In this insightful episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, our host sits down with Dr. Eileen Forrestal, a former medical doctor turned entrepreneur and author. Eileen shares her inspiring journey of overcoming a childhood trauma that left her struggling to speak. Through decades of perseverance, personal growth, and yoga therapy, she was able to reclaim her voice, both literally and figuratively. Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and courage, offering a powerful message for anyone facing their own challenges and fears.

Key Takeaways:

• Early Trauma and Speech Challenges: Eileen shares how a medical trauma in early childhood affected her throat and her ability to speak, leading to a prolonged struggle with stuttering and silence.
• From Silence to Speaking: Learn about Eileen's transformation from a quiet child into a public speaker and author, detailing the steps she took to overcome fear and embrace her authentic voice.
• Facing Fears Head-On: Eileen offers valuable insights into how facing one's fears, even if it takes decades, can lead to profound personal growth and transformation.
• A Message for Everyone: This conversation reminds listeners that the traumas and challenges we face—whether big or small—shape us, but they don't have to define us. Like Eileen, we can all take the courageous step to heal and transform.
• Living Authentically: Eileen’s story inspires listeners to shine their own light, no matter how long it takes to heal or face life's obstacles.

Closing Thoughts: Eileen Forrestal's journey shows us that it’s never too late to find your voice and live authentically. Her experience is a testament to the power of yoga therapy in healing both body and mind. For anyone struggling with trauma or fear, this episode serves as a reminder that the path to healing is always available, and it begins with the courage to take the first step.

You can connect with Eileen on her website eileenforrestal.com or follow her on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter under the same handle.

Check out www.TheOptimalState.com

Yoga workshops on Emotional Intelligence coming soon in 2025! See website above for more details. Each month will have a special topic around Emotional Intelligence.

Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:

• University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series
• Polyvagal Institute Mighty App
• 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

Special Note: This episode contains swear words and storytelling about sexuality

Introduction:

In this special episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, Amy sits down with the vibrant and authentic Susan Weis Bohlen. As a former Board Member of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) and the author of three bestselling books on Ayurveda, Susan shares her deeply personal story of overcoming body image struggles and how Ayurveda helped her transform her relationship with her body. From battling bulimia to losing over 60 pounds, Susan opens up about her path to self-love, Ayurvedic practices, and her passion for helping others on their journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Body Transformation through Ayurveda: Susan discusses how she went from discomfort in her body to losing 60+ pounds and maintaining it with Ayurvedic practices.
• Healing from Bulimia: Susan shares her long battle with bulimia and understanding her Ayurvedic dosha.
• Ayurvedic Self-Care Practices: The role of Panchakarma and daily self-care rituals like abhyanga (oil massage) in maintaining balance and wellness.
• Living with Authenticity: Susan’s experience of opening her heart and creating space in her life, which eventually led to meeting her husband and finding deeper connection.
• American Jewish Ayurveda: Susan explains her unique approach to Ayurveda, blending her cultural background with ancient practices, making them accessible for a modern audience.
• Thoughts on NAMA: Susan discusses her decision to step away from NAMA Board, which has some similarities to what IAYT is facing at this time.

Susan Weis Bohlen’s Contact Information:

Website: www.SusanWeisBohlen.com

Substack Newsletter: Available on her website

Books:

• Ayurveda Beginner’s Guide
• Seasonal Self-Care Rituals
• Ayurvedic Home Remedies

Check out www.TheOptimalState.com

Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:

• University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series
• Polyvagal Institute Mighty App
• 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 interviews Julie Afsahi and Jessica Cross, two experienced sound healing practitioners and authors of Seasons of Sound. They dive into the fascinating world of sound healing, exploring its ancient roots, the science behind vibrational therapy, and the profound effects it can have on the mind, body, and emotions.

The conversation touches on topics:

• How sound baths can facilitate deep relaxation and healing.
• The role of the subtle body in sound healing and its relationship with Yogic philosophy.
• The concept of the “post-digestive effect” in sound healing and how it continues to impact participants after the session.
• Their personal journeys into sound healing and the significance of various instruments like gongs, crystal bowls, and chimes in therapeutic settings.
• How they make sound healing approachable and accessible for everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs.
• The connection between sound healing and the seasons, as detailed in their book, Seasons of Sound.

Julie and Jessica also share insights into their sound healing trainings, which are offered both in-person in Texas and online, and discuss the importance of inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in their work.

Key Takeaways:

• Sound healing operates on many levels, including the physical, energetic, and emotional layers.
• The subtle body and energetic shifts play a crucial role in how sound impacts us.
• Their book, Seasons of Sound, offers a framework for practicing sound healing in alignment with the cycles of nature and the seasons of life.
• There is still much to be explored and researched in the field of sound healing, and they invite more practitioners to dive deeper into the science behind it.

About Our Guests:

• Julie Afsahi is the owner of Soul Strong Yoga in Austin, TX, where she integrates sound healing into her yoga offerings.
• Jessica Cross is a certified sound healer and the founder of Sound for Stress, helping individuals relieve stress through the transformative power of sound.
• Together, they co-authored Seasons of Sound, a guide for sound healing practitioners that aligns sound practices with the seasons of the Earth and life.

Resources:

• Soul Strong Yoga
• Sound for Stress
• Seasons of Sound Book

Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:

• University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series
• Polyvagal Institute Mighty App
• 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.