Optimal State by Amy Wheeler

Transform Your Holistic Health Practice with Our One-Year Growth Accelerator Lab 🌱🚀

Ready to grow your practice and make a meaningful impact? Join our one-year Growth Accelerator Lab, crafted for holistic health professionals looking to strengthen their business, broaden their influence, and align their work with their purpose. Through expert mentorship and collaboration with fellow practitioners, you’ll gain essential tools and strategies for sustainable success. Let’s build something remarkable together!

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this program, you’ll be able to:
• Build Lasting Client Relationships: Master the client journey, from initial contact to personalized care, goal-setting, and long-term engagement.
• Blend Tradition with Today: Present the wisdom of yoga therapy in a way that speaks to modern clients from all backgrounds.
• Champion the Benefits of Yoga Therapy: Use research and terminology to communicate yoga therapy’s holistic advantages to diverse audiences.
• Present with Confidence: Polish your presentation skills to showcase your expertise and build connections in the healthcare world.

Program Details:
• Location: Online via Zoom
• Apply Now: Email [email protected] to schedule a call
• Dates: May 12, 2025 – April 13, 2026
• Time: Mondays, 4:00-5:00 pm CST, plus weekly recordings
• Hours: 100
• Cost: $1,500 (60% discount to support our community)
• Deadline to Register: May 6, 2025
•
Discover More & Sign Up:
https://buff.ly/3UuuvA3

🌟 Share Your Healing Journey on The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast! 🌟

Have you experienced a transformation through yoga, yoga therapy, or Ayurveda? We invite you to share your story of health, healing, and beyond on The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast.

Whether you've healed physically, energetically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually, your journey could be the light someone else needs. By sharing your experience, you’re helping spread the word about these powerful practices and offering hope to others on their path.

If you’re interested, write a short email about your story to Amy Wheeler at [email protected]. This could be an incredible opportunity to share your journey with a wider audience and even use it for your own promotion if you wish. ✨

Let’s inspire healing, one story at a time in 2025! 🙏

I’ll be here, will you?

🌟 Share Your Healing Journey on The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast! 🌟

Have you experienced a transformation through yoga, yoga therapy, or Ayurveda? We invite you to share your story of health, healing, and beyond on The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast.

Whether you've healed physically, energetically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually, your journey could be the light someone else needs. By sharing your experience, you’re helping spread the word about these powerful practices and offering hope to others on their path.

If you’re interested, write a short email about your story to Amy Wheeler at [email protected]. This could be an incredible opportunity to share your journey with a wider audience and even use it for your own promotion if you wish. 🌈✨

Let’s inspire healing, one story at a time! 🙏

Unlock Your Potential in Holistic Health With a Growth Accelerator Lab 🌱✨

Description:
Ready to grow your practice and make a bigger impact? Join our year-long business growth accelerator lab designed for holistic health professionals who want to elevate their business with proven strategies, community support, and expert mentorship. Let’s build a thriving, sustainable practice together!

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

Attract and Retain Clients Effectively: Master the full client journey in yoga therapy, from initial contact through comprehensive assessment, personalized goal setting, and long-term engagement strategies.

Bridge Ancient Wisdom with Modern Relevance: Translate the philosophies and teachings of yoga and yoga therapy into clear, contemporary language that resonates deeply with clients from diverse backgrounds and lifestyles.

Communicate the Science Behind Yoga Therapy: Confidently interpret scientific research and medical terminology to advocate for the holistic benefits of yoga therapy in both public and private sector settings.

Present with Impact and Authenticity: Develop dynamic presentation skills, showcasing your unique yoga therapy expertise to foster professional connections and open doors within the healthcare community and related industries.

Course Logistics:

Location: Online via Zoom
Application Window: Now Open! Email [email protected] to schedule a call
Course Start Dates (Yearly): May 12, 2025 – April 13, 2026
Time: 4:00-5:00pmCST + Recordings Each Week
Hours: 100
Cost: $1,500 (60% discount from pre-Covid prices to honor the new landscape and support each other)

** To ensure enrollment in the first class, please complete your registration no later than May 6th, 2025.

More Information and Registration at this Link:
https://buff.ly/3UuuvA3

A big thank you to Colleen for teaching us about The Bird Model from the Upanisads, in relation to health, healing and beyond through the practices of yoga.

Here are a few broader skills and approaches that could further enhance your leadership and communication- Part 2

5. Conflict Resolution and Mediation:
Skill: Develop strong conflict resolution and mediation skills. These are essential for navigating disagreements or misunderstandings in a way that fosters resolution rather than division.
Application: When conflicts arise, approach them with a mindset of finding common ground. Use techniques like active listening, reframing, and seeking win-win solutions to guide the resolution process.

6. Emotional Regulation:
Skill: Enhance your ability to regulate your own emotions, particularly in high-stress or high-stakes situations. This helps you remain calm, clear-headed, and effective in your leadership.
Application: Practice techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or cognitive reframing to manage your emotional responses. This will help you maintain composure and make thoughtful decisions, even under pressure.

7. Encouraging Feedback and Continuous Improvement:
Skill: Create a culture of continuous feedback and improvement. Regularly seeking and giving feedback helps to identify areas for growth and fosters a collaborative environment.
Application: Encourage a feedback loop where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts on processes, decisions, and leadership. Be open to constructive criticism and use it as a tool for personal and organizational growth.

8. Visionary Leadership:
Skill: Develop your ability to articulate and embody a clear vision that inspires and motivates others. This is particularly important during times of change or uncertainty.
Application: Regularly communicate your vision and how it aligns with the decisions being made. Use storytelling and examples to illustrate the future you’re working toward, and involve others in the process of bringing that vision to life.

By focusing on these areas, you can enhance your leadership capabilities and continue to foster a positive, productive environment for your organization and community. Each of these skills contributes to a more emotionally intelligent and effective approach to leadership.

here are a few broader skills and approaches that could further enhance your leadership and communication- Part 1

1. Active Listening and Empathy:
Skill: Develop the ability to listen actively and empathetically, especially when dealing with complex and emotionally charged issues. This involves not only hearing what others are saying but also understanding the underlying emotions and concerns.

Application: In group discussions or one-on-one conversations, focus on truly listening before formulating a response. Reflect back what you’ve heard to ensure understanding and to validate the speaker’s feelings.

2. Facilitating Inclusive Dialogue:
Skill: Encourage and facilitate open, inclusive dialogue where all voices are heard and respected. This is crucial in any situation where decisions impact a diverse group of people.
Application: Create spaces—whether in meetings, online forums, or informal gatherings—where people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. Use techniques like round-robin discussions or anonymous feedback to ensure everyone has a chance to contribute.

3. Balancing Transparency with Strategic Communication:
Skill: Master the balance between being transparent and strategic in your communication. While it’s important to be open and honest, it’s also key to consider the timing and delivery of your message.

Application: Before sharing information, especially about difficult decisions, consider the potential impact on your audience. Prepare to address concerns and questions, and think about how to frame the message in a way that aligns with your broader goals and values.
4. Building Resilience and Self-Care:

Skill: Cultivate resilience and prioritize self-care, both for yourself and for those you lead. This is especially important when navigating difficult or contentious issues.
Application: Regularly check in with yourself and your team to assess stress levels and well-being. Encourage practices that promote mental and emotional resilience, such as mindfulness, exercise, and setting healthy boundaries

It was my pleasure to present at the Vyasa 25th Annual Yoga and Ayurveda Conference in Singapore yesterday. It was 8am Minnesota time and 9pm Singapore time. Thank goodness for Zoom and the ability to connect with friends all over the world!

Dive into Emotional Intelligence & Self-Awareness

Just a quick reminder! We are starting the beginning of our January series on Emotional Intelligence & Self-Connection.

In our first session, we will explore the foundational pillar of Self-Awareness. This session is designed to help you understand and recognize your emotions, thoughts, and values, and how they influence your behavior. Developing self-awareness is the first step toward mastering emotional intelligence and living a more fulfilled life.

📅 Save the Dates: January 6, 13, 20, 27 - 2025
📍 Location: Online via Zoom
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM - 5:15 PM PST
🌟 Cost: $59 per household (general public offering, 75 min. class + recording)
$75 per person for CEUs (75 min. class + 15 min. discussion + Certificate of Completion)

💰 Register Here
💰 Register Here (CEUs)

We’re excited to start this journey with you!

Warm regards,

The Art of a Sincere Apology

A good apology is not just about saying the words; it’s about truly understanding the impact of your actions and allowing the other person to express their feelings fully before you seek forgiveness. In our rush to smooth things over, we often offer a quick "sorry" without fully appreciating the depth of the situation. Here’s a more thoughtful approach:

Listen First: Allow the other person to express their feelings completely. Give them the time and space to share their experience without interruption.

Ask Thoughtful Questions: Dig deeper into their experience by asking questions like:

How did it feel?
What impact did it have on you and your work/life?
Who else was affected, and in what ways?
Acknowledge Fully: Recognize and validate their emotions and the situation’s gravity before moving forward.

Apologize When Ready: Only after they’ve fully expressed themselves and you’ve gathered all the information should you offer your apology. Doing so prematurely can come off as insincere.

Reflect on Your Response: The information you gather through listening might change your initial response, leading to a more meaningful and sincere apology.

Taking the time to listen and understand before apologizing can transform the way you approach relationships, both in business and in life. A thoughtful apology fosters genuine connection and paves the way for true reconciliation.

Maybe a good apology is like a good taco- the ingredient , freshness and order matter!

I finish swimming at 6:30am most mornings and I come out of the YMCA. Every morning I see this bike parked outside the front door. It has no lock. It’s a nice bike. And I remember that there are good people in the world. We can trust each other. And someone has faith that their bike will not get stolen. That’s powerful. 💥

Why We Should Speak Up at Work About Decision-Making and Culture—and How to Do It Effectively - Part 2

How to Speak Up Effectively
To ensure your concerns are received positively and lead to actionable results, consider the following strategies:

Frame Your Feedback Positively: Focus on the potential benefits of addressing the issue rather than the problem itself. For example, suggest how a change could enhance productivity, morale, or team cohesion.

Choose the Right Time and Place: Approach your leadership team in a setting where they can give your concerns the attention they deserve. Private, one-on-one conversations are often more effective than bringing up issues in a group setting.

Be Specific and Solution-Oriented: Rather than simply identifying a problem, offer potential solutions or alternatives. This demonstrates that you’re not just pointing out flaws but are invested in finding ways to improve the situation.

Emphasize Teamwork: Reinforce that your goal is to work together to achieve better results. Express your commitment to the organization’s success and your willingness to collaborate on finding solutions.

Follow Up: After you’ve spoken up, follow up with your leadership team to see if there have been any developments. This shows that you’re serious about making a positive impact and are willing to support the implementation of changes.

Conclusion
Speaking up about decision-making and culture isn’t about creating division; it’s about strengthening the organization as a whole. When approached with a collaborative mindset and a focus on solutions, your voice can be a catalyst for positive change. By taking the lead in addressing these issues, you’re contributing to a healthier, more productive workplace—one where everyone can thrive.

Why We Should Speak Up at Work About Decision-Making and Culture—and How to Do It Effectively- Part 1
In many workplaces, decision-making and cultural dynamics can sometimes veer off course, creating an environment that isn’t as healthy or productive as it could be. While these issues are often recognized, employees may hesitate to voice their concerns, fearing potential repercussions like being sidelined or misunderstood. However, it’s important to remember that fostering a positive work environment is a shared responsibility, and speaking up can be a powerful tool for driving meaningful change.

The Value of Speaking Up
When we approach leadership with concerns about decision-making or cultural issues, it’s not about pointing fingers or creating conflict. Instead, it’s an opportunity to work together towards a common goal: making the workplace a better, more effective environment for everyone. Leadership teams are often eager to hear constructive feedback, especially when it’s framed in a way that aligns with the organization's broader objectives.

What Can Be Gained?
By speaking up, you’re not only contributing to a healthier workplace culture but also positioning yourself as a proactive and engaged team member. Constructive feedback can lead to:

Improved Decision-Making: Highlighting potential issues allows leaders to reconsider and refine their strategies, leading to better outcomes for the entire organization.

Stronger Team Dynamics: Open communication fosters trust and collaboration, ensuring that everyone feels valued and heard.

Personal Growth: Advocating for positive change can boost your confidence and demonstrate your commitment to the organization’s success.

Organizational Success: A workplace that actively addresses and resolves issues is more likely to thrive, benefiting everyone involved.

Calling Out vs. Calling In: Navigating Disagreements and Harm
When conflicts arise or harm occurs, the decision to call someone out or call them in can have significant implications. Each approach serves a purpose, but understanding when and how to use them is crucial for fostering growth, understanding, and accountability.

Understanding the Difference: Calling Out vs. Calling In
Calling Out is a direct, often public approach to addressing harmful behavior. It holds individuals accountable by bringing the issue into the open, making it clear that such behavior is not acceptable. This method can be effective when the situation demands immediate attention or when private efforts have failed.

Calling In, conversely, is about addressing the issue privately and compassionately. It involves inviting the person into a conversation where they can reflect on their actions, understand the harm they’ve caused, and consider making amends. Calling in offers a chance for mutual understanding and change without the pressure and exposure that comes with a public confrontation.

The Importance of Calling In First
Before resorting to a public call-out, it’s often beneficial to start with a private call-in. This approach allows for:

Empathy and Mutuality: By calling someone in, you provide them with the opportunity to respond with empathy and mutual respect. It’s a chance to see the situation from both sides and work towards a resolution that acknowledges the humanity of everyone involved.

Reflection and Change: A private conversation gives the individual a moment to reflect on the harm they may have caused. Even if they don’t agree with your perspective, this reflection can lead to a deeper understanding of their actions and the potential for positive change.

Building Trust: Addressing issues privately helps maintain a level of trust and respect. It shows that you’re willing to engage in dialogue and work through the conflict together, rather than immediately escalating to a public confrontation.

When to Go Public
If a private call-in doesn’t lead to a resolution, or if the harm continues, it may become necessary to call the behavior out in a more public way. Going public can serve several purposes:

Raising Awareness: A public call-out can bring attention to issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. It helps educate others and allows the broader community to understand what’s happening and why it matters.

Encouraging Accountability: When private efforts fail, a public call-out can hold individuals accountable for their actions. It sends a clear message that harmful behavior won’t be tolerated and that there are consequences for continued harm.

Creating a Historical Record: Even if the immediate conflict isn’t resolved, a public call-out creates a record of what happened. This documentation can be valuable for others to look back on, ensuring that the narrative isn’t lost or misrepresented over time.

How to Approach Public Dialogue
When deciding to go public, it’s essential to frame the conversation thoughtfully:

Be Clear and Specific: Clearly articulate the behavior or issue at hand. This helps others understand the context and the reasons behind the call-out.

Maintain Respect: Even in public, approach the situation with respect. The goal is to educate and inform, not to humiliate or degrade.

Invite Dialogue: Encourage others to join the conversation. Ask questions, seek input, and be open to different perspectives. This can help turn a confrontation into a constructive dialogue.

Be Prepared for Responses: Understand that going public might invite a range of reactions. Stay focused on your intentions and the broader goal of fostering understanding and accountability.

Conclusion: The Power of Public Accountability
Choosing between calling out and calling in, and deciding whether to do so privately or publicly, requires careful consideration of the context and the people involved. Starting with a private call-in offers a path to empathy, reflection, and potential change. However, when this approach doesn’t lead to resolution, a public call-out can be a powerful tool for raising awareness, encouraging accountability, and creating a lasting record of events.

By navigating these options thoughtfully, we can foster a culture of accountability that values both understanding and justice. Even if the immediate outcome isn’t perfect, the long-term impact of these actions can lead to greater awareness, empathy, and positive change.

Thinking of Eleanor Criswell this morning, may she rest peacefully with the stars as a soft blue light. Her eyes were always soulful and bright. Her soft personality reflected the subtle ways in which she observed the world and moved through it. She knew she was a visitor here for a short period of time. She knew the fragility of life and the transient nature of Be-ing. I admired how she wanted to make a difference until the very end. Eleanor shifted so many of us on a deep level. I hope she knows what a difference she made in the world and to many of us.