In this solo episode, host Amy Wheeler explores the concept of Ahimsa (non-harming) and being in relationship with one another as the key guiding principle for making ethical decisions and policies in both individual and organizational contexts. Amy focuses on how yoga organizations like Yoga Alliance and the International Association of Yoga Therapy (IAYT) can enhance their decision-making processes by prioritizing non-harming, inclusivity, and community involvement from the ground up.

What is Ahimsa?

Amy defines Ahimsa as non-harming and non-violence toward oneself, others, and the environment. Ahimsa applies to emotional, mental, financial, community and societal well-being, guiding how we treat ourselves and each other.

Ahimsa as a Guiding Principle in Organizational Decisions

Amy explores how Ahimsa can shape ethical decision-making in yoga organizations, including Yoga Alliance and IAYT. She encourages a review of their policies and decision-making frameworks to ensure that they uphold the values of non-harming, transparency, and inclusivity. Amy discusses the importance of community involvement in shaping these policies, particularly through a collaborative, ground-up approach that empowers individuals and organizations to take shared responsibility for one another.

Humanistic Secularism and Its Connection to Yoga Ethics

Amy discusses humanistic secularism as an ethical framework based on human values like empathy, social responsibility, and inclusivity, without relying on religious or spiritual beliefs. She highlights how this worldview aligns with Ahimsa and discusses its practical application in modern decision-making, both in personal choices and at the organizational level. Amy also discusses the challenges that organizations face in maintaining ethical practices in a fast-paced, competitive environment and provides solutions on how to stay aligned with Ahimsa.

Call to Action

Amy invites listeners to join the new Facebook Group, "The Future of Yoga Therapy," to voice their opinions, introduce themselves, and participate in shaping the future of yoga therapy. This is a space for meaningful dialogue about ethical decision-making and shared responsibility within the yoga community, with a focus on Ahimsa and being in relationship with one another as a grounding foundational principle.

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Guest: Jemarc Axinto (They/She/He), a Filipinx, Nonbinary, Trauma Recovery Coach, and Wellness Consultant.

Episode Summary: In this deeply insightful episode, Amy Wheeler is joined by Jemarc Axinto, a Trauma Recovery Coach with a passion for helping others overcome trauma at its root in the nervous system. Jemarc shares their personal journey of healing alongside their partner, Ezra, who made a remarkable recovery from chronic illness and complex PTSD by radically rewiring their brain and nervous system. This conversation explores the intersectionality of trauma recovery, neurodivergence, and the importance of holding space for both our humanity and the humanity of others.

Key Topics Discussed:

· Journey to Healing: Jemarc recounts how discovering a book by Dr. Tidal sparked a transformative healing journey for their partner, Ezra. This journey led them to focus on retraining the nervous system to heal from deep-rooted trauma.

· Understanding Trauma: Jemarc emphasizes that trauma is often misunderstood, explaining how our brains can become "addicted" to stress chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline, and how retraining the brain can lead to radical healing.

· The Role of Neurodiversity: Drawing on their own experiences, Jemarc discusses the importance of acknowledging and integrating neurodivergence into the healing process, and the challenges of navigating the world as a neurodivergent individual.

· Creating a Trauma-Free World: The conversation explores the idea of co-creating a world where trauma reactivity doesn't rule our lives. Jemarc advocates for a world where everyone can hold their own humanity and that of others, even in challenging situations.

· Balancing Anger and Compassion: Jemarc shares personal stories about the importance of addressing harmful behaviors without dehumanizing others, and the power of maintaining both compassion and boundaries in our interactions.

· Self-Empowerment: For those ready to embark on a healing journey, Jemarc offers guidance on how to start, including the importance of therapy and the need for radical self-empowerment in the process.

Connect with Jemarc Axinto:

· Website: www.jemarcaxinto.com

· Social Media: @JemarcAxinto (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook)

· 3-Month Program: Jemarc offers a comprehensive 3-month program focusing on brain, body, and spirit to support radical healing. For more information, visit their website.

Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:

· University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series

· Polyvagal Institute Mighty App

· 7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal Theory

· Optimal State Mobile App

· Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon

· Monday Night Yoga Therapy Clinic on www.TheOpimtalState.com

· Join us for our Monday night Yoga Therapy Clinics, specially designed to address specific health and wellness topics. The sessions are held every Monday from 4:00-5:15 PM PST and are led by Amy Wheeler, a seasoned expert in yoga therapy. This clinic provides a supportive environment where participants can explore therapeutic yoga techniques to aid in addiction recovery and overall well-being.

· For those seeking professional development, there is an option to stay longer after class and earn Continuing Education (CE) credits. This extended session offers in-depth training and valuable insights into integrating yoga therapy with addiction treatment.