living authentically, trusting oneself, and being open to the flow of life.
    • Embracing Loss and Transformation: The episode explores the themes of loss, grief, and the potential for rebirth and new beginnings that lie in the process of letting go.
    • Community and Connection: Amy highlights the role of community and genuine connections in supporting one's journey through change and uncertainty.
    • Living a Yogic Lifestyle: The discussion touches on the practical aspects of incorporating Yoga therapy principles into daily life, aiming for a balance between action and introspection.

    In this episode of the Yoga Therapy Hour, Amy Wheeler offers a deeply personal and insightful exploration of the transformative potential inherent in the practices of detachment and receptivity. Drawing from the teachings of T.K.V. Desikachar and her own life experiences, Amy presents a compelling case for embracing loss, trusting in the process of life, and finding strength in authenticity. Through stories, reflections, and practical advice, she guides listeners towards a more connected and mindful way of living, underscored by the importance of community, self-trust, and the courage to face the unknown. This episode is a testament to the power of Yoga therapy principles in fostering personal growth and resilience amidst life's challenges.

    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

    Visit Amy’s training section and free offerings:

    Monday Night Yoga Therapy Clinic with Optimal State: www.TheOptimalState.com

    Optimal State Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhour

    University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Classes: https://csh.umn.edu/for-community/wellbeing-workshops/online-therapeutic-yoga-series

    Polyvagal Institute App that Amy and Marlysa are the hosts: https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/pviapp
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    37 mins