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.

Follow Us:

• Website: TheOptimalState.com
• Instagram: @TheOptimalState
• Facebook: The Optimal State of Living

Don't forget to subscribe to The Yoga Therapy Hour for more expert discussions on yoga therapy and emotional well-being!

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

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.

Episode Description: In this solo episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler delves into the challenges and rewards of starting new ventures and facing difficult tasks. Drawing inspiration from her students at Optimal State, Amy explores the delicate and vulnerable nature of putting our hearts into something new. She shares insightful exercises designed to help us uncover areas of cognitive dissonance and encourages us to reflect on whether we are showing up authentically in our lives.

Amy discusses the importance of self-awareness, the willingness to be seen for who we truly are, and the courage it takes to step into new experiences with trust in ourselves. She emphasizes that connection, presence, and authenticity are key when navigating new challenges, rather than striving for perfection. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that we don’t need to have everything figured out in advance; instead, we can trust that we’ll know what to do when we get there.

Key Takeaways:

• The significance of starting new things and the vulnerability that comes with it.
• An exercise to identify areas of cognitive dissonance and authenticity in your life.
• The importance of self-awareness and knowing yourself before projecting authenticity to others.
• Practical tips for showing up authentically, even in challenging situations.
• The power of connection and presence over perfection in new endeavors.

Episode Quote: "Starting new things requires vulnerability. It requires a level of self-trust. And here's the key: you will know what to do when you get there."

Call to Action: Take a moment to reflect on areas in your life where you might be holding back from being your true self.

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.

In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler welcomes Bob Cirino, the Founder of Apple Tree and a dedicated practitioner and teacher at the Yoga Studies Institute. Bob shares his journey into yoga and meditation, emphasizing how ancient spiritual texts guide his work. As an exceptional communicator, Bob simplifies complex concepts, making them accessible and relatable.

Bob delves into his transformation from a skeptic to a devoted yogi, exploring how yoga evolved from just a physical practice into a comprehensive lifestyle. He explains the profound connection between the mind, body, and subtle energies, drawing from his studies in Tibetan Yoga and the Pancha Kośa system. Bob also discusses the significance of the prāṇa, or subtle energy, as a bridge between the mental and physical realms, and how this understanding can lead to greater compassion and ethical living.

The conversation also touches on modern neuroscience, the role of the vagus nerve, and how practices like Ujjayi breathing can shift the nervous system from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest, promoting mental and physical well-being. Bob introduces the concept of "Navanga" or the "9th limb" of yoga, which he describes as compassionate wisdom—a crucial aspect that underlies all other yoga practices.

Bob challenges the notion of privilege in yoga, asserting that practices like Ujjayi breathing can level the playing field, making yoga accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. He also addresses the debate around enlightenment and ethics, providing insights into how an ethical life naturally emerges from dedicated yoga practice.

Listeners are invited to explore these teachings further through Bob’s work at the Yoga Studies Institute (www.YogaStudiesInstitute.org) and his platform, Spiritual Warrior (www.spiritualwarrior.life), where he helps individuals master their purpose and live fearlessly.

Key Takeaways:

• The transition from physical yoga practice to a holistic lifestyle.
• The significance of connecting mind, body, and breath in yoga.
• How ancient spiritual texts inform modern yoga practices.
• The role of Ujjayi breathing in influencing the nervous system.
• The concept of "Navanga" and its importance in yoga practice.
• The intersection of privilege, accessibility, and ethics in yoga.
• Insights into the relationship between enlightenment and ethical living.

Resources:

• Yoga Studies Institute
• Spiritual Warrior
• Instagram: @bob.cirino

Join us for this enlightening conversation and explore how the ancient wisdom of yoga can be applied to modern life, fostering compassion, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of the self.

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.

Episode Description:

In this solo episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler explores the importance of having an outside reference point in our lives. Drawing on personal experiences, reflections, and teachings from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, Amy delves into why it can be valuable to seek external perspectives to gain clarity and understanding. She also discusses how to approach challenging conversations with friends, family, and mentors and the role of humility in personal growth.

Key Points Covered:

• Introduction to the concept of an outside reference point in yoga and life.
• Personal resistance to the idea of relying on external perspectives.
• The balance between autonomy and the need for external feedback.
• Examples of honest relationships and the importance of setting boundaries.
• The role of mentors in offering unbiased reflections and guidance.
• Amy’s experiences with mentors, both paid and unpaid.
• The process of moving from self-referenced perception to clear perception as outlined in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.
• The importance of pattern recognition and inference in developing clear perception.
• How to navigate and accept multiple perspectives, even when they conflict with personal beliefs.
• The challenge of maintaining clarity in emotionally charged situations.
• Upcoming Optimal Yoga Nidra Facilitator course offered by Optimal State.

Summary:

In this insightful solo episode, Amy Wheeler emphasizes the importance of having an outside reference point to gain clarity and understanding in our lives. Through personal anecdotes and teachings from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, she discusses the value of seeking external perspectives, even when it challenges our sense of autonomy. Amy also highlights the role of honest communication and the need for humility in personal growth. This episode encourages listeners to consider the benefits of having mentors or trusted individuals who can offer unbiased reflections and help navigate life’s complexities.

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.

In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, we welcome Catherine Cook Cottone, a School & Licensed Psychologist, Certified Yoga Therapist & Yoga Researcher. Catherine brings her extensive expertise in trauma-informed and responsive interventions to discuss how yoga practitioners can cultivate and strengthen their inner resources through a trauma-informed approach. We explore strategies for developing self-regulation, implementing de-escalation protocols, and adapting teaching methods for students with varying levels of trauma exposure. Catherine also shares insights on measuring the impact of trauma-informed practices, understanding neuroception, and applying polyvagal theory in yoga teaching. Additionally, Catherine introduces her new book, "Trauma-Informed and Trauma-Responsive Yoga Teaching: A Universal Practice," co-authored with Joanne Spence.

Main Points:

• Self-Regulation Scale
• Explanation of the self-regulation scale and its significance in yoga practice and teaching.
• Key indicators on the scale for gauging students' state.
• De-escalation Protocol
• Essential components of a de-escalation protocol for yoga teachers.
• Case study illustrating the application of de-escalation protocols.
• Teaching Adaptations
• Adaptations and modifications for students with trauma exposure or PTSD symptoms.
• Ensuring inclusivity and sensitivity without singling out individuals.
• Neuroception
• Understanding neuroception to enhance trauma-informed yoga teaching.
• Practical ways to support students' neuroception processes.
• Orienting for Safety
• Importance of orienting practices for setting a safe yoga environment.
• Examples of effective orienting practices.
• Polyvagal Theory
• Contribution of polyvagal theory to understanding trauma and its impact on the nervous system.
• Practical applications in designing trauma-informed yoga sequences.
• Connection and Protection
• Helping students sensitized towards protection over connection due to past trauma.
• Fostering a sense of safety to encourage healthy connection without triggering protective responses.

Find Catherine at www.CatherineCookCottone.com & her co-author at www.JoanneSpence.com

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.