Wander to Wonder: The Healing Journey of Yoga Therapy with Jeffrey Shoaf

In this heart-opening and deeply insightful episode, Amy Wheeler welcomes Jeffrey Shoaf—yoga therapist, Kripalu-trained teacher, bodyworker, and retreat leader—to explore the profound personal and professional transformation yoga brought into his life beginning at age 48. Jeffrey shares how yoga reawakened his childhood love of movement, helped him reconnect with his body after decades as a general contractor, and opened a gateway to breathwork, meditation, and spiritual integration. His story is one of rekindling wonder, embracing vulnerability, and learning to feel fully. Together, Amy and Jeffrey dive into:How Jeffrey found yoga at age 48 and became instantly hookedWhy the mind-body connection through āsana was life-changing for himThe role of breathwork in emotional regulation, anxiety, and physical recoveryWhy “less is more” when it comes to prāṇāyāma and nervous system regulationThe power of meditation in everyday life—without needing to sit cross-leggedThe emotional intelligence of yoga: learning to respond rather than reactWhy “anger is present” is more skillful than “I am angry”His inspiring work with men’s groups and mentoring at-risk youth through the Joshua ProjectHis upcoming Wander to Wonder yoga and reflective writing retreat in Portugal (September 2025)How nature, presence, and embodied practice continue to be his spiritual path Jeffrey reminds us that healing happens when we give ourselves permission to feel, breathe, and move authentically—whether on the mat, at the kitchen sink, or walking in the woods. Connect with Jeffrey Shoaf Website: www.jeffreyshoaf.com Join The Breathing Club: Thursdays at 7:00am ET Explore Portugal Retreat: Wander to Wonder – September 2025 Instagram: @jeffreyshoaf  If this episode touched your heart, please share it with a friend and leave us a review. Stay connected with Amy at www.TheOptimalState.com Master of Science in Yoga Therapy https://muih.edu/academics/yoga-therapy/master-of-science-in-yoga-therapy/   Explore MUIH’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals.  https://muih.edu/academics/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices/   Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at MUIH: https://muih.edu/academics/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification/