• Check in, centering, balanced hatha yoga set considering contraindications, relaxation (with imagery as appropriate),
• Balanced pranayama considering contraindications, meditation/centering.
• Include at least one suggestion from Karma, Bhakti, Raja, or Jnana Yoga tailored for this client.

1. Center for a few minutes in Savasana (Corpse pose) focusing on grounding, aligning and relaxing your body.
2. Notice, acknowledge and let go of your thoughts, find calm with your breath, then,
3. On an inhalation state the Affirmation: "I trust my inner wisdom.”
4. On each exhalation imagine that positive energy caressing you from within sheath by sheath, layer by layer
i. Physical,
ii. Energetic (Life Force),
iii. Mental & Emotional,
iv. Intellectual & Intuitive, and the
v. Bliss sheath.
b. Dwell longer on a layer if you feel the need for extra nurturing.

Anamaya: Seated: Check-in; Centering with Bhramari, seated on meditation cushion, breath awareness, stay present and mindfully aware; C/C, Extend L leg, bend to L side, arm up and around behind you, Konasana w/FF, nod/shake head, cactus arms, Spinal twist, repeat Other Side; Supine: Gentle Knees to chest, make circles with them, switch direction, R ft to floor, draw L knee in, then out (in-, exhale), Other Side. Bridge, Supta Matsyendrasana leg extended, MT, hands on Heart & Belly, connect to body and mind; full-body stretch, then Supine Dandasana w/ legs extended upward, Lower R leg, L leg to ceiling, Left L to L side, center, Left Leg to R side, Other side.

Restorative Resting Butterfly w/Bhramari 10 rounds; YN, Energy Work; stretch arms overhead, interlace fingers turning them outward, stretch and hold, float arms back to side, bring knees together, knees to chest, straighten legs. Close with 5 minutes of meditation and chanting.

Pranamaya: Taught Bhramari then practiced it. Practiced 10 rounds; the humming sound induces sleep and is good for insomnia.

Manomaya: Affirmation: “ I am resilient, I am strong.” During yoga, we practice concentrating on the breath, postures, and gazing point to train the mind to stay present. When the mind wanders, acknowledge the thought then let it go, bringing your mind back to the present.

Vijnjanamaya: The mind becomes harmonized, the awareness is directed inward. The vibration of the humming sound creates a soothing effect on the mind and nervous system. Release and observe the breath, observe the mind, observe the body.

Anandamaya: Allow the vibrations of the humming bee breath to turn your awareness inward, blocking external sensory input. Release and relax.

Yogic Philosophy: Ajna chakra is situated in the midbrain, behind the eyebrow center, at the top of the spine. This is where intellect and intuition develop. It is said to balance emotion and reason. This chakra’s color is indigo.

"You see your life with clarity, self-awareness, and emotional balance. You trust your inner knowledge, which allows you make balanced decisions." "You may also feel stuck in the day-to-day. Without the guidance of your inner wisdom, you may be unable to look beyond immediate problems and your own opinions. When you are thus out of balance, you may have difficulty seeing the bigger picture. You may feel mentally, foggy, anxious, or depressed." (https://www.yogajournal.com/yoga-101/chakras-yoga-for-beginners/chakratuneup2015-intro-ajna/)

Brhamari breath is said to open this chakra. The mind becomes steady and strong when Ajna is awakened. When we stimulate this chakra, we develop the mind, we ease the mind. Among other benefits, it is said to soothe the nerves, relieve stress, and supports the healing of bodily tissues, and induces sound sleep.

Closed with a check-out, centering, Chant.

In all sessions, the Client is encouraged to choose her own affirmations during asana practice. During Savasana at the beginning and YN at the end, I choose them or offer a small selection.

The Client was asked if she still felt comfortable with her priority of Strength, Flexibility and Calm. She smiled and said, "Let's put Calm, first." This is aligned with the information I've gleaned from Lupus websites and YouTube videos on the topic of Lupus.

She sat on a meditation cushion for Bhramari. Client reported in earlier sessions that she suffers from chronic knee pain. We continue to avoid Sukhasana and Balasan. We used Dandasana, 1/2 Dandasana, and Supine Dandasana as alternatives today.

Transitioning to the Restorative Resting Butterfly took a few minutes to set up and rest into. She wanted to practice YN in this pose. She prefers to have a blanket to cover her, and a hand towel to cover her eyes. I find hand towels better. I can lay an eye pillow over top of the towel which I did today.

She appears to center well at the beginning and relax at the end of the sessions. Chronic knee pain causes unease in different postures and in relaxations. I asked her to tell me how I can help. She said there's nothing to do about it but surgery.

MML commented that the Humming Bee Breath was interesting and unusual, and that she'd never tried it. She understood how blocking out the senses would be beneficial to focusing the mind. When asked about the vibrations, she stated that it somehow was soothing.

Thankfully, I've never suffered from chronic pain, thus, I find it difficult to truly understand how on-going pain feels. I acknowledge the face of it, and try to be aware of it when planning sessions but I'm not sure to what degree the pain is present, how painful it is. MML has dealt with this pain for years and says she has a high threshold for it. How much pain is she in when practicing? Since I lack the experience, I remind myself to be mindful and to ask. But, I don't want to repeatedly ask so I've said, please tell me if it isn't a feeling you wish to feel, or, if it's too much for you, please let me know.

The Client is smart and successful but I worry that her driven personality is not allowing her to be gentle with herself. Does she see it as a weakness, or as a bother, self-care? I'd like to become smarter on the topic then, talk to her about it. I think it would benefit the both of us.

Prior to the next session, I will ask the Client if she'd like to try an all-restorative practice vs asanas. I'm interested in hearing her response. I'd like to know what resonates with her.

Set aside time to talk about prioritizing self-care.

Contemplate what approach to take for the next session's Yoga Nidra.