Yoga Therapy Hour with Amy Wheeler

Epizody

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  Satyam & Ahiṃsā: Telling the Truth Without Harm 14.08.2026 37min

  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 EpisodeSatyam as Inner CoherenceSatyam 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 ContainerAhiṃsā 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 RelationshipThe 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 TruthThe 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 LensTruth 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 doesClinical and Practical ApplicationIn 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 QuestionsAmy 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 InsightTruthfulness 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 EpisodeAhiṃsā – Non-harming; active care in relationshipSatyam – Truthfulness; inner and outer coherenceṚtam – Cosmic order; the deeper truth beyond personal perspectiveAvidyā – Misperception; incomplete or incorrect understandingSupport the PodcastJoin 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
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  Living the Niyamas: Ethics, Self-Study, and the Practice of Inner Alignment 07.08.2026 52min

  Episode OverviewIn 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 ExploredEthics 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 YogaThe 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 ApplicationDrawing 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 ReflectionFor 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 reflectionClosing InsightThis 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 MoreVisit 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
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  Posture, Presence, and the Language of the Body with Posture Ellie 31.07.2026 48min

  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 EpisodePosture 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 InsightPosture is not something you hold. It is something that emerges when the body is supported, responsive, and free to move.About the GuestPosture 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
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  The Niyamas and the Neuroscience of Inner Regulation: Creating the Conditions for Change 24.07.2026 42min

  Episode DescriptionIn 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 ExploredThe 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 LensŚauca (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 InsightWhen 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 ReframeInstead 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 YamasThe 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 ListenersTake 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?ClosingThe 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
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  Santoṣa: Meeting Life Without Resistance 17.07.2026 47min

  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 ExploreWhat 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 ConversationContentment 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
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  Daily Practice, Inner Guidance, and the Living Experience of Sādhana with Lee Mejewski 10.07.2026 51min

  Episode OverviewIn 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 ExploredSādhana 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 ReflectionsDaily 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 TakeawaysBegin 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 ReflectionThis 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 LeeLee 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.instituteContact 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
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  Ahimsa in Action: What Aging Teaches Us About Kindness and Strength 03.07.2026 1h 1min

  Episode OverviewIn 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 McKeachieAshley 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 EpisodeAhimsa as a Lived PracticeAhimsa 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 SystemWorking 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 clarityBreath as a Foundational ToolOne 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 classroomThe 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 lifeSlowing Down as a Therapeutic StrategyAshley’s teaching approach prioritizes:Slow pacingChoice and autonomyExploration rather than performanceThis creates:A sense of safetyReduced fear of movementIncreased willingness to participateA Dream UnplannedAshley 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 forwardPractical TakeawaysListeners 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 AshleySaddleback 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 learningClosing ReflectionThis 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.
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  The Yamas and the Neuroscience of Trust: From Survival to Steady Ground 26.06.2026 42min

  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 ExploredEthics 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 LensAhimsa (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 InsightEthical 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 ReorientationAs 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 ListenersConsider 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?ClosingThis 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.
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  Regulating the Inner Landscape: Mala Cunningham on Anxiety, Awareness, and the Nervous System 19.06.2026 50min

  In this episode, Amy sits down with Mala Cunningham, a pioneer in integrating yoga therapy with mental health care. The conversation offers a steady and thoughtful exploration of how yoga therapy supports individuals living with anxiety, depression, and chronic stress, not by bypassing these experiences, but by helping people build the capacity to be with them differently.Mala brings decades of clinical experience into a grounded discussion on the relationship between the nervous system, attention, and perception. She outlines how anxiety is not simply something to eliminate, but something to understand through the body, breath, and patterns of awareness. Rather than focusing on symptom reduction alone, she emphasizes cultivating regulation, resilience, and a more stable inner environment.A central theme throughout the episode is the role of interoception. Mala describes how developing awareness of internal sensation creates a bridge between unconscious reactivity and conscious choice. This process supports individuals in recognizing early signs of dysregulation and responding with practices that restore steadiness rather than amplify distress.Amy and Mala also explore the clinical application of yoga therapy within mental health settings. They discuss the importance of meeting clients where they are, respecting pacing, and building trust through consistent, accessible practices. The conversation highlights how simple, well-sequenced interventions can support profound shifts over time when applied with clarity and care. Mala reflects on the importance of collaboration across disciplines and the need for language that resonates within clinical environments while maintaining the integrity of yoga’s therapeutic roots.This episode offers a clear and practical lens for clinicians, students, and practitioners who are working at the intersection of nervous system regulation, emotional health, and yoga therapy. It invites a steady approach to practice, one that values consistency, discernment, and the gradual cultivation of inner stability.Key Themes ExploredUnderstanding anxiety through the lens of the nervous systemInteroception as a foundation for self-awareness and regulationThe role of attention in shaping internal experienceBuilding capacity rather than eliminating symptomsClinical pacing, safety, and therapeutic relationshipIntegrating yoga therapy into mental health care settingsCollaboration between yoga therapists and licensed cliniciansPractical TakeawaysSmall, consistent practices often create more sustainable change than complex interventionsAwareness of internal sensation is a skill that can be developed over timeRegulation begins with recognizing early cues in the bodyTherapeutic progress is not linear; it requires patience and discernmentSupporting the nervous system is foundational to emotional resilienceConnect with Mala CunninghamWebsite: https://www.cardinalpointyoga.comPrograms and trainings in yoga therapy and mental healthConnect with The Yoga Therapy HourWebsite: www.TheOptimalState.comExplore courses, certifications, and clinical training opportunitiesListen to more episodes focused on yoga therapy, emotional intelligence, and integrative health
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  Loving the Fire: Reinvention, Inner Power, and Living Your Yoga 12.06.2026 34min

  In this episode, Amy sits down with Deborah Santana—author, philanthropist, and lifelong spiritual practitioner—for a conversation that explores what it means to live from inner sovereignty.While many may recognize her through her 34-year marriage to Carlos Santana, this conversation clarifies something more essential: Deborah Santana has lived a deeply self-directed life shaped by spiritual inquiry, service, and the willingness to begin again.Her memoir, Loving the Fire, becomes the thread through which we explore transformation—not as an abstract idea, but as a lived experience of loss, identity shift, and conscious rebuilding.Key Themes Explored1. Early Life and the Roots of Inner StrengthDeborah reflects on her upbringing in San Francisco, shaped by a family that quietly modeled independence and devotion.Her father, Saunders King, was a respected musician who chose presence over fame—offering an early model of values rooted in family rather than recognition.Her childhood was also grounded in spiritual diversity, moving between Pentecostal, Lutheran, and contemplative spaces. This early exposure created a foundation of spiritual curiosity that would later evolve into a lifelong meditation practice.2. Identity, Culture, and AwarenessDeborah shares her experience growing up in a multicultural environment, where belonging felt natural—until moments of racism revealed deeper social realities.These experiences did not define her, but they did shape her awareness. Over time, they became part of the “fire” she would learn to walk through rather than avoid.3. The Fire: Loss, Transition, and ReinventionA central moment in Deborah’s life—and in this conversation—is her decision to leave a long-term marriage and step into the unknown.She describes this period with clarity:A sudden shift from a full, externally defined life into silenceThe loss of roles, identity, and structureThe necessity of sitting with herself, without distractionRather than rushing to rebuild, she allowed a period of stillness:Studying the work of Wayne Dyer and Thich Nhat HanhEngaging in self-inquiry through Al-Anon principlesReturning to yoga and meditation as stabilizing practicesThis was not framed as breakdown, but as disassembly for the purpose of reorganization.4. Loving the Fire: A Different Relationship to ChallengeThe central teaching of Deborah’s memoir is simple, but not easy:Life is not happening to us—it is happening for us.She describes fire not as destruction, but as a condition for renewal. Like a forest that regenerates after burning, human life can reorganize into something more aligned—if we stay present through the process.This reflects a core principle in yoga therapy:We do not eliminate discomfortWe change our relationship to itWe allow it to inform growth5. Spiritual Practice as a Stabilizing ForceDeborah has maintained a meditation practice since her early twenties. During times of transition, this inner relationship became her anchor.She describes moments of:Deep peace in solitudeHeightened perception in natureA sense of connection beyond identityThese are not framed as extraordinary experiences, but as natural outcomes when external roles fall away and attention returns inward.6. Rebuilding with IntentionFollowing this period of reflection, Deborah began to rebuild her life in alignment with her values:Founded the nonprofit Do A Little, inspired by Desmond TutuProduced documentary films to support global humanitarian effortsWorked with organizations connected to Nelson MandelaBecame a founding donor of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and CultureHer work consistently centers on women, girls, and collective well-being.7. Education and Lifelong LearningIn her 50s, Deborah pursued a master’s degree in Women’s Spirituality at the California Institute of Integral Studies.This experience reflected a pattern throughout her life:Learning as a form of self-developmentIntegrating intellect with lived experienceValuing wisdom traditions alongside modern inquiry8. Global Perspective and HumilityTravel—particularly to Africa—played a significant role in reshaping her worldview.She describes:A felt sense of humanity’s originsA reorientation away from individual-centered thinkingA deep respect for cultural wisdom beyond the U.S. lensThis aligns with a therapeutic perspective: healing often expands when we move beyond our habitual frame of reference.9. Current Work: Courage and EmpathyDeborah is currently involved in developing the Courage Museum in San Francisco, a project focused on:Understanding violence as a learned behaviorTeaching empathy as a skillCreating immersive experiences like “Empathy Mirrors,” where individuals witness and feel others’ lived experiencesThe intention is clear: violence can be unlearned, and empathy can be cultivated.Clinical and Philosophical ReflectionsThis conversation offers several points of integration for yoga therapists and healthcare providers:Transformation often begins with disruption of identityStillness and reflection are not passive—they are reorganizing forcesSpiritual practice provides continuity when external roles dissolveGrowth requires both self-inquiry and self-responsibilityMeaning emerges not by avoiding difficulty, but by engaging it with awarenessClosing ReflectionDeborah Santana’s life illustrates a steady principle:We are not defined by our roles, relationships, or accomplishments. When those fall away, what remains is the foundation we build from.Her story is not about reinvention as performance. It is about returning to something more essential—and choosing, from that place, how to live.Learn MoreLoving the Fire by Deborah SantanaAvailable via her website and major booksellersUpcoming events and book tour information available online
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  Understanding Human Suffering: The Five Kleśas and the Return to Our True Nature 05.06.2026 51min

  In this solo episode, Amy Wheeler explores one of the most important psychological teachings in the yoga tradition: the five kleśas, described in Chapter 2 of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. These teachings help explain why human beings experience suffering even when they are sincerely trying to live well.Drawing from both Sāṅkhya philosophy and the Yoga Sūtra, Amy walks listeners through the deeper roots of suffering, beginning with the distinction between puruṣa (the witnessing consciousness) and prakṛti (the body, mind, senses, and the manifest world). When these two are confused, the mind becomes entangled in patterns of misperception, attachment, aversion, and fear. These patterns are what Pātañjali calls the kleśas.Throughout the episode, Amy explains how these ancient teachings remain remarkably relevant today. The kleśas show up in modern life as over-identification with our roles, addiction to approval or stimulation, avoidance of discomfort, fear-driven decision making, and the constant pressure to control life so that we feel safe.Rather than presenting yoga as a way to avoid suffering, Amy emphasizes that the deeper aim of yoga is to understand suffering clearly. Through practices such as movement, breath regulation, meditation, and ethical reflection, the practitioner gradually loosens the grip of these patterns and begins to remember their deeper nature.The episode concludes with a reflection on one of Amy’s favorite teachings from the Yoga Sūtra: Yoga Sūtra 1.3, which describes the moment when awareness returns to its true nature and the seer rests in its essential state.In This EpisodeAmy explores:• Why human beings suffer even when they are trying to live well • The philosophical foundation of the Yoga Sūtra in Sāṅkhya philosophy • The distinction between puruṣa (the witnessing consciousness) and prakṛti (the manifest world) • How misperception leads to psychological suffering • The five kleśas described in Yoga Sūtra 2.3 • How the kleśas appear in modern life and clinical practice • Why yoga is fundamentally relational and practiced through human interaction • How meditation helps return awareness to clarity and discernment • The deeper meaning of Yoga Sūtra 1.3 and the experience of resting in one’s true natureThe Five KleśasThe five kleśas are the underlying causes of suffering described by Pātañjali.Avidyā — Misperception The root kleśa. Avidyā occurs when we confuse the changing contents of experience with our deeper nature.Asmitā — Misidentification Over-identifying with personality, roles, reputation, or thoughts rather than recognizing the witnessing awareness behind them.Rāga — Attachment Clinging to experiences that feel pleasurable or validating, believing they will resolve deeper unease.Dveṣa — Aversion Avoiding experiences that feel painful or uncomfortable, which can lead to defensiveness, withdrawal, or emotional reactivity.Abhiniveśa — Fear of Loss The deep instinct to cling to life, identity, control, and stability. This fear can appear even in those who are wise and experienced.Key Yoga Sūtras ReferencedYoga Sūtra 2.3 Avidyā-asmitā-rāga-dveṣa-abhiniveśāḥ kleśāḥ These five are the causes of suffering.Yoga Sūtra 2.5 Avidyā is mistaking the impermanent for the permanent, the impure for the pure, pain for pleasure, and the non-self for the self.Yoga Sūtra 1.3 Tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe ’vasthānam Then the seer rests in its true nature.Why This Matters for Yoga TherapyThe kleśas are not simply philosophical ideas. They describe patterns that appear frequently in modern life and clinical settings, including:• psychological distress • relational conflict • addiction and compulsive behavior • over-identification with roles or reputation • fear-based decision making • difficulty tolerating discomfortTherapeutic yoga practices—movement, breathwork, attentional training, and ethical reflection—help practitioners gradually recognize and soften these patterns.As clarity develops, individuals often experience greater nervous system stability, increased self-awareness, and a deeper capacity to observe thoughts and emotions without becoming completely defined by them.Reflection Questions from the Episode• What if the goal of yoga is not to become someone different, but to remember who we truly are?• Where in your life do you notice attachment to approval, comfort, or certain emotional states?• Where do you notice aversion or avoidance when something feels uncomfortable?• Can you sense the difference between the changing experiences of the mind and the steadiness of the witnessing awareness behind them?Final ReflectionThe teachings of the kleśas remind us that suffering is not simply a personal failure or something to eliminate at all costs. It is part of the human condition. Yoga invites us to understand it, learn from it, and gradually see through the patterns that amplify it.When the mind becomes clearer and less entangled in these patterns, the seer begins to rest in its true nature. From that place, life can be lived with greater steadiness, compassion, and freedom.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  https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices #IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool  Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification Amy’s website:www.TheOptimalState.com Yoga Therapy Hour Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-therapy-hour-with-amy-wheeler/id1564687158 The Optimal State Mobile Apphttps://optimalstateapp.com
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  When Theories Are Questioned: Polyvagal Critique, Clinical Wisdom, and the Enduring Map of the Guṇas 29.05.2026 43min

  In this solo episode, Amy Wheeler brings clarity and steadiness to the recent scientific critique of Polyvagal Theory by Paul Grossman and colleagues. Rather than reacting defensively or dismissing prematurely, this conversation explores what mature fields do when a theory is questioned: they clarify, refine, and return to foundational principles.Amy examines:• What the critique of Polyvagal Theory actually addresses • The difference between scientific precision and clinical usefulness • The risks of oversimplifying complex neurophysiology • How public wellness language can unintentionally flatten biological complexity • Why yoga philosophy offers a time-tested phenomenological map of regulationThis episode weaves together scientific dialogue, clinical reflection, lived experience, and classical yoga philosophy.What the Critique Is — and Is NotPaul Grossman and colleagues (2026) raise concerns about elements of Polyvagal Theory’s evolutionary framing, anatomical specificity, and evidentiary scope. One key issue discussed in this episode is the oversimplification of the vagus nerve in popular discourse.The vagus nerve contains approximately 100,000 fibers and plays a role in multiple complex regulatory systems, including cardiac, respiratory, inflammatory, and gastrointestinal processes. Reducing this complexity to a simple “on/off switch” or three-state ladder risks confusing metaphor with mechanism.This episode distinguishes between:• The measurable anatomy of autonomic regulation • The heuristic value of state-based language • The difference between metaphor and physiologyScientific refinement is not erasure. It is maturation.Clinical Reflection and Lived ExperienceDr. Arielle Schwartz’s clinical reflections on the critique emphasize that debates about anatomical precision do not invalidate the lived experience of autonomic shifts observed in therapy.Clinicians consistently observe patterned shifts in:• Activation • Collapse • Social engagement • Relational presencePolyvagal language has helped many practitioners and clients understand safety, co-regulation, and state-dependent perception.At the same time, intellectual integrity requires us to refine language where necessary.Amy also reflects on how we conduct discourse in our field. How we respond to disagreement often reveals our own regulatory capacity. Regulation is not only theoretical — it is relational.Phenomenology and the Yoga SūtraThis episode situates the conversation within a broader philosophical frame.Phenomenology refers to the study of lived experience as directly perceived — before explanation, before measurement, before mechanism.The Yoga Sūtra begins from this place:Yoga Sūtra 1.1 — atha yogānuśāsanam “Now, the teaching of yoga.”The word atha signals presence and readiness. We begin from lived experience.Yoga Sūtra 1.2 — yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ “Yoga is the regulation of the fluctuations of consciousness.”Patañjali maps patterns of activation, dullness, clarity, and agitation long before neurophysiology named vagal pathways. The Yoga Sūtra functions as a guidebook for living because it trains discernment around these fluctuations.The Guṇas: A 2,000-Year-Old Map of RegulationDrawing from Sāṅkhya philosophy, Amy explores the three guṇas:• Sattva — clarity, coherence, luminosity • Rajas — activation, movement, agitation • Tamas — inertia, heaviness, obscurationAt the level of lived experience, there is meaningful overlap between the guṇas and contemporary discussions of autonomic states. While not anatomically identical, the phenomenological parallels are substantial.The guṇa framework does not reduce regulation to a nerve or a switch. It describes qualities of experience across body, mind, and relationship.Rather than “turning on” calm, yoga cultivates flexibility across states and gradually increases the probability of sattva through lifestyle, perception, ethical alignment, and disciplined awareness.Yoga Therapy Is Not a TechniqueA central theme of this episode:Yoga therapy and therapeutic yoga are not techniques.They are not hacks. They are not state toggles.They are integrated ways of living.Yoga shapes:• How we eat • How we sleep • How we speak • How we relate • How we perceive • How we respond under stressOver time, practice softens identification with roles, biases, and reactive narratives.Yoga Sūtra 1.3 — tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe avasthānam “Then the seer abides in their true nature.”Regulation becomes existential, not merely physiological.Key Takeaways• Scientific critique strengthens intellectual integrity. • Oversimplification should be corrected. • Clinical lived experience still matters. • Ancient phenomenological models remain relevant. • Yoga therapy is a multifaceted path, not a nervous-system trick.Yoga does not stand or fall with any single contemporary theory. Its philosophical foundations have endured across time, even as scientific language evolves.
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  Sit with Me: A No-BS Journey to Mindfulness and Meditation with Oneika Mays 22.05.2026 52min

  In this conversation, Amy sits down with mindfulness teacher and writer Oneika Mays to talk about her new book, Sit with Me: A No-BS Journey to Mindfulness and Meditation—part memoir, part meditation guide, and an unflinching look at what it means to practice loving-kindness in real-world conditions, including inside Rikers Island. Oneika shares what it felt like to work inside a system built on hierarchy and dehumanization, the tension of receiving a salary inside a harmful structure, and the moment she realized that “the system isn’t broken—it’s working as designed.” From there, the conversation widens into the heart of metta: not as softness or spiritual bypassing, but as grounded, actionable love that can hold anger, boundaries, and truth-telling without losing our humanity. About Oneika and the BookBook: Sit with Me: A No-BS Journey to Mindfulness and Meditation (HarperOne / HarperCollins; on sale March 3, 2026). How Oneika describes it: “Meditation is for messy people… This book is part memoir, part meditation guide—and it’s about showing up exactly as you are.” What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeThe embodied “ick” of being treated as “one of us” by staff—how hierarchy shows up in small moments, tone shifts, and access.Why reform can get absorbed by a machine—and how “helping” can unintentionally make a harmful system look more palatable.The pivot from “fixing” to “serving,” and why that matters in any therapeutic or helping profession.Metta as a practice that includes righteous anger, loving accountability, and clear boundaries (not performative positivity).The inner work of not needing to be liked—and why unconditional love is not the same as being “nice.”A grounded call to action: personal responsibility, collective responsibility, and small acts that add up. Core Themes to Highlight (for your episode description)1) Metta is not performative softness. It’s a disciplined practice of staying human—especially when it’s inconvenient, when you’re angry, and when you need boundaries.2) The “system” is not abstract—it’s embodied. Hierarchy is felt through tone, access, positioning, and whose body is treated as more worthy.3) Serving is different than fixing. When we see people as broken, we become controlling or paternalistic. When we serve, we stay in relationship with wholeness.4) Choosing yourself can be an ethical act. Not as individualism, but as harm reduction—because depleted care can become harmful care.5) Collective change is built from small refusals. Not pre-agreeing to dehumanization. Practicing “no” with steadiness, clarity, and community. Resources Mentioned in the ConversationThe New Jim Crow — Michelle Alexander (recommended by Oneika in the episode)“Helping, Fixing, and Serving” — Rachel Naomi Remen (named in the episode)Sharon Salzberg’s teaching stories on loving-kindness (referenced in the episode)Audre Lorde on self-care as self-preservation (referenced in the episode)Toni Morrison quote on freedom and responsibility (referenced in the episode)Timothy Snyder’s guidance on resisting authoritarianism (Amy referenced at the end) Connect with OneikaWebsite: Oneika Mays www.OneikaMays.com Book Details and Where to Find ItSit with Me: A No-BS Journey to Mindfulness and Meditation is published by HarperOne and is listed as on sale March 3, 2026.
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  Five States of Mind, Deeper Self-Reflection, and a New Tool for Titrated Practice 15.05.2026 36min

  In this solo episode, Amy returns to one of the heart-teachings of Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtra: learning to observe the fluctuations of mind and how they shape behavior, communication, and the way we show up in relationship and daily life. Rather than analyzing or diagnosing, she frames this as svādhyāya—steady self-reflection rooted in classical yoga philosophy.Amy walks listeners through Vyāsa’s five states of mind (citta-bhūmi)—from restlessness and dullness to one-pointed focus and absorption—and then explores how a meditation practice naturally moves beyond surface thoughts into the deeper layers of experience: vijñānamaya kośa (discernment, beliefs, identity patterns) and ānandamaya kośa (inner coherence, ease, meaning, and trust).She also introduces contemplative inquiry through vāsanā (habitual tendencies), saṃskāra (deep patterning), and the kleśas (root causes of suffering)—not as labels, but as invitations to notice what is repeating and to support wise change over time.In the final section, Amy shares an emerging project: a Yoga Philosophy Self-Reflection Coach—a custom AI-based chat tool designed to support brief, titrated self-inquiry and help people choose a targeted meditation practice in small daily doses. She addresses common concerns about mixing yoga and technology, emphasizes that human connection still matters, and offers thoughtful privacy guidance. In This Episode, You’ll HearWhy yoga emphasizes observation over self-judgmentHow the mind’s fluctuations drive behavior, communication, and relational patternsThe five states of mind (citta-bhūmi) through Vyāsa’s lensHow meditation moves from surface-level “daily tasks” into deeper inquiryVijñānamaya kośa reflections: beliefs, identity, reactivity vs. response, recurring patternsĀnandamaya kośa reflections: meaning, manageability, coherence, ease, trustUsing the kleśas as a compassionate framework for seeing the roots of sufferingWhy people often stop meditating—and how “small, titrated bits” can helpA preview of the Yoga Philosophy Self-Reflection Coach and how it’s designed to workPractical privacy boundaries when using AI for personal reflectionWhy Amy believes there is room for both technology and human teachers/therapists  A Few Reflective Questions to Take into PracticeWhat is the current quality of my mind and heart?What pattern keeps repeating beneath the surface?Is there an identity I’m protecting that creates friction or suffering?What am I grasping for—or avoiding—that might be shaping my choices?Where might more space create more coherence? Mentioned ResourceAmy shares that listeners who want to beta test the Yoga Philosophy Self-Reflection Coach can contact her through her website: www.theoptimalstate.com. Gentle ReminderThis episode offers philosophical self-inquiry grounded in yoga tradition. It is not presented as diagnosis or mental health treatment. If you need more support, consider working with a qualified yoga therapist and/or licensed mental health professional.
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  Post-Traumatic Growth and Neuroplasticity: Healing in Present Time with Colleen Millen 08.05.2026 51min

  What happens when we stop treating suffering as a fixed identity and start relating to it as a changeable state?In this conversation, Amy Wheeler is joined by Colleen Millen, a licensed marriage and family therapist and yoga therapist who works at the intersection of somatic psychotherapy, nervous system regulation, and post-traumatic growth. Colleen shares how “healing happens in present time,” why choice and consent are foundational to real change, and how small, repeatable practices can reshape patterns that once felt permanent.Together, they explore neuroplasticity in everyday language (“neurons that fire together wire together”), how somatic tracking restores access to the prefrontal cortex when stress responses take over, and why therapy and yoga therapy can be most effective when they are collaborative—rooted in agency, curiosity, and what is life-affirming for the individual. In This Episode, You’ll HearWhy post-traumatic growth can be a more empowering framework than only focusing on post-traumatic stressHow agency and consent orient the healing process (“Do you even want to rewire this?”)A practical, listener-friendly explanation of Dan Siegel’s “hand model of the brain” and what it means to “keep the lid on”How somatic approaches support regulation when words aren’t accessibleWhy short-term coping practices can lead to long-term changeWhat it looks like to track psychobiological shifts in real time and “stay with” the moment of the changeA grounded reframe: depression or anxiety can feel like a trait—until, over time, it becomes “a jacket that doesn’t fit anymore”How yoga philosophy (including kriyā yoga and bhāvanā/intentionality) can support behavior change without forcing a one-size-fits-all approachThe role of telehealth in expanding access—especially for postpartum clients and busy householders Key Moments (listener roadmap)Colleen’s path: journalist → yoga teacher (since 1999) → LMFT journey (began 2009; licensed 2018)Why “post-traumatic growth” matters: hope, agency, and the possibility of a new relationship to sufferingSomatic psychotherapy basics: how stress shows up through the body (breath, belly, skin, heart rate)Window of tolerance + polyvagal orientation: getting a “map” for the nervous systemDan Siegel’s hand model: a clear explanation for both audio and YouTube listenersNeuroplasticity in daily life: how intention + repetition + small practices reshape what’s possiblePresent-time stabilization: why you don’t always need to “go into the past” to healRepetition and practice: why the micro-moments matter—and how real change accrues over time Practical Takeaways (gentle, doable)Name the moment: “Something just happened.”Anchor in the body: feel your feet, notice your breath, sense support from the chair.Choose one tiny action you can repeat (a short walk, a grounding pause, a few breaths, a hand on the heart).Track the shift: What changes in your breath, pace, sensation, or clarity when you slow down?Repeat: consistency is what makes the new pathway more available under stress. About Colleen Millen (LMFT-CA)Colleen Millen is a somatic psychotherapist and yoga therapist who supports clients navigating anxiety, depression, and the desire for post-traumatic growth. Her work emphasizes nervous system education, present-time stabilization, and collaborative inquiry that honors choice, pace, and lived experience. She currently offers telehealth and hybrid services in California. Resources MentionedNARM (NeuroAffective Relational Model) — inquiry, agency, and what you want for yourselfPolyvagal Theory — understanding states and regulationWindow of Tolerance — a framework for tracking arousal and capacityDan Siegel’s Hand Model of the Brain — “flipping the lid,” cortex/offline vs. online regulation supportInterpersonal Neurobiology / Mindsight (Dan Siegel) Connect with Colleen (California)Positive Counseling & Psychology: PositiveCounselingPsychology.comRula: Rula.com
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  Cleaning the Lens: How Daily Practice Rewrites Belief, Body, and Behavior 01.05.2026 38min

  In this solo reflection, Amy explores why daily practice matters beyond flexibility, strength, or stress relief. Using a simple morning ritual—cleaning her glasses—she offers a clear metaphor for what practice does: it helps us notice what has accumulated in the mind-body system and gives us a way to “wipe the lens” so we can see, sense, and choose more clearly.This episode weaves yogic psychology, behavior change, and neuroscience into one steady message: our beliefs don’t just shape our thoughts—they shape our bodies, our felt sense, and our default responses. The work of change is possible, but it asks for time, repetition, and a compassionate willingness to witness what’s already wired.In this episode, Amy exploresWhy daily practice functions like “cleaning the lens” of perceptionHow repetitive beliefs shape behavior, communication, and lived experienceThe neuroscience of habit loops: “neurons that fire together wire together”Why beliefs become embodied—and how sensations can become predictable over timeHow yoga therapy supports change from both directions: top-down and bottom-upThe importance of cultivating the observer before trying to rewire patternsHow mantra, mudrā, saṅkalpa, and visualization can interrupt old loops and build new onesWhy meaningful rewiring often takes years, not weeksHow the ego can resist change when long-held patterns feel “cement-like”Why dramatic life changes don’t always create transformation if beliefs remain unchangedHow yoga therapy stays self-empowered while still benefiting from skilled guidanceA woven framework: Rāja Yoga (mind), Haṭha Yoga (body), and a mature, non-bypassing view of VedāntaA thoughtful comparison between Vedānta and The Matrix as a metaphor for misperception and awakeningKey takeawaysChange begins with awareness: noticing the loop without immediately obeying it.The body and mind are trained together; sustainable change includes both sensation and belief.Practice is not about perfection—it’s about repetition with clarity.External reinvention can create space, but real change comes from rewiring the underlying beliefs.A mature spiritual framework supports healing without bypassing what is real and human.Reflection question for listenersWhat is one familiar “loop” you notice in your mind-body system—and what might it feel like to pause, witness it, and choose a new response today?Mentioned in this episodeDaily practice as a method of “cleaning the lens”Behavior change and learning theoryRāja Yoga and the Yoga Sūtra as a practical path for health, healing, and liberationHaṭha Yoga as a pathway back into sensation and embodimentAdvaita Vedānta and the movement from perceived separateness toward wholenessThe role of a yoga therapist or guide in supporting insight without bypassing
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  From Resistance to Resonance: Chanting, Co-Regulation, and the Healing Container 24.04.2026 1h 1min

  In this warm, clinical-and-traditional conversation, Amy and Lisa explore how chanting and mantra practice can shape the autonomic nervous system and the mind through repetition, meaning, vibration, and relationship. Lisa shares her journey from clinical psychology leadership in pediatric behavioral health to yoga therapy and chanting in Europe, and she offers grounded guidance for meeting students exactly where they are—especially when voice, vulnerability, perfectionism, or skepticism show up.This episode holds a steady bridge between allopathic settings and yogic tradition: chanting as both a deeply ancient transmission method and a contemporary, accessible tool for resilience, co-regulation, and sustained inner change.In this episode, you’ll hearWhy Yoga Sūtra 1.12 (abhyāsa + vairāgya) is a practical map for habit change, neuroplasticity, and healingHow abhyāsa can function like a “secure base” (attachment lens): a reliable place to return for steadinessHow vairāgya supports discernment and letting go—especially of limiting beliefs like “I can’t chant” or “My voice isn’t welcome”Why chanting can be done silently, anywhere, and how that matters when life gets stripped down to essentialsThe difference between mantra japa, kīrtan, and “therapeutic repetition” versus compulsive repetitionHow teachers build a safe, predictable container where practice becomes possible—even for tender nervous systemsWhat it means to keep mantra “alive” through oral transmission, practice, and continuity across generationsReal talk about resistance: voice, self-consciousness, perfectionism, and how practice mirrors our livesA moving reflection on how relational rupture can impact practice—and how reconnection can unfold over time Core teachings that stood outAbhyāsa as a secure baseLisa reframes abhyāsa as more than discipline. It becomes an inner home you can trust—something you return to when the world is loud, when your mind is moving fast, or when life is uncertain.Vairāgya as discernment, not detachmentVairāgya is the “letting go” side of change: releasing old impressions, beliefs, and protective habits that no longer serve. In this episode, it shows up as the courage to experiment—without over-identifying with fear, shame, or “I can’t.”Mantra as a multi-layered interventionMeaning, vibration, rhythm, breath rate, imagery/bhāvana, memory, and relationship all converge. When the whole system aligns, the “new track” becomes easier to lay down—steadily and over time.The teacher’s job is to match the doseLisa offers a clinical yoga therapy lens: choose repetition amounts and methods that fit the person’s capacity, life context, and readiness. Sustainable practice matters more than idealized practice.Voice is a clinical doorwayChanting can bring up themes of safety, expression, shame, silencing, and self-trust. Rather than forcing exposure, Lisa models progressive steps—silent practice, practicing “on mute,” or starting with simple sounds—so expression becomes possible.Practical takeaways you can tryChoose a “minimum viable” mantra practice you can keep: 3 repetitions, 11 repetitions on fingers, or a partial mala with a clear stopping point.Decide the purpose of repetition before you begin: regulation, steadiness, devotion, confidence, or easing fear.Use choice points (listen only, chant silently, chant softly) to reduce performance pressure and build safety.Notice what your resistance protects—then bring abhyāsa to the edge of that resistance, gently and consistently.Let mantra become familiar enough that it appears on its own when you need it—like a trusted inner companion.About LisaLisa is a yoga therapist and clinical psychologist with decades of leadership experience in pediatric behavioral health and integrative hospital settings. Now based in the Netherlands, she teaches and offers yoga therapy and yoga psychotherapy, integrating mind, body, and spirit with clinical discernment and deep respect for lineage.Lisa joins us from near The Hague and Leiden, within an hour of Amsterdam.Connect with LisaWebsite: LifeTreeYogaRecorded classes: available via her YouTube channel (integrated 90-minute practices)Ongoing option: online group class on Fridays + private yoga therapy / yoga psychotherapy sessions onlineConnect with Amy www.TheOptimalState.comSchool 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
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  Practice, Let Go, Trust: Abhyāsa, Vairāgya, and Śraddhā in the Yoga Sūtra 17.04.2026 46min

  In this solo episode, Amy Wheeler explores three foundational teachings from Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtra that describe how real transformation unfolds over time: abhyāsa (steady practice), vairāgya (letting go of attachment), and śraddhā (deep trust in the process).While these terms are often translated simply as “practice and detachment,” Patañjali presents them as a sophisticated framework for understanding how the mind stabilizes and how human behavior gradually shifts. Amy reflects on how these teachings describe the ongoing work of regulating the mind, working with habitual patterns, and cultivating a steadier relationship with our internal experience.The conversation begins with Yoga Sūtra 1.2 — yogaḥ citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ, the well-known description of yoga as the process of working with the fluctuations of the mind. Amy explains how these fluctuations influence behavior, emotional reactions, communication patterns, and the way we show up in relationships and daily life. From both a yogic and modern nervous system perspective, the mind tends to move along well-worn pathways shaped by conditioning and repetition.Patañjali offers a clear response to this reality.In Yoga Sūtra 1.13–1.14, he introduces abhyāsa, the disciplined effort to remain steady. Amy discusses how abhyāsa is not about intensity or dramatic breakthroughs. Instead, it reflects the quiet power of consistent practice over time. When a practice is sustained for a long period, practiced without interruption, and approached with care and sincerity, it begins to stabilize the mind and reshape patterns of behavior.Yet practice alone can lead to striving and tension if it is not balanced by vairāgya.Drawing from Yoga Sūtra 1.15, Amy explores vairāgya as the capacity to release our grasp on outcomes. This teaching does not suggest disengagement from life. Rather, it encourages freedom from excessive craving for particular results, identities, or experiences. In practical terms, this means continuing to practice while allowing the process to unfold naturally, without becoming trapped in cycles of evaluation, success, or failure.This balance between effort and release becomes essential in both personal practice and therapeutic settings. When individuals become overly attached to outcomes, the nervous system often moves toward anxiety, urgency, or self-criticism. Vairāgya creates space for psychological flexibility and a steadier relationship with change.Amy then introduces śraddhā, described in Yoga Sūtra 1.20, as a quiet but essential quality that sustains the path. Often translated as faith, śraddhā can be understood as a grounded sense of trust or confidence in the process of practice. It is the willingness to continue even when change is gradual or difficult to perceive. In therapeutic contexts, śraddhā often appears as hope, openness, and the willingness to keep engaging with practices that support healing and growth.Together, abhyāsa, vairāgya, and śraddhā form a practical framework for transformation:·        Abhyāsa encourages us to return to practice consistently.·        Vairāgya helps us release the need to control outcomes.·        Śraddhā sustains our commitment to the path.Amy reflects on how these teachings continue to shape modern yoga therapy, where long-term behavioral change, nervous system regulation, and self-awareness unfold gradually through repeated experience rather than quick solutions.This episode invites listeners to consider how these three principles might influence their own lives: how we practice, how we release attachment to results, and how we cultivate the quiet trust that allows meaningful change to emerge over time.
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  Meditation Meets AI: What the Future Holds for Contemplative Practice & Yoga Therapy 10.04.2026 52min

  Episode overviewIn this episode, Amy sits down with Steve Haberlin to explore what’s changing in contemplative practice as artificial intelligence becomes woven into daily life. Steve shares why he created a customized GPT mindfulness guide (“MetaZen”), how he’s studying its use with doctoral students, and why he advocates a “human-first” approach: learn from a skilled teacher when possible, then use AI as a supportive bridge—not a replacement.Together, they unpack the promise and the concerns: access and personalization on one side, and privacy, data harvesting, and ethical guardrails on the other. The conversation closes with a look at education’s future, the pressures faculty may face, and Steve’s upcoming book MetaMeditation.What you’ll hear in this episodeKey themesHow Amy and Steve connected through LinkedIn and why that kind of professional relationship-building matters nowWhat a “custom GPT” is and how Steve designed MetaZen as a science-grounded mindfulness guideLive facilitation with AI: a brief demonstration of an AI-led mindfulness practiceWhy human relationship still matters in meditation training (and what’s lost if we remove it)The “opportunity gap”: the vulnerable window between learning a technique and sustaining itWhy most meditation app users stop early and what might help people stay with practiceAI as a “technological mirror”—helpful feedback, with real limits and risksEthical concerns: hallucinations, red flags, over-agreeableness, and the dangers of using LLMs as therapyVR and avatars: what’s already here (Trip app + “Kokua”) and what may be next (smart glasses)Privacy and biometrics: what data is collected, what can be sold, and where oversight is still catching upHigher education: personalization, AI tutoring, and the likelihood of increased productivity pressure on facultySteve’s upcoming book: MetaMeditation: How Neuroscience, Virtual Reality, and AI are Changing Practice and How You Can BenefitPractical takeawaysThink “blended model,” not replacement. AI can extend a teacher’s support—especially between sessions—without removing the relational core.Sustainability is the missing piece. Access is expanding, but adherence still drops off quickly; support structures matter.Attach practice to an existing habit. A 60-second breath anchor paired with a daily routine can build consistency.Keep humans in the loop for anything mental-health-adjacent. LLMs weren’t built for therapy, and risks increase when people treat them like clinicians.Privacy isn’t a side issue. As biometrics and usage data become standard, informed consent and oversight will be essential.Steve’s Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-haberlin-ph-d-22390b55/Steve Haberlin, Ph.D.The link for Steve’s talk on how to build an AI Chat Bot: https://ucf.zoom.us/rec/share/2qP180cbV182FF0_T7mLG-uhTbyA_3myEGXLaipzNNMD49CHpzrOmLzMizGSsoQY.cPMJvDoX23UIjaFY?startTime=1770148625000 Passcode: Av0=9%qqContact Amy @ www.TheOptimalState.com Yoga Therapy Hour Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-therapy-hour-with-amy-wheeler/id1564687158 The Optimal State Mobile Apphttps://optimalstateapp.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theoptimalstate/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/OptimalStatebyAmyWheeler  YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/AmyWheelerphd/featured Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhour Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-wheeler-ph-d-a3095566/Apple 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  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  Hashtags for NDMU#IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool
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  The Autonomic Nervous System and Yoga 03.04.2026 53min

  In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, Amy Wheeler is joined by Joann Lutz, psychotherapist and yoga therapist and educator whose work focuses on nervous system regulation, resilience, and the therapeutic application of yoga across a wide range of life contexts. Their conversation explores a central theme of this season: that nervous system regulation is not achieved through force, positivity, or performance, but through consistent, attuned yoga/ somatic practice over time. Together, Amy and Joann reflect on the Eight Limbs of Yoga as a coherent and practical framework for supporting autonomic nervous system stability—particularly within a culture that often prioritizes speed, productivity, and intensity over steadiness, reflection, and discernment. Joann shares how yogic tools support regulation not by suppressing or overriding stress responses, but by creating the internal and relational conditions in which the nervous system can reorganize itself. The discussion emphasizes the importance of pacing, repetition, and relationship—both within one’s personal practice and within therapeutic, educational, and clinical settings. Rather than framing dysregulation as something to eliminate, this episode invites a more nuanced understanding: regulation as a dynamic capacity that is gradually strengthened through appropriate effort, self-study, and compassionate awareness. Amy and Joann also explore how yoga therapy serves as a bridge between ancient yogic frameworks and modern understandings of the nervous system. They reflect on why practices such as ethical inquiry, self-reflection, breath awareness, and embodied presence remain foundational—not as abstract philosophical concepts, but as practical supports for safety, clarity, adaptability, and sustainable change in daily life. This episode will resonate with yoga therapists, clinicians, educators, and practitioners who are interested in how nervous system regulation develops over time through intentional practice, relational support, and an integrated view of the human experience. In This Episode, We ExploreWhy safety, relationship, and pacing are essential for sustainable regulationThe role of discernment in selecting and applying yogic tools skillfullyHow yoga therapy supports resilience without pushing, bypassing, or overriding lived experience About the GuestJoann Lutz is a yoga therapist and educator specializing in nervous system regulation and therapeutic yoga. Her work emphasizes clarity, relational presence, and the thoughtful integration of yogic principles into both personal practice and professional application. She is known for a grounded, compassionate approach that supports individuals and communities in cultivating steadiness amid stress, change, and complexity.Her website:Her primary website is https://joannlutz.com/ Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joann-lutz-licsw-e-ryt-c-iayt-ba85739/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lutz124/?hl=enBook she wrote:She is the author of Trauma Healing in the Yoga Zone Subscribe, Share, and Stay ConnectedIf this season supports your personal practice or your professional path, consider subscribing, sharing an episode with a colleague, and following along as the series unfolds across 2026. School of Integrative Health at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-healthMaster 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  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  Yoga Therapy Hour Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-therapy-hour-with-amy-wheeler/id1564687158 The Optimal State Mobile Apphttps://optimalstateapp.com