Yoga Therapy Hour with Amy Wheeler

Amy Wheeler
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Welcome to "The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast," a harmonious blend of ancient wisdom and modern science, brought to life by Amy's expertise in psychology and public health. With over 100,000 downloads, this podcast delves deep into the principles of yoga therapy, offering expert interviews, practical solutions, and profound insights into real-life challenges. From its inception, the first four seasons have been instrumental in elevating the domain of yoga therapy, emphasizing the pivotal role of lifestyle medicine in addressing both our mental and physical well-being. As we transition into Season 5, 6 & 7, Amy broadens the horizon, reaching out to the masses. Here, listeners will unravel how yoga therapy, when intertwined with lifestyle engineering, can serve as a powerful tool for holistic healing, touching the realms of the mind, body, and spirit. Subscribe now and be part of a transformative journey that bridges the essence of embodied mental health with the spirit's depth. Join Amy in redefining mental and physical wellness. Also, leave us a review if you are enjoying the podcast and consider supporting us at the Optimal State & Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon page -https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhour Go to www.TheOptimalState.com for more details on how to improve your mental and emotional health!

  1. 1d ago

    Satyam & Ahiṃsā: Telling the Truth Without Harm

    In this solo episode, Amy Wheeler explores the second yama, satyam (truthfulness), and its essential relationship to the first yama, ahiṃsā (non-harming). This conversation moves beyond simple definitions and into the lived complexity of speaking truth in real relationships, real bodies, and real moments. Drawing from personal reflection—including her own experience with illness and voice—Amy invites listeners into an honest inquiry: When do we speak too much, not enough, or avoid the truth altogether? In This Episode Satyam as Inner Coherence Satyam is not simply “telling the truth.” It is the alignment between: PerceptionUnderstandingExpressionWhen these are out of sync, confusion and disconnection follow. When they align, communication becomes clear, steady, and trustworthy.  Amy emphasizes that most misalignment comes from incomplete information (avidyā) and unexamined assumptions. As clarity improves, so does our ability to speak in a way that others can receive and trust. Ahiṃsā as the Container Ahiṃsā is not just the absence of harm. It is the active cultivation of: SafetyCareStability in relationshipSatyam lives inside ahiṃsā. Truth must be expressed in a way that reduces harm and supports connection. This creates an ongoing inquiry: What am I saying that may cause harm?What am I avoiding that also creates harm?Avoidance and harshness are two sides of the same imbalance. The Role of Relationship The yamas are relational practices. They are not abstract ideals. Amy highlights that we refine truth through feedback: Honest, grounded relationships help us see clearlyMisaligned or dishonest environments distort our perceptionOver time, trustworthy relationships support the emergence of a deeper, more stable truth. Ṛtam: The Deeper Truth The episode introduces ṛtam (cosmic order) as the underlying intelligence of reality. Ṛtam → what is (the larger truth)Satyam → how we align with and express that truthAmy describes this as learning to release control and personal agenda, allowing timing, context, and perspective to mature. Truth is not only about correctness—it is about alignment with something larger than the individual viewpoint.  A Nervous System Lens Truth is not just cognitive—it is physiological and relational. In sympathetic activation → truth can become sharp and reactiveIn withdrawal → truth can become suppressed or avoidedIn regulation → truth becomes attuned and constructiveInteroceptive awareness becomes a guide: Changes in breath, tension, or sensation signal misalignmentThe body often recognizes incoherence before the mind does Clinical and Practical Application In therapeutic settings, satyam is not blunt disclosure. Instead, it includes: Regulated presenceAttuned listeningReflective languageOften, simply reflecting a client’s words allows truth to emerge without force. Truth becomes something discovered, not imposed. Key Reflection Questions Amy offers a simple but powerful framework: Is it true? (satyam)Is it kind? (ahiṃsā)Is it the right time, context, and relationship? (ṛtam)This triad supports more skillful communication and reduces unnecessary harm. Closing Insight Truthfulness is not a fixed achievement. It is a lifelong refinement. It asks for: Self-awarenessCourageRegulationWillingness to be wrongTrust in something larger than personal perspectiveAs Amy reminds us, this work unfolds over time, through relationships, and through the willingness to see ourselves clearly. Sanskrit Words of the Episode Ahiṃsā – Non-harming; active care in relationshipSatyam – Truthfulness; inner and outer coherenceṚtam – Cosmic order; the deeper truth beyond personal perspectiveAvidyā – Misperception; incomplete or incorrect understanding Support the Podcast Join the Patreon communityExplore the Optimal State Mobile App (iPhone & Android)Pre-order Applications of Therapeutic Yoga in Integrative Health by Amy Wheeler & Marlisa Sullivanhttps://www.amazon.com/Applying-Therapeutic-Yoga-Integrative-Health/dp/1032888628/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RFZ3L5MCCNPH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.I7harQDOLulfRbd3dx2vVa5VUZa840PHcWB7dDiT3_bB2nravzO7_9Xs9shMhcy2Iwu0wtTA1PxeUG4TTugEQJuK_OEpvzQ-OyVvtsUkXsc.ViqLrL-EQPX7s09wZF6_2eCpLCimHa7Ohfbw-F7Yuk4&dib_tag=se&keywords=applications+in+therapeutic+yoga+wheeler&qid=1775224796&sprefix=applications+in+therapeutic+yoga+wheele%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

    Satyam & Ahiṃsā: Telling the Truth Without Harm

  2. Aug 7

    Living the Niyamas: Ethics, Self-Study, and the Practice of Inner Alignment

    Episode Overview In this thoughtful and grounded conversation, Amy Wheeler sits down with Marlysa Sullivan, a physical therapist, yoga therapist, and educator working within the Veterans Administration and at Notre Dame of Maryland University. Together, they explore the Niyamas from The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali as living practices—less about rigid rules and more about ongoing self-inquiry, ethical reflection, and alignment in daily life. Rather than presenting the Niyamas as fixed ideals, this episode invites a more nuanced approach: one that considers context, relationship, and the evolving nature of what it means to act with integrity. The conversation weaves together classical yoga philosophy, modern clinical experience, and real-world application, offering a grounded pathway for both practitioners and clinicians. Key Themes Explored Ethics as a Living Inquiry Ethical practice is not static. Marlysa emphasizes that what is “right” depends on context, relationship, and discernment. This requires ongoing reflection: What is most relevant, kind, and supportive in this moment? Śauca (Clarity and Inner Cleanliness) The discussion reframes purity away from moral judgment and toward clarity. Rather than “fixing what is wrong,” the practice becomes one of noticing what clouds perception—habit patterns, past impressions, and emotional residue—and gently clearing space for more skillful action.  Santoṣa (Contentment as Stability and Action) Contentment is explored as a steady inner ground, not passivity. True contentment allows for both acceptance and meaningful action. The conversation highlights the balance between deficiency (chronic dissatisfaction) and excess (avoidance or spiritual bypassing). Tapas (Right Effort and Friction for Growth) Tapas is described as the willingness to meet discomfort in service of transformation. It is the moment where inner clarity meets outward action—often requiring courage to move beyond familiar patterns. Svādhyāya (Self-Study and Honest Reflection) The practice of self-study calls for humility and relational support. Amy and Marlysa emphasize the importance of trusted relationships that can reflect blind spots and support deeper self-awareness. Īśvara Praṇidhāna (Surrender and Letting Go of Outcome) Surrender is presented as an essential counterbalance to effort. One does the work with integrity, then releases attachment to results. This is especially relevant in complex systems, where control is limited and trust becomes necessary. Integrating Kriyā Yoga The final three Niyamas—Tapas, Svādhyāya, and Īśvara Praṇidhāna—are explored as Kriya Yoga, a practical pathway for transformation. Together, they form a cycle: Act with intentionReflect with honestySurrender the outcomeThis dynamic process supports both personal growth and therapeutic presence. Clinical and Real-World Application Drawing from her work in the Veterans Administration, Marlysa highlights how these teachings translate into practice: Healing is not one-size-fits-all; each individual responds differentlyCuriosity supports humility and clinical effectivenessRelationship and co-reflection are essential for growthYoga therapy must move beyond biomechanics to include meaning, perception, and lived experienceThe conversation reinforces that how we approach a simple movement—like stretching a hamstring—often reflects how we approach life itself. Practical Reflection For those beginning to work with the Niyamas: Start with the one that feels most relevant or meaningfulReflect on where you tend toward excess or deficiencyUse curiosity as a guide rather than judgmentEngage trusted others in your process of reflection Closing Insight This episode reframes ethics not as obligation, but as an enlivening and relational practice. When approached with curiosity and sincerity, the Niyamas become a guide for living with clarity, integrity, and connection—to oneself and to others. Learn More Visit Marlysa Sullivan: www.marlysasullivan.comExplore the foundations in The Yoga Sutras of PatanjaliContact Amy Wheeler: www.TheOptimalState.com   Optimal State App for iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/optimal-state/id1604424804   The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-therapy-hour-with-amy-wheeler/id1564687158   School of Integrative Health at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health   Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy   Explore NDMU’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices   Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification   #IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool   Our new book-     https://www.amazon.com/Applying-Therapeutic-Yoga-Integrative-Health/dp/1032888628/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RFZ3L5MCCNPH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.I7harQDOLulfRbd3dx2vVa5VUZa840PHcWB7dDiT3_bB2nravzO7_9Xs9shMhcy2Iwu0wtTA1PxeUG4TTugEQJuK_OEpvzQ-OyVvtsUkXsc.ViqLrL-EQPX7s09wZF6_2eCpLCimHa7Ohfbw-F7Yuk4&dib_tag=se&keywords=applications+in+therapeutic+yoga+wheeler&qid=1775224796&sprefix=applications+in+therapeutic+yoga+wheele%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

    Living the Niyamas: Ethics, Self-Study, and the Practice of Inner Alignment

  3. Jul 31

    Posture, Presence, and the Language of the Body with Posture Ellie

    In this episode, Amy sits down with Posture Ellie, a posture specialist based in the Peak District of England, whose work bridges movement, awareness, and human transformation. Ellie shares her personal journey from corporate burnout and disconnection to discovering yoga as a turning point—one that ultimately led her to specialize in posture as a powerful, accessible entry point into healing. Together, they explore a central reframe: posture is not about “standing up straight.” It is about how the body moves, adapts, and expresses lived experience. What You’ll Hear in This Episode Posture as a Living System Ellie challenges the common idea of posture as rigid alignment. Instead, she describes posture as fluid, responsive movement—an expression of how well the body functions as an integrated whole. From Symptoms to Root Cause Rather than chasing tension or pain, posture work invites us to restore movement where it has been lost. This shift moves the work from symptom relief toward deeper resolution. Interoception as a Learned Language Amy and Ellie discuss how body awareness is not immediate—it develops over time. Many people begin disconnected from sensation and gradually learn to “read” their body through consistent practice. The Missing Middle of Movement Modern life often swings between stillness (desk, car, couch) and intensity (gym, running). Ellie highlights the importance of restoring gentle, everyday movement—the “middle ground” our bodies are designed for. Patterns of Stress in the Body The conversation explores two common expressions of stress: Over-efforting / rigidity (often high-achieving, driven individuals)Collapse / withdrawal (protective, energy-conserving patterns)Both influence breathing, posture, and nervous system regulation in distinct ways. Breath, Posture, and the Nervous System Postural patterns directly affect breathing mechanics. Restricted diaphragmatic breathing can reinforce stress responses, while restoring breath capacity can support regulation. From Numbness to Feeling A powerful theme in this episode is the movement from disconnection to awareness. Many people initially feel “nothing,” only to later recognize long-held tension and emotion as awareness grows. Posture as a Gateway to Self-Relationship Over time, posture work becomes more than physical. It becomes a way of listening, responding, and relating to oneself with greater clarity and care. Key Insight Posture is not something you hold. It is something that emerges when the body is supported, responsive, and free to move. About the Guest Posture Ellie is a posture specialist and educator helping people reduce pain, improve movement, and reconnect with their bodies. Her work draws from yoga, the Egoscue Method, and a deep understanding of how modern lifestyles shape the human body. She is the author of Posture Power, a practical and empowering guide to understanding and improving posture. Website: www.posture-ellie.comInstagram: @postureellieBook: Posture Power → https://watkinspublishinglinks.com/posture-powerContact Amy Wheeler: www.TheOptimalState.com   Optimal State App for iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/optimal-state/id1604424804   The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-therapy-hour-with-amy-wheeler/id1564687158   School of Integrative Health at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health   Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy   Explore NDMU’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices   Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification   #IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool   Our new book-    https://www.amazon.com/Applying-Therapeutic-Yoga-Integrative-Health/dp/1032888628/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RFZ3L5MCCNPH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.I7harQDOLulfRbd3dx2vVa5VUZa840PHcWB7dDiT3_bB2nravzO7_9Xs9shMhcy2Iwu0wtTA1PxeUG4TTugEQJuK_OEpvzQ-OyVvtsUkXsc.ViqLrL-EQPX7s09wZF6_2eCpLCimHa7Ohfbw-F7Yuk4&dib_tag=se&keywords=applications+in+therapeutic+yoga+wheeler&qid=1775224796&sprefix=applications+in+therapeutic+yoga+wheele%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

    Posture, Presence, and the Language of the Body with Posture Ellie

  4. Jul 24

    The Niyamas and the Neuroscience of Inner Regulation: Creating the Conditions for Change

    Episode Description In this episode, Dr. Amy Wheeler continues the Season 10 exploration of the Eight Limbs of Yoga as a regulatory framework, turning inward toward the Niyamas—the personal disciplines that shape how we care for ourselves and engage in inner work.  Rather than presenting the Niyamas as a checklist of ideals, this conversation reframes them as practices that create the internal conditions for nervous system regulation, clarity, and meaningful change. At the heart of this episode is a grounded inquiry: What happens when we reduce internal noise, increase awareness, and release the need to control everything? Through both classical teachings and modern neuroscience, Amy explores how daily practice (sādhana) supports a shift from overwhelm and reactivity toward steadiness, discernment, and trust. Key Themes Explored The Niyamas as Inner Regulation The Niyamas are not about perfection or moral pressure. They are about how we stabilize the internal environment so that clarity and integrity can naturally arise. You Cannot Offer What You Do Not Embody Our internal state directly shapes our professional presence. When we are cluttered, overwhelmed, or unreflective, it impacts how we show up with others.  From Discipline to Daily Practice The Niyamas are lived through small, consistent actions—organizing our space, pausing for reflection, regulating the body, and observing the mind. Top-Down and Bottom-Up Regulation True transformation includes both: Working with the mind (top-down)Working with the body and physiology (bottom-up)Yoga therapy offers a unique bridge between these two approaches.  The Niyamas Through a Neuroscience Lens Śauca (Clarity and Purification) Reducing allostatic load—our chronic stress burden—by organizing our external and internal environments. Less clutter leads to less cognitive overload, allowing the mind to settle and the prefrontal cortex to function more effectively.  Santoṣa (Contentment) A present-moment orientation that shifts the brain’s predictive bias. As regulation increases, the brain becomes less focused on past threat and more open to possibility, safety, and “I am okay right now.”  Tapas (Disciplined Effort) The steady repetition that builds new neural pathways. Tapas is neuroplasticity in action—choosing new responses, reinforcing them over time, and gradually reducing reactivity.  Svādhyāya (Self-Study) Developing meta-awareness and interoception—the ability to observe thoughts, emotions, and sensations without immediately reacting. This creates a pause where new choices become possible.  Īśvara Praṇidhāna (Surrender) Releasing excessive control reduces sympathetic overactivation and increases tolerance for uncertainty. When we soften the need to control everything, the nervous system becomes more flexible, resilient, and open to possibility.  Clinical Insight When people struggle with the Niyamas, it is rarely a lack of discipline or integrity. More often, it reflects: High allostatic load (chronic stress)Nervous system dysregulationLimited access to internal safetyFrom this perspective, the work is not to try harder, but to create conditions where regulation is possible. A Practical Reframe Instead of asking: Am I doing the Niyamas correctly?We might ask: What is increasing my internal noise?What helps my system settle?Where can I reduce load, even slightly?From there, the Niyamas begin to emerge rather than be forced. Integration with the Yamas The Yamas (social disciplines) and Niyamas (personal disciplines) function as a continuous loop: Inner regulation supports relational clarityRelational harmony reduces internal stressTogether, they create a self-reinforcing cycle of regulation, discernment, and well-being.  Reflection for Listeners Take a moment to reflect: Where in your life is there unnecessary cognitive or sensory load?What helps you return to a sense of “okayness” in the present moment?Where might you benefit from more effort—and where might you need to release control? Closing The Niyamas invite a steady relationship with yourself. Not as a project to fix— but as a system to support. As internal noise decreases and awareness increases, regulation becomes more accessible, Contact Amy Wheeler: www.TheOptimalState.com   Optimal State App for iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/optimal-state/id1604424804   The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-therapy-hour-with-amy-wheeler/id1564687158   School of Integrative Health at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health   Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy   Explore NDMU’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices   Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification   #IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool   New Book Coming Out August 10th, 2026    https://www.amazon.com/Applying-Therapeutic-Yoga-Integrative-Health/dp/1032888628/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RFZ3L5MCCNPH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.I7harQDOLulfRbd3dx2vVa5VUZa840PHcWB7dDiT3_bB2nravzO7_9Xs9shMhcy2Iwu0wtTA1PxeUG4TTugEQJuK_OEpvzQ-OyVvtsUkXsc.ViqLrL-EQPX7s09wZF6_2eCpLCimHa7Ohfbw-F7Yuk4&dib_tag=se&keywords=applications+in+therapeutic+yoga+wheeler&qid=1775224796&sprefix=applications+in+therapeutic+yoga+wheele%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

    The Niyamas and the Neuroscience of Inner Regulation: Creating the Conditions for Change

  5. Jul 17

    Santoṣa: Meeting Life Without Resistance

    In this conversation, Amy sits down with Colleen Carroll for a thoughtful exploration of Santoṣa—often translated as contentment, but experienced as something much more nuanced. Rather than presenting contentment as a passive or idealized state, this episode examines it as a living practice—one that unfolds in the middle of uncertainty, chronic pain, changing identities, and the natural fluctuations of life. Together, they explore how the human tendency to strive, fix, and move away from discomfort can obscure what is already present. Through personal stories and clinical insight, they reflect on how contentment is not something we achieve once and for all, but something we return to—again and again—with awareness and discernment. In This Episode, We Explore What Santoṣa really means beyond the idea of “being content” The relationship between striving, dissatisfaction, and the nervous system Why contentment is not complacency—and how to recognize the difference How chronic pain and life disruption can become entry points into practice The role of awareness in seeing what has always been available How external environments (beauty, ritual, home space) can support internal regulation The importance of titration (krama) when working with distress or trauma Contentment as a doorway into mindfulness rather than an endpoint The role of relationships and co-regulation in shaping our experience of contentment Discernment in relationships—when to stay connected and when to create space Key Reflections from the Conversation Contentment is not the absence of difficulty. It is the capacity to remain in relationship with what is present, without immediately trying to change it. There is a subtle but important shift from striving for happiness to recognizing moments of ease already available. This shift often requires a willingness to pause and observe rather than act. For many, contentment becomes most accessible not in ideal conditions, but in moments of limitation—when the usual strategies no longer work. These moments can reveal new pathways of awareness, including a more honest relationship with the body and mind. The practice of Santoṣa is not about overriding pain or difficulty. Instead, it involves titrating attention—moving gently between what is challenging and what is supportive, building capacity over time. External environments can play a meaningful role. Beauty, order, ritual, and sensory experiences can help orient attention toward steadiness, making internal awareness more accessible. Relationships matter. Contentment can be supported through connection, but also disrupted through environments that do not align with one’s values or nervous system needs. Discernment becomes part of the practice. Contact Colleen  www.colleencarrollyoga.com   Contact Amy Wheeler: www.TheOptimalState.com   Optimal State App for iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/optimal-state/id1604424804   The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-therapy-hour-with-amy-wheeler/id1564687158   School of Integrative Health at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health   Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy   Explore NDMU’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices   Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification   #IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool   New Book Coming Out August 10th, 2026    https://www.amazon.com/Applying-Therapeutic-Yoga-Integrative-Health/dp/1032888628/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RFZ3L5MCCNPH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.I7harQDOLulfRbd3dx2vVa5VUZa840PHcWB7dDiT3_bB2nravzO7_9Xs9shMhcy2Iwu0wtTA1PxeUG4TTugEQJuK_OEpvzQ-OyVvtsUkXsc.ViqLrL-EQPX7s09wZF6_2eCpLCimHa7Ohfbw-F7Yuk4&dib_tag=se&keywords=applications+in+therapeutic+yoga+wheeler&qid=1775224796&sprefix=applications+in+therapeutic+yoga+wheele%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

    Santoṣa: Meeting Life Without Resistance

  6. Jul 10

    Daily Practice, Inner Guidance, and the Living Experience of Sādhana with Lee Mejewski

    Episode Overview In this conversation, Amy sits down with Lee to explore the role of daily practice—sādhana—as a living, evolving process rather than a fixed routine. Together, they reflect on what it means to cultivate steadiness in the mind, nervous system, and heart, and how consistent practice becomes a pathway toward deeper self-understanding, inner guidance, and connection to something greater than oneself. The discussion moves beyond technique and into lived experience—how practice shapes perception, builds trust, and gradually shifts one’s relationship to stress, identity, and life decisions.  Key Themes Explored Sādhana as a Living Practice Rather than a checklist or obligation, sādhana is described as something that evolves over time—from structured daily sessions to an ongoing state of awareness woven throughout the day. From Effort to Integration Lee shares how practice can begin as something we do and gradually become something we are—an orientation toward presence, clarity, and responsiveness in daily life. Stability Through Routine Both Amy and Lee reflect on how consistent routines support nervous system regulation, especially in contrast to the disruption that comes with travel and constant change. The Role of Direct Experience Sustained practice is not maintained through discipline alone, but through experience. When individuals feel the shift—greater calm, clarity, or ease—they naturally return to practice. Witnessing vs. Identifying A central shift in practice is the movement from being immersed in thoughts and emotions to observing them. This creates space for discernment and choice. Inner Guidance and Trust Lee describes a deepening relationship with an internal “voice” or guidance system that develops through consistent practice. Trust is built gradually, through experience rather than belief. Different Pathways of Awareness The conversation acknowledges that inner guidance can arise in different ways—auditory, somatic, intuitive, or visual—depending on the individual. Spiritual Practice and Health Outcomes The episode highlights emerging research showing that spirituality and consistent inner practice are associated with improved physical, mental, and social health outcomes. Education and Responsibility in Yoga Therapy A key tension explored is whether sādhana should be optional or foundational within yoga therapy training. The conversation points toward a shared responsibility among educators to model and transmit its value. Therapist Presence as Intervention The qualities of the therapist—presence, compassion, equanimity, and self-awareness—are described as central to client outcomes, often more influential than specific techniques. Notable Reflections Daily practice can begin with structure, but over time becomes integrated into how we live and relate to each moment. The shift from “What do I want?” to “What is being asked of me?” reflects a deepening of trust and perspective. Even brief practices—such as 5–10 minutes of meditation—can create measurable physiological and emotional shifts. We cannot guide others beyond our own level of awareness; our personal practice directly shapes our clinical impact.  Practical Takeaways Begin with what is accessible: even short, consistent practices can create meaningful change.Anchor practice to a consistent time and place when possible to support continuity.Notice the effects of practice—not just during, but in how you relate to others and your environment.Allow your practice to evolve rather than holding it to a fixed structure.Approach sādhana as a lifelong relationship, not a temporary intervention. Closing Reflection This episode invites a quiet reconsideration of what it means to practice. Rather than striving for the “right” method or perfect routine, the conversation points toward something more steady: a willingness to return, to listen, and to stay in relationship with oneself over time. From that place, both clarity and direction begin to emerge. Learn More About Lee Lee is the founding director of Yoga for Health Institute, where she leads therapeutic yoga programs, professional trainings, and international retreats. Her work includes long-standing student communities and specialized offerings such as the Beyond Cancer retreat program, supporting individuals in navigating health challenges through consistent practice and inner development. You can learn more about her work here: www.yogaforhealth.institute Contact Amy Wheeler: www.TheOptimalState.com  📚 New Book Coming August 10, 2026! Dr. Amy Wheeler's and Marlysa Sullivan new book, Applying Therapeutic Yoga in Integrative Health: A Guide for Re-Imagining Well-Being, will be released on August 10, 2026 and is available for pre-order now on Amazon. Bridging the timeless wisdom of yoga with modern neuroscience, psychology, and integrative healthcare, this practical guide explores how therapeutic yoga can support well-being beyond symptom management. Whether you're a healthcare professional, yoga therapist, or simply passionate about holistic health, this book offers evidence-informed tools for fostering balance, connection, and lasting transformation. Pre-order your copy today on Amazon and be among the first to read it when it launches. Optimal State App for iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/optimal-state/id1604424804   The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-therapy-hour-with-amy-wheeler/id1564687158   School of Integrative Health at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health   Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy   Explore NDMU’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices   Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification   #IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool

    Daily Practice, Inner Guidance, and the Living Experience of Sādhana with Lee Mejewski

  7. Jul 3

    Ahimsa in Action: What Aging Teaches Us About Kindness and Strength

    Episode Overview In this conversation, Amy Wheeler sits down with yoga therapist and educator Ashley McKeachie to explore the lived experience of ahimsa—non-harming—as it unfolds in real time with aging bodies and evolving nervous systems. Ashley shares how her work with older adults (ages 55–95+) has reshaped her understanding of yoga therapy, shifting from performance and outcomes toward presence, pacing, and relational care. What emerges is a grounded and practical view of yoga as a system that supports resilience, dignity, and connection across the lifespan. This episode offers a clear lens into how yoga philosophy becomes actionable—not as theory, but as daily practice. About Ashley McKeachie Ashley McKeachie is a yoga therapist, educator, and department chair at Saddleback College’s Emeritus Institute in Southern California. She teaches large-scale classes in yoga, balance, mobility, and wellness for older adults, integrating yoga therapy, breathwork, and philosophy into accessible, community-based education. Her work centers on helping individuals build confidence, regulate their nervous systems, and maintain independence through thoughtful, adaptable practices. Key Themes in This Episode Ahimsa as a Lived Practice Ahimsa moves beyond the idea of “non-violence” and becomes a daily inquiry: How am I treating myself right now?Am I pushing, or am I listening?Is this choice supporting stability or creating strain?For Ashley’s students, ahimsa often begins with self-permission—to slow down, to rest, and to shift lifelong patterns of over-effort. Aging and the Nervous System Working with a population ranging from their 50s to mid-90s, Ashley highlights: The persistence of “push through” mentalitiesThe challenge of changing patterns that have “worked” for decadesThe opportunity to reintroduce softness, pacing, and awarenessRather than decline, she often observes: Increased strength and balanceImproved confidence and postureGreater emotional regulation and clarity Breath as a Foundational Tool One of the most consistent takeaways from her students: “You’ve taught me how to breathe.” Breath becomes: A tool for managing medical procedures and stressA way to regulate the nervous system in real timeA lifelong skill that extends far beyond the classroom The Role of Sangha (Community) Ashley emphasizes that community is not secondary—it is essential. In her classes: Students learn each other’s namesGroup work is intentionally structuredSocial connection is actively facilitatedFor many older adults facing isolation, this becomes a primary source of: BelongingEmotional supportContinued engagement with life Slowing Down as a Therapeutic Strategy Ashley’s teaching approach prioritizes: Slow pacingChoice and autonomyExploration rather than performanceThis creates: A sense of safetyReduced fear of movementIncreased willingness to participate A Dream Unplanned Ashley reflects on her professional path—from training younger yoga students to working with older adults—and describes her current role as: “A dream I didn’t even know I had.” Her experience highlights an important thread: Direction mattersEffort mattersAnd there are moments where something larger organizes the path forward Practical Takeaways Listeners may consider: Where am I pushing when I could be listening?What would ahimsa look like in my daily routines?How can I support both independence and connection as I age—or support others who are aging?Am I allowing enough time for stillness and internal awareness? Resources & Where to Find Ashley Saddleback College Emeritus InstituteFree or low-cost classes for adults 55+Many online options available across multiple statesRancho La Puerta (Mexico)Wellness retreats where Ashley teaches periodicallyFocus on nervous system balance, nature, and immersive learning Closing Reflection This conversation invites a steady reframing: Ahimsa is not passive. It is not avoidance. It is an active, moment-to-moment discernment— a willingness to support life, rather than override it. And in many ways, the later years of life offer a clear mirror: what we practice consistently is what carries us forward.

    Ahimsa in Action: What Aging Teaches Us About Kindness and Strength

  8. Jun 26

    The Yamas and the Neuroscience of Trust: From Survival to Steady Ground

    What does it mean to trust that life will work out—not as a belief, but as a lived, embodied experience? In this solo episode, Dr. Amy Wheeler explores the intersection of the Yamas—the ethical foundation of yoga—and the neuroscience of safety, regulation, and predictive processing. Rather than approaching ethics as a set of rules to follow, this conversation reframes them as natural expressions of a regulated, supported nervous system. At the center of this inquiry is a simple but powerful question: Can we live in alignment with our values when we feel unsafe? Drawing from yoga philosophy, polyvagal theory, and lived experience, Amy offers a grounded perspective on why ethical behavior becomes more accessible when the body feels steady—and why it often breaks down in states of survival. Key Themes Explored Ethics as a State, Not a Rulebook The Yamas are not imposed from the outside. They emerge when the system is regulated, resourced, and supported. Ahaṅkāra and the Survival Response The drive to secure, control, and protect—while necessary—can narrow perception and disrupt our ability to act with clarity and integrity.  The Nervous System and Trust A flexible, regulated nervous system supports connection, openness, and discernment. When dysregulated, the system shifts toward threat detection, reactivity, and contraction.  Predictive Processing and Learned Safety The brain continuously predicts what will happen next based on past experience. Trust is not naïve—it is built through repeated experiences of support, repair, and resilience.  From Fear-Based Reactivity to Possibility Through intentional practice, the mind can shift from worst-case predictions toward openness, receptivity, and grounded optimism. The Yamas Through a Nervous System Lens Ahimsa (Non-harming): Begins internally. A regulated system reduces reactivity, blame, and harsh self-judgment.Satya (Truthfulness): Requires humility and discernment. When fear and ego soften, truth becomes less about being right and more about being aligned.Asteya (Non-stealing): Trust reduces grasping. When we feel supported, we are less likely to take what is not ours—ideas, credit, or energy.Brahmacharya (Moderation): Regulation is sustained through balance. Excess and depletion disrupt clarity and ethical consistency.Aparigraha (Non-grasping): Letting go of fear-based holding creates space for discernment, freedom, and right timing. Clinical Insight Ethical challenges in yoga therapy—and in healthcare more broadly—are often not failures of character. They are reflections of nervous system states. When practitioners are exhausted, unsupported, or operating in survival mode, their window of tolerance narrows, and ethical clarity becomes harder to access.  This reframing invites a shift from judgment to understanding, and from rules to regulation. A Subtle Reorientation As safety becomes more embodied: The breath becomes more adaptableThe heart rate more flexibleSocial engagement comes onlineAmbiguity is interpreted with more generosityThe future is no longer predicted as threat, but as possibility From this place, trust is not forced—it emerges. Reflection for Listeners Consider where your system feels: Steady and openContracted and protectiveHow might your ethical responses shift depending on that state? And what practices help you return to a place where clarity, connection, and trust are more available? Closing This episode offers a reframe that may feel both grounding and challenging: That living the Yamas is not about trying harder—but about creating the internal conditions where they can naturally arise.

    The Yamas and the Neuroscience of Trust: From Survival to Steady Ground
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About

Welcome to "The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast," a harmonious blend of ancient wisdom and modern science, brought to life by Amy's expertise in psychology and public health. With over 100,000 downloads, this podcast delves deep into the principles of yoga therapy, offering expert interviews, practical solutions, and profound insights into real-life challenges. From its inception, the first four seasons have been instrumental in elevating the domain of yoga therapy, emphasizing the pivotal role of lifestyle medicine in addressing both our mental and physical well-being. As we transition into Season 5, 6 & 7, Amy broadens the horizon, reaching out to the masses. Here, listeners will unravel how yoga therapy, when intertwined with lifestyle engineering, can serve as a powerful tool for holistic healing, touching the realms of the mind, body, and spirit. Subscribe now and be part of a transformative journey that bridges the essence of embodied mental health with the spirit's depth. Join Amy in redefining mental and physical wellness. Also, leave us a review if you are enjoying the podcast and consider supporting us at the Optimal State & Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon page -https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhour Go to www.TheOptimalState.com for more details on how to improve your mental and emotional health!

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