Hi friends!
Ohhh, this episode was one for the books—and by books, I mean actual books because today I got to chat with the brilliant, creative, and heart-centered Cheri Dostal Ryba, who is not only a beautiful soul, but also an author of the book Pelvic Yoga Therapy for the Whole Woman (yes, I have a signed copy, and yes, it lives on my nightstand and yes, it’s SO GOOD).
I’m just gonna say it: this conversation left me all kinds of inspired, grounded, and curious in the best possible way.
So, who is Cheri?
Well, I could tell you she’s a yoga therapist, dancer, writer, educator, and ritualist (because she is), but what you really need to know is that Cheri is one of those people who reminds you that you’re allowed to feel, move, create, and just be in your own skin. She’s been doing deep work in the world of pelvic health (yes—we go there, in the most loving and honest way), and brings this gorgeous fusion of science, embodiment, creativity, and feminine wisdom into everything she does.
What we talked about...
Okay, first of all, we laughed. A lot. And then we got real about what it means to create something meaningful—like, truly meaningful—that lives outside of you (aka writing a book and having people actually read it). Cheri shared so vulnerably about that weird mix of “Oh wow, I did this” and “Oh no, people are experiencing it!” That tension of pride and vulnerability? Oof. We felt that one.
She also broke down pelvic health in the most relatable, clear way. We’re not just talking Kegels here, folks. We’re talking bladder, bowels, hips, low back, hamstrings—the whole glorious area. And how all of that ties into our emotional wellness, creativity, and daily function. I mean, YES PLEASE to being able to sneeze without fear.
My favorite moment?
Honestly, there were so many. But I absolutely loved when Cheri said this:
“Even in the depths of hardship or pelvic symptoms, we are whole and worthy.”
Like… wow. That landed. It’s such a powerful reminder that we don’t need to fix ourselves to be whole—we already are.
What YOU can take away from this episode:
-
You don’t need to be a dancer to explore creative embodiment. If you’re alive and breathing, you’re invited into the dance.
-
Pelvic health is deeply connected to your everyday well-being. Don’t ignore it—get curious about it!
-
Your body holds wisdom. Whether through movement, ritual, or just lying face-down on the floor for a reset (yup, that’s a Cheri pro tip!), there are so many ways to reconnect.
-
Creativity isn’t about the product—it’s about the presence. Oof. That one hit me right in the yoga heart.
Let me know if you'd like more from Cheri—we talked about doing a possible bonus on creativity & ritual or maybe even a workshop collab! Would you love that as much as I would?! Drop me a comment or message!
In the meantime, breathe deep, check in with your body, and remember—you’re already whole.
With big love and a happy heart,
Joleen
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Cheri Dostal Ryba is a dancer, writer, yoga therapist, and soulful creative. Her work centers on helping women reconnect with their pelvic wellness, sensuality, and whole-body vitality. Through her retreats, writings, and teachings, Cheri empowers others to come home to themselves through movement, ritual, and reflection.
Follow Cheri
Episode Chapters with Timestamps:
[00:00 – 02:44] – Big Raven Farm Updates & Retreat Season Kickoff
[02:45 – 05:29] – Welcoming Cheri + Her Creative Credentials
[05:30 – 09:39] – What It Means to Be a Published Author
[09:40 – 14:54] – Pelvic Health: What We’re REALLY Talking About
[14:55 – 21:19] – Creativity as Embodiment
[21:20 – 28:09] – Dancer Roots & Improvisation as Healing
[28:10 – 28:59] –Yoga Off the Mat: Daily Resets & Present Awareness
[29:00 – 34:39] – Improvisational dance, presence, and body-based healing
[34:40 – 41:59] – Reclaiming the floor: resets and grounding
[42:00 – 47:59] – Tips for non-dancers who want to try embodiment
[48:00 – End] – Wrapping up with warmth and wisdom
Quotes from the Episode:
"Once I drop in, it's hard to be distracted. That’s the magic of embodiment." — Cheri Dostal Ryba
"Publishing my book was like tattooing my own wellness on my skin." — Cheri Cheri Dostal Ryba
"You don't need to be a dancer. If you're alive, breathing, and human—you're already in." — Cheri Dostal Ryba
"This is showing me I’m doing something that matters." — Cheri Dostal Ryba
Resources and Links:
- 📘 Grab Cheri’s book: Pelvic Yoga Therapy for the Whole Woman – A guide for healing, reconnection, and whole-body wellness.
- 💃 Join Cheri at her upcoming SATISFY RETREAT — explore movement, ritual, and renewal!
Love "Happy Time Craftcast"?
👉Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts and leave a review to help others discover our crafty community
👉Stay tuned for more Happy Time Craftcast with Joleen Emery. Subscribe now!
👉FOLLOW ME ON TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
👉SIGN UP FOR THE ART KIT OF THE MONTH CLUB