Nurturing Autonomic Nervous System Regulation and Boundaries with Amy Wheeler

08/04/23 • 40 min

In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy delves into the intricate dynamics of regulating the autonomic nervous system and the importance of establishing healthy boundaries. Through her extensive work with clients, Amy explores both successful and unsuccessful attempts at autonomic nervous system regulation and sheds light on the concept of co-dependency within relationships.

Key Points Explored:

Understanding Co-Dependency and Inappropriate Co-Regulation:

Amy shares vivid examples of co-dependent parenting and inappropriate co-regulation with adult children, drawing from her experience as a university professor. She emphasizes the importance of fostering autonomy and empowering young adults to regulate their own nervous systems.

Defining Co-Dependency in Relationships:

Amy provides a comprehensive overview of co-dependency, highlighting its prevalence in both close and distant relationships. She explores the dynamics and behaviors associated with co-dependent patterns that can hinder personal growth and emotional well-being.

The Healing Context: Co-Regulation and Boundaries:

Amy discusses the work of Stephen Porges and the significance of co-regulation within a healing context. She explores how co-regulation can be beneficial when it aligns with appropriate boundaries and emphasizes the importance of recognizing when co-regulation is not effective or appropriate, emphasizing the need to set healthy boundaries.

Working with Highly Sensitive People (HSP) and Neurodiverse Individuals:

Amy offers insights into supporting individuals with highly sensitive and neurodiverse minds and bodies. She highlights the importance of establishing healthy daily routines that promote better nervous system regulation and emotional well-being.

Empowering Self and Seeking Help:

Amy concludes the episode by emphasizing the importance of self-empowerment and initiating a journey towards a balanced nervous system. She provides guidance on recognizing co-dependent behaviors, dropping them, and seeking professional help or resources to support personal growth and development.

Listeners can gain valuable insights from this episode, understanding the significance of healthy autonomic nervous system regulation and the role of boundaries in fostering well-being and personal growth. By exploring co-dependency and co-regulation in various contexts, Amy equips her audience with tools and knowledge to empower themselves and cultivate healthier relationships.

If you would like to receive the free infographics and handouts that correspond to each episode on the Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast, please subscribe to our segmented email list. You will have the opportunity to determine the Infographic Topics that you would like to receive. When The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast has a topic that corresponds to your choices, then you will receive an email for that week with the PDF’s for download.

Topics you can choose from include:

Yoga Therapy & Mental Health

Yoga Therapy & Physical Health

Social Justice in yoga & Yoga Therapy

Yoga/Ayurveda Toolbox

Yoga & Indian Philosophy

Global & Trending Yoga Therapy Topics

Click the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.

https://amywheeler.com/subscribe

Check out Amy's website

Visit Amy’s training section on her website to check out the courses below

Yoga therapy training courses

865-certified-yoga-therapist-program

www.optimalstateyoganidra.com

Very Well Mind Website:

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-codependency-5072124

Information on Co-regulation and the Physiology of Trust:

https://i-asc.org/co-regulation-the-physiology-of-trust

Key Points Explored:

Understanding Co-Dependency and Inappropriate Co-Regulation:

Amy shares vivid examples of co-dependent parenting and inappropriate co-regulation with adult children, drawing from her experience as a university professor. She emphasizes the importance of fostering autonomy and empowering young adults to regulate their own nervous systems.

Defining Co-Dependency in Relationships:

Amy provides a comprehensive overview of co-dependency, highlighting its prevalence in both close and distant relationships. She explores the dynamics and behaviors associated with co-dependent patterns that can hinder personal growth and emotional well-being.

The Healing Context: Co-Regulation and Boundaries:

Amy discusses the work of Stephen Porges and the significance of co-regulation within a healing context. She explores how co-regulation can be beneficial when it aligns with appropriate boundaries and emphasizes the importance of recognizing when co-regulation is not effective or appropriate, emphasizing the need to set healthy boundaries.

Working with Highly Sensitive People (HSP) and Neurodiverse Individuals:

Amy offers insights into supporting individuals with highly sensitive and neurodiverse minds and bodies. She highlights the importance of establishing healthy daily routines that promote better nervous system regulation and emotional well-being.

Empowering Self and Seeking Help:

Amy concludes the episode by emphasizing the importance of self-empowerment and initiating a journey towards a balanced nervous system. She provides guidance on recognizing co-dependent behaviors, dropping them, and seeking professional help or resources to support personal growth and development.

Topics you can choose from include:

Yoga Therapy & Mental Health

Yoga Therapy & Physical Health

Social Justice in yoga & Yoga Therapy

Yoga/Ayurveda Toolbox

Yoga & Indian Philosophy

Global & Trending Yoga Therapy Topics

Click the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.

https://amywheeler.com/subscribe

Check out Amy's website

Visit Amy’s training section on her website to check out the courses below

Yoga therapy training courses

865-certified-yoga-therapist-program

www.optimalstateyoganidra.com

Very Well Mind Website:

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-codependency-5072124

Information on Co-regulation and the Physiology of Trust:

https://i-asc.org/co-regulation-the-physiology-of-trust

Previous Episode

Connecting with the Natural World and Embracing our Interconnectedness with Barrie Risman, E-RYT 500

In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy engages in a captivating conversation with Barrie Risman, a long-time yoga teacher deeply rooted in the Iyengar and Anusara traditions. Barrie's expertise and insights have been recognized in esteemed publications such as Yoga Journal, Yoga International, and Elephant Journal. Together, they delve into the profound notion that our yoga practice extends beyond mere structural alignment, encompassing the intricate balance of our body, mind, and spirit through an elemental approach.

Barrie introduces the idea that as we attain a harmonious equilibrium within ourselves, we gain clarity about our core values, our purpose in the world, and our true selves. With time, a remarkable shift occurs, propelling us to transcend our individual identity and realize our profound connection to the web of life, the cycles of nature, and the vast intelligence permeating the universe. Ultimately, we come to understand that we are not separate entities but an integral part of Mother Nature herself.

Key Points Explored in the Podcast:

· Yoga as a Path to Natural Harmony: Barrie and Amy engage in a discussion on how the practice of yoga can bring us closer to the natural world, profoundly influencing our sense of self, wisdom, resilience, strength, and awe. By aligning ourselves with the elemental forces of nature, we deepen our connection to the world around us.

· Unveiling the Face of Supreme Consciousness: Barrie introduces the concept of Sakti, the embodiment of supreme consciousness. This powerful insight serves as a reminder of the profound spiritual nature of our existence, intertwining the physical and metaphysical realms.

· Sacred Moments in Nature: Communing with the natural world allows us to experience sacred moments that can be revisited during times of anxiety or despondency. Barrie emphasizes the significance of these moments as a source of solace and rejuvenation.

· The Power of Reflective Practices: Barrie highlights the transformative potential of reflective practices such as journaling and receptive listening. These practices enable us to delve deeper into ourselves, fostering self-awareness, and facilitating personal growth.

· Embracing Grief and Collective Suffering: The hosts explore how to navigate personal and collective grief amidst the current state of the world and humanity's suffering. Barrie offers a heartfelt breathing practice to help us embrace and move through our grief, allowing it to flow rather than remaining stagnant within us.

· The Work That Reconnects: Amy and Barrie discuss the profound work of Joanna Macy called "The Work That Reconnects." This framework offers a transformative path to engage with the interconnectedness of life, guiding individuals to find meaning, purpose, and empowerment in the face of the world's challenges.

Join Amy and Barrie in this thought-provoking episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour as they unravel the intrinsic link between our yoga practice, the natural world, and our interconnectedness with all living beings. Discover how embracing this profound connection can lead to a profound shift in our perception and illuminate our path towards self-discovery, healing, and ultimately, oneness with the universe.

Topics you can choose from include:

Yoga Therapy & Mental Health

Yoga Therapy & Physical Health

Social Justice in yoga & Yoga Therapy

Yoga/Ayurveda Toolbox

Yoga & Indian Philosophy

Global & Trending Yoga Therapy Topics

Click the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.

https://amywheeler.com/subscribe

Check out Amy's website

Visit Amy’s training section on her website to check out the courses below

Yoga therapy training courses

865-certified-yoga-therapist-program

www.optimalstateyoganidra.com

Contact with Barrie Risman:

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.barrierisman.com

Facebook: @barrierisman @barrierismanyoga

Instagram: @barrierisman LinkedIn: @barrierisman

Joanna Macy:

Active Hope:

Next Episode

Alchemy of Mind & Soul: Exploring Yogic & Ayurvedic Psychology with Arun Deva

Welcome to The Yoga Therapy Hour, the podcast that delves deep into the realms of Yogic & Ayurvedic Psychology, unlocking the wisdom of ancient traditions and guiding you on a transformative journey towards holistic well-being. Arun and Amy are thrilled to bring you an abundance of life-force, or prana, as we embark on this illuminating conversation together.

In this episode, we'll embark on a journey of self-discovery, starting with an insightful overview of Yogic Psychology as bestowed by the revered Sage Patanjali. Building upon that foundation, we'll explore the profound insights of chapter 4 of the Yoga Sutras, pondering how its traditional end goal might not align with our needs in this modern society.

As we progress, we'll delve into the essence of Ayurvedic Psychology, a universal foundation that caters to everyone, regardless of their motivation level or ability to feel self-empowered. Discover how this ancient wisdom holds the keys to unlocking our true potential and nurturing our mental and spiritual well-being.

Throughout our conversation, we'll unravel the interconnectedness of individual health, collective healing, and our responsibility to the planet. Embrace the revelation that the perceived separation we experience from ourselves, each other, and Mother Earth is merely a misperception.

So, make yourself comfortable with a warm cup of tea or take a leisurely stroll in nature as we embark on this profound exploration. Get ready to tap into the timeless wisdom of Yogic & Ayurvedic Psychology, and together, let's embrace the path to inner harmony and outer service. Let's begin this transformative journey together!

Topics you can choose from include:

Yoga Therapy & Mental Health

Yoga Therapy & Physical Health

Social Justice in yoga & Yoga Therapy

Yoga/Ayurveda Toolbox

Yoga & Indian Philosophy

Global & Trending Yoga Therapy Topics

Click the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.

https://amywheeler.com/subscribe

Check out Amy's website

Visit Amy’s training section on her website to check out the courses below

Yoga therapy training courses