Embodying Confidence: Transforming Mental Health from the Body Up with Libby Walunas

Opening Summary:Welcome to The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast! Today's episode features a special guest, Libby Walunas from Houston, TX, who brings a unique perspective to the table. Focusing on mental health and self-confidence, Libby discusses the traditional Top-Down approach used in mental health, which involves reprogramming thoughts through methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). However, Libby introduces a compelling Bottom-Up approach, emphasizing the importance of physiological changes through grounding, centering, and breathing exercises to enhance mental stability and control. This episode promises to be an enlightening exploration of how body and mind can work together to foster self-confidence and mental well-being.Main Discussion Points:Mental Health and Self-Confidence: Understanding the traditional perspectives and challenges.Bottom-Up Approach to Mental Health: Libby's training and perspective on improving mental health by altering body physiology and the felt sense of Be-ing.Grounding Exercises: Techniques and benefits.Centering Exercises: How they contribute to mental stability.Coherent Breathing Exercises: Their role in achieving mental control.The Connection Between Body and Mind: How physical stability leads to mental stability.Overcoming Anxiety: Why thinking alone may not be the solution.Tools for Grounding and Centering: Practical methods Libby uses with her clients.Embodiment and Trust: The journey to trusting oneself, the world, and life's process.Accessing Internal Wisdom: How self-connection enables sharing one's gifts with the world.Neurodiversity and Social Acceptance: Libby's insights on the authenticity and challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals.Closing Summary:In today's insightful episode with Libby Walunas, we delved into the complexities of mental health and self-confidence, challenging conventional approaches. Libby's Bottom-Up approach to feeling better in our skin provides a refreshing and effective way to handle anxiety, lack of confidence and self-doubt. Her tools for grounding and centering, coupled with the concept of embodiment, open new doors to trusting and understanding oneself. Thank you for joining us on The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast. Enjoy the journey!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.To receive the research study that Libby mentioned in the closing, please choose Yoga Therapy & Mental HealthTopics you can choose from include: Yoga Therapy & Mental HealthYoga Therapy & Physical HealthSocial Justice in yoga & Yoga TherapyYoga/Ayurveda ToolboxYoga & Indian PhilosophyGlobal & Trending Yoga Therapy TopicsClick the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.https://amywheeler.com/subscribe Find Libby Walunas in the IAYT Directory online:https://www.iayt.org/members/?id=69259366  Check out Amy's website Visit Amy’s training section on her website to check out the courses belowYoga therapy training courses 865-certified-yoga-therapist-program www.optimalstateyoganidra.comwww.TheOptimalState.com