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What if one of the most transformative practices in yoga is also one of the least understood? In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, Amy Wheeler sits down with yoga therapist and educator Mona Shah to explore Pratyāhāra, the fifth limb of Patañjali's Eight Limbs of Yoga. Often translated as "withdrawal of the senses," Pratyāhāra is much more than turning away from the world. It is the profound shift from seeking fulfillment externally to discovering a deep source of nourishment within. Together, Amy and Mona discuss why Pratyāhāra serves as the bridge between the external practices of yoga and the deeper meditative practices of concentration, meditation, and absorption. They explore how cultivating mastery over the senses allows us to respond rather than react, develop greater clarity through buddhi (higher wisdom), and experience greater freedom from habitual patterns of suffering. The conversation also bridges ancient yogic philosophy with modern neuroscience, exploring how nervous system regulation, attention, neuroplasticity, and contemplative practice complement one another. Whether you are a yoga therapist, yoga teacher, meditation practitioner, or simply someone seeking greater peace amidst today's constant stimulation, this episode offers a thoughtful roadmap for living from the inside out. In This Episode • What Pratyāhāra really means beyond the common translation of "withdrawal of the senses" • Why Pratyāhāra is the pivotal transition between the outer and inner limbs of yoga • The relationship between Pratyāhāra, the nervous system, and emotional regulation • How the first four limbs prepare us for deeper meditation • The distinction between sensory suppression and genuine mastery over the senses • The role of buddhi (higher wisdom) in transforming our responses to life • How habitual conditioning (saṃskāras), the kleśas, and the guṇas influence perception • Why suffering is part of the human experience—and how yoga changes our relationship to it • Connections between yogic philosophy and modern neuroscience, including neuroplasticity and self-regulation • How Pratyāhāra cultivates compassion, self-awareness, resilience, and inner freedom • Why Patanjali's Eight Limbs remain remarkably relevant in an age of information overload, artificial intelligence, and constant distraction Key Takeaways Pratyāhāra is not about escaping the world. It is about changing where we draw our nourishment. The Eight Limbs of Yoga are not separate practices but an integrated developmental pathway that prepares body, breath, mind, and awareness for meditation. As our practice matures, we become less driven by external stimulation and more guided by discernment, clarity, and inner wisdom. True healing comes not from controlling external circumstances but from transforming our relationship to them. Yoga therapy empowers individuals to become active participants in their own healing rather than passive recipients of treatment. About Mona Shah Mona Shah is a certified yoga therapist, educator, and passionate student of the Yoga Sūtras. Her work integrates classical yoga philosophy with contemporary neuroscience and emphasizes practical tools for cultivating resilience, self-awareness, and lasting transformation through yoga practice. www.stillpointyoga.life Yoga Bharati yogabharati.org Resources Mentioned • Patañjali's Yoga Sūtras • The Eight Limbs of Yoga (Aṣṭāṅga Yoga) • Pratyāhāra • Dharaṇā • Dhyāna • Samādhi • The Kleśas • Buddhi, Manas, and Ahaṃkāra • The Pañcamaya Kośa Model • Neuroplasticity and nervous system regulation

In this solo episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler, Ph.D., explores Pratyāhāra, the fifth limb of Patañjali’s eight-limbed path, and how Yoga Nidra can become a powerful therapeutic pathway for turning the senses inward. Rather than presenting Yoga Nidra as a single technique, Amy explores the many ways it can be understood and applied. Some approaches emphasize embodiment and awareness of physical sensation, while others invite experiences of spaciousness, transcendence, or non-dual awareness. From a yoga therapy perspective, the central question is not which approach is “right,” but rather: What does the person in front of us need? Amy shares the development of the Optimal State approach to therapeutic Yoga Nidra, created over several years in collaboration with colleagues Colleen Carroll and Lori Angris. Together, they explored how Yoga Nidra could be adapted specifically for yoga therapy through individualized assessment, shared intention-setting, and ongoing reflection. In this episode, Amy explores: Pratyāhāra as the movement from external sensory engagement toward inner nourishment and awareness.Why Yoga Nidra is not one single practice or philosophical approach.The difference between more embodied, dualistic approaches and transcendent or non-dual approaches to Yoga Nidra.Why a person experiencing chronic pain may need a different practice than someone navigating grief, caregiving, or questions surrounding death and meaning.The importance of assessment and co-negotiation between the yoga therapist and client.Using the pañca maya model to explore the physical body, breath and energy, mind and emotions, inner wisdom and beliefs, and experiences of joy or spirituality.How interoceptive awareness can help a person notice not only discomfort, but also areas of ease, comfort, and spaciousness within the body.Amy’s personal experience using Yoga Nidra while working with significant knee pain and nervous-system overload.Why people who naturally tend toward transcendence may sometimes benefit from greater embodiment, while highly body-oriented individuals may benefit from exploring spaciousness and transcendence.The importance of returning from transcendent experiences to breath, sensation, orientation, and everyday life.How personalized imagery and bhāvana can be developed collaboratively with a client.Why therapeutic Yoga Nidra requires follow-up and adjustment rather than assuming one practice will work equally well for everyone.The Optimal State Therapeutic Yoga Nidra Process Amy introduces the general framework used in the Optimal State approach: Begin with an intentional opening that marks the transition from daily life into practice.Refine the state of the mind through breath, movement, chanting, or another appropriate yogic tool.Establish a collaboratively developed intention based on the client’s assessment and goals.Use an individualized body rotation or internal movement of awareness and prāṇa.Introduce an appropriate object of meditation, visualization, mantra, imagery, or bhāvana.Allow a period of deep rest, spaciousness, or transcendence depending upon the intention of the practice.Gradually return awareness to the body, breath, surroundings, and daily life while carrying forward the qualities cultivated during the practice.The practice can then be recorded for the client to use regularly, often for approximately one month, before reassessing and determining what is needed next. A Central Question for Yoga Therapists Throughout the episode, Amy returns to a foundational principle of yoga therapy: meet the person where they are. Therapeutic Yoga Nidra does not require every person to move toward the same experience. One client may need to inhabit the body more fully and discover places of safety and ease. Another may need a temporary experience of spaciousness beyond pain, grief, diagnosis, or identity. In either case, the underlying intention remains Pratyāhāra: reducing the constant pull of the external sensory world so that we can develop a deeper relationship with our internal experience. The result can be a profound form of self-connection—an opportunity to become more intimate with our own body, breath, mind, emotions, and inner life. Mentioned in This Episode Amy developed this therapeutic Yoga Nidra approach with longtime colleagues Colleen Carroll and Lori Angress, drawing upon their different backgrounds and decades of experience with Yoga Nidra. Amy also discusses Pratyāhāra in the book she co-authored with Marlisa Sullivan, Applying Therapeutic Yoga in Integrative Health. About The Yoga Therapy Hour The Yoga Therapy Hour explores the principles, practices, research, and clinical applications of yoga therapy. Hosted by Amy Wheeler, Ph.D., the podcast brings together traditional yogic wisdom, contemporary healthcare perspectives, and practical approaches for supporting well-being. Whether you are a yoga therapist, yoga teacher, healthcare professional, student, or practitioner, this episode offers an invitation to reconsider Yoga Nidra not simply as relaxation, but as an individualized therapeutic practice and a pathway into Pratyāhāra.

In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, Amy welcomes two guests whose work intersects at the heart of yoga therapy education: Leila Stuart and Kimberly Searl from the School of Integrative Health at Notre Dame of Maryland University. The conversation centers on the integration of Experiential Anatomy into a graduate-level yoga therapy curriculum, and what it means to move beyond memorization of anatomy into direct, embodied understanding. Rather than approaching anatomy as static knowledge, this dialogue explores anatomy as a lived, perceptual experience—something that can be sensed, refined, and integrated into clinical practice. In This Conversation Amy, Leila, and Kimberly reflect on how experiential anatomy supports the development of skilled, perceptive yoga therapists. They explore how students shift from learning about the body to learning through the body. The discussion highlights the value of integrating subjective experience with objective anatomical knowledge. This approach allows future practitioners to better understand their clients, not just structurally, but relationally and perceptually. There is also a thoughtful look at how anatomy education can support interoception, clinical reasoning, and therapeutic presence—skills that are essential in yoga therapy but often underdeveloped in traditional anatomy courses. Key Themes Embodied Learning in Anatomy Anatomy becomes more meaningful when it is felt and explored internally, rather than only studied intellectually. Bridging Science and Experience The conversation clarifies how experiential anatomy complements traditional biomedical models without replacing them. Clinical Application Students trained in this way develop a more nuanced ability to observe, listen, and respond to the lived experience of their clients. Education that Transforms Practice The integration of this textbook into a master’s program offers a model for how yoga therapy education can evolve to meet the needs of modern healthcare environments. Why This Matters For yoga therapists and educators, this episode offers a clear direction: anatomy education can support deeper awareness, more refined clinical skills, and stronger therapeutic relationships. For those training practitioners, it raises an important consideration—how we teach anatomy shapes how practitioners perceive and work with the human system. About the Guests Leila Stuart is the author of Experiential Anatomy, a text that invites readers into a direct, felt understanding of the body through guided inquiry and exploration. https://leilastuart.com Kimberly Searl teaches anatomy within the Yoga Therapy Master’s program at Notre Dame of Maryland University, where she integrates experiential methods into graduate-level education. https://kimsearl.offeringtree.com Closing Reflection This episode invites a shift in perspective—from seeing anatomy as information to be mastered, toward experiencing it as a dynamic, living process. That shift has implications not only for education, but for the quality of care offered in yoga therapy settings. 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   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   Our Book is Coming August 10th 2026! "Application of Therapeutic Yoga in Integrative Health" by Wheeler & Sullivan #IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool   Contact Amy Wheeler: www.TheOptimalState.com

What if much of what we’ve been taught about the breath in yoga is backwards? In this episode, Amy sits down with yoga therapist and author Robin Rothenberg for a frank, eye-opening conversation that challenges one of yoga’s most cherished cues: “take a big breath.” After a respiratory crisis upended her own health, Robin discovered that the long, dramatic breaths she’d taught for years were making her symptoms worse, not better. The fix ran counter to everything she thought she knew about pranayama: breathe less, build CO2 tolerance, and let the body actually use the oxygen it already has. Robin opens with a short guided practice, then she and Amy dig into the physiology of carbon dioxide, why “move more, breathe less” became her motto, how nasal breathing transformed her exercise and energy, and why the heart of classical pranayama was never the long exhale but the extension of kumbhaka (breath suspension). It’s a warm, candid, occasionally myth-busting conversation for anyone who teaches, practices, or simply breathes. Key Takeaways Bigger isn’t better. Chronic sighing, yawning, mouth breathing, and “taking a big breath” are often signs of over-breathing and distress — not relaxation.CO2 is the catalyst, not the enemy. Carbon dioxide is what releases oxygen from the blood into your tissues. Low CO2 tolerance can drive fatigue, brain fog, achiness, and that “can’t-get-through-the-day” feeling — even when oxygen saturation reads 98–99%.Move more, breathe less. Movement and exercise generate CO2; light, nasal-only breathing keeps it in the system. Together they raise your CO2 tolerance and your real aerobic capacity.Keep your mouth closed. Unless you’re running from a lion or racing to win, there’s no reason to mouth-breathe during exercise. Let nasal breathing set your pace — you’ll get more out of less effort.Pranayama is about kumbhaka. The classical texts emphasize extending the breath suspension after the exhale, practiced several times a day — not the modern habit of simply lengthening the exhale.It’s a transformation, not a quick fix. Dialing the breath down can feel uncomfortable at first because you’re bumping against a subnormal CO2 ceiling. Titrate gradually, raise the ceiling toward normal, and expect it to take months — ideally with skilled support.This is bigger than yoga. Over-breathing is, in Robin’s view, epidemic in our stressed culture and relevant to chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and far more — a call for the whole yoga community to stop passing along breath misinformation.About the Guest Robin Rothenberg, C-IAYT, is a yoga therapist, educator, and author who has spent decades studying the breath. A past president and board member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), she trained in the Buteyko method and has worked to bring functional breathing science into the yoga world. She is the founder of Essential Yoga Therapy and creator of the Restore Your Prana (RYP) training program for yoga teachers and yoga therapists, which offers both personal and professional tracks. Books & Resources Restoring Prana — Robin’s comprehensive book on functional breathing for yoga professionals.The Svadhyaya Breath Journal — the companion guided-practice journal designed to hold you accountable to the work (Amy contributed the foreword).10-hour online course — an IAYT/YACEP-accredited “weekend workshop” format blending education and experiential practice; a good place to start.Restore Your Prana (RYP) — in-depth training program with personal and professional tracks, plus mentorship support.Recommended reading: James Nestor’s Breath — especially the chapter on his three-week mouth-breathing experiment.Connect with Robin Website: EssentialYogaTherapy.com Instagram: @essential.yoga.therapy

Are prāṇāyāma and modern breathwork the same thing, or do they represent fundamentally different approaches to working with the breath? In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, Amy Wheeler explores one of the most common questions arising in yoga therapy, wellness, and healthcare today. While both prāṇāyāma and modern breathwork involve conscious breathing practices that can influence stress, mood, attention, and overall well-being, their origins, purposes, and underlying frameworks are quite different. Drawing from the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, the classical Haṭha Yoga texts, and contemporary scientific research, Amy examines how ancient yogic teachings understood the relationship between breath, prāṇa, and consciousness—and how those teachings compare with modern approaches that focus on nervous system regulation, respiratory physiology, emotional health, and performance. Whether you are a yoga therapist, healthcare professional, yoga teacher, or curious practitioner, this episode offers a deeper understanding of how traditional wisdom and modern science can inform our work with the breath. In This Episode, We Explore: The Sanskrit meaning of prāṇa and āyāmaWhy prāṇāyāma is more than a breathing techniqueThe distinction between breath and prāṇa in classical yogaPrāṇāyāma's place within Patañjali's Eight Limbs of YogaKey teachings from the Yoga Sūtras on breath regulation, concentration, and meditationHow Haṭha Yoga expanded prāṇāyāma through nāḍīs, chakras, kuṇḍalinī, bandhas, and mudrāsThe central role of kumbhaka (breath retention) in traditional practiceClassical prāṇāyāma techniques including Nāḍī Śodhana, Ujjāyī, Bhastrikā, Śītalī, Sūrya Bhedana, and BhrāmarīThe presentation of prāṇāyāma in the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, Śiva Saṃhitā, and Gheraṇḍa SaṃhitāModern breathwork approaches such as diaphragmatic breathing, coherent breathing, box breathing, the Wim Hof Method, and resonance breathing.Scientific perspectives on breathing, including autonomic nervous system regulation, heart rate variability, carbon dioxide tolerance, respiratory physiology, and emotional regulationHow yoga therapists can integrate traditional teachings and contemporary evidence when working with clientsContact 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

In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, Amy Wheeler welcomes yoga therapist, meditation teacher, and breathwork facilitator Laurie Angress for a thoughtful conversation about conscious connected breathwork and its potential to serve as a portal into deeper self-awareness, healing, and connection. Laurie shares her personal journey into breathwork, including how curiosity led her to explore a practice that initially felt unfamiliar, despite decades of experience in yoga, meditation, and yoga therapy. What she discovered was a powerful yet accessible approach that helped her access emotional release, profound stillness, and deeper layers of inner knowing. Together, Amy and Laurie explore: What it means to think of breath as a "portal"The relationship between breath, presence, and self-discoveryHow conscious connected breathwork differs from traditional prāṇāyāma practicesThe role of curiosity, beginner's mind, and willingness in transformational practicesLaurie’s experience training with Seven Directions BreathworkWhy trauma-sensitive facilitation and nervous system awareness are essential in breathwork settingsThe importance of agency, choice, and pacing during intense inner experiencesEmotional release, embodiment, and the wisdom that can emerge through breathMusic as a supportive element in the breathwork journeyThe distinction between ethical breathwork facilitation and cathartic group experiencesHow breathwork may support the integration of plant medicine experiencesThe intersection of breathwork, meditation, Yoga Nidra, and contemplative practicePresence as the ultimate goal—not fixing, changing, or seeking a particular outcomeLaurie also shares a deeply personal story about a breathwork session that occurred just hours before the passing of her aunt. The experience became a powerful reflection on love, grief, support, and the mystery of human connection. Throughout the conversation, Amy and Laurie emphasize that conscious connected breathwork is not about chasing extraordinary experiences. Rather, it is about creating a safe and intentional space where individuals can meet themselves more fully, cultivate presence, and reconnect with what matters most. Whether you are a yoga therapist, meditation practitioner, healthcare provider, or simply someone curious about the healing potential of breath, this episode offers a grounded and compassionate exploration of how breath can become a bridge between the seen and unseen, the conscious and unconscious, and the ordinary and sacred dimensions of life. About Laurie Angress Laurie Angress is a Certified Yoga Therapist, meditation teacher, Yoga Nidra facilitator, and Conscious Connected Breathwork Facilitator. Her work integrates nervous system awareness, mindfulness, embodiment practices, and breathwork to support healing, self-discovery, and connection. Laurie is passionate about creating trauma-sensitive spaces that honor the unique experience of each individual while inviting greater presence, compassion, and inner wisdom. www.MindfulYogaTherapy.net @illuminated_breath on IG Key Takeaway "The breath is always available to us. Sometimes it helps us relax. Sometimes it helps us release. Sometimes it helps us remember who we are."   Contact Amy Wheeler: www.TheOptimalState.com   Our Book is Coming Summer 2026! "Application of Therapeutic Yoga in Integrative Health" by Wheeler & Sullivan   Optimal State Mobile 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

In this solo episode, Amy Wheeler explores a fascinating question: What happens when we look beneath the physical practice of yoga and return to its deeper purpose? Beginning with the history of āsana, Amy traces how yoga postures evolved from simple meditation seats into the diverse practices we know today. Along the way, she examines the Tantric influence of the Śiva Saṃhitā, the rise of embodied awareness in modern somatic practices, and the importance of lived experience as a pathway to understanding ourselves more deeply. The episode invites listeners to consider how yoga therapy can serve as a bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary understandings of human experience, healing, and transformation. In this episode, Amy discusses: • The Sanskrit root of āsana and its original meaning as a seat or stable posture for meditation • The role of āsana in the Yoga Sūtras and why Patañjali devoted only a few verses to posture • The evolution of āsana through the Haṭha Yoga tradition, including the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā, and Śiva Saṃhitā • Why the Śiva Saṃhitā is considered one of the most Tantric of the major Haṭha Yoga texts • The concepts of prāṇa, nāḍīs, chakras, and kuṇḍalinī as experiential maps of human transformation • How modern somatic approaches emphasize interoception, self-awareness, and embodied regulation • The importance of first-hand lived experience in understanding consciousness and healing • The connection between lived experience, yoga therapy, and the study of consciousness • How Indigenous ways of knowing value observation, participation, relationship, and direct experience • Why lived experience may be one of the most important meeting points between yoga, science, and healing Closing Thoughts One of the enduring gifts of yoga is its invitation to investigate experience directly. Whether we approach that inquiry through Classical Yoga, Tantra, somatic practice, lived experience, or Indigenous wisdom traditions, each reminds us that transformation begins with attention. The path of yoga therapy is not simply about changing symptoms or improving function. It is also about learning to observe, inhabit, and understand our lived experience more fully. In doing so, we may discover that the body, breath, mind, and spirit have been teaching us all along. 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

Episode Summary In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, Amy sits down with Danielle Burke, a certified yoga therapist and licensed professional counselor, to explore what happens when traditional talk therapy meets embodied practice. Danielle shares her journey from mental health counseling into integrative wellness, where she now blends yoga therapy, somatic awareness, and lived experience to support clients in reconnecting with themselves. Together, they explore what it means to feel “stuck in your story,” how breath and body awareness interrupt that pattern, and why self-awareness is not just insight—but a skill that must be practiced. This conversation offers a steady and honest look at anxiety, burnout, overgiving, and the quiet work of learning to trust yourself again. Through the lens of the yamas and niyamas, Danielle brings forward a practical framework for navigating uncertainty, building inner stability, and reducing unnecessary suffering. Key Themes Explored 1. When Talk Therapy Isn’t Enough Danielle reflects on her work as a licensed counselor and the moment she recognized something was missing—clients could process their experiences cognitively, but often remained disconnected from their bodies. Yoga therapy offered a way to integrate both. 2. The Body as the Entry Point Clients often arrive stuck in patterns of thinking, or unable to access their thoughts at all due to overwhelm. Danielle highlights a simple but profound observation: many people stop breathing when recounting difficult experiences. Reconnecting to breath becomes the doorway back to regulation and presence.  3. Self-Awareness as a Practice, Not a Trait Awareness is not assumed—it is cultivated. Through consistent practice, clients begin to recognize their internal states, expand their capacity for choice, and shift from automatic reaction toward intentional response. 4. Working with Anxiety Without Trying to Eliminate It Rather than attempting to “fix” anxiety, Danielle reframes the work: Can you recognize it?Can you stay with it?Can you also notice what else is present?This introduces the possibility of holding multiple truths at once, rather than being defined by a single state. 5. The Yamas and Niyamas as a Regulatory Framework Ethical principles such as ahiṃsā (non-harming/kindness) and svādhyāya (self-study) become practical tools for daily living. They support clients in discerning how they want to show up—for themselves and in relationship with others. 6. Caregivers, Overachievers, and the Cost of Self-Abandonment Danielle’s primary clients are often women who have spent years supporting others while losing connection to their own needs. The work becomes one of reclaiming worth, voice, and internal alignment. 7. Letting Go of Control (Īśvara Praṇidhāna in Practice) Through simple, real-life moments—like dogs barking during a podcast—Danielle illustrates how acceptance reduces suffering. The shift is subtle but powerful: From “this shouldn’t be happening” → to “this is happening, and I can still be here.” 8. Change Requires Doing Something Different Insight alone is not enough. Sustainable change comes through practice, patience, and a willingness to step outside familiar patterns—even when those patterns are uncomfortable. What a Session with Danielle Looks Like Sessions are adaptive and client-centered, typically including: Reflective conversation and active listeningGentle inquiry and pattern recognitionBreath awareness and regulation practicesMovement or physical practice (when appropriate)Yoga Nidra or guided meditationPersonalized tools such as journaling prompts or recorded practicesThe process remains grounded in yoga philosophy while accessible to clients regardless of their familiarity with yoga. Notable Reflections “Awareness gives us choice. And choice gives us power.” “The only way to change is to do something different.” “We can hold more than one experience at the same time.”  About Danielle Burke Danielle Burke is a certified yoga therapist and licensed professional counselor with over a decade of experience in mental health. She now works through an integrative wellness model, combining yoga therapy, somatic practices, and psychological insight to support clients in reconnecting with their bodies, their values, and their sense of self. Based in interior Alaska, Danielle works with clients both in person and online. Connect with Danielle Burke Website: www.inlightandlovewellness.comInstagram: @inlightandloveytLinkedIn: Danielle Burke Closing Reflection This conversation invites a steady reconsideration of how we relate to ourselves. Not through force or perfection, but through awareness, practice, and a willingness to meet what is here—one moment at a time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.