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.