• 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. Over the weekend set a timer for two minutes, sit comfortably with an upright posture, and repeat several times our affirmation, “I am focused, I am at peace with myself.”

Think of the Sanskrit word, Santosha, which means contentment. Do you feel happy after repeating your affirmation?

2. At bedtime, settle in by closing your eyes, stack your open palms over your heart then recreate the inner sanctuary you created in our session, where you felt at peace, calm. See if you can recall this and practice it throughout the day before you feel anxious, as well as when you are anxious.

3. Sit peacefully and imagine the space created in your chest when you inhale deeply. As you exhale, imagine the light at your heart-center. Be aware of the inner peace within you, and the calmness you possess.

4. When you find yourself thinking unkind thoughts about yourself or something you’ve done, take five deep breaths and repeat our affirmation, “I am confident, I am enough.” Replace negative thoughts with positive one.

5. Teach a parent Bhramari Pranayama, do it together with them. Do it three times, humming different tones. Ask them if they feel different, did it benefit them.

6. Chant Om 3x, practice standing side twists, then practice Sun Salutation following the guidance sheet. Stand in Mountain pose to feel the benefits.

refer to care plan already approved
entry for sessions 1-6

refer to care plan already approved
entry for sessions 1-6:

April 05, 2024: Session 1

Seated: Check-in, centering, Dirga Swasam, Affirmation set by me, repeat together out loud 3x, Chanting OM. With breath awareness. Neck twists, cactus arms to elbows together, wide arms to hugs (5x); Baddha Konasana (BK).

Hands-and-knees: Table top (TT), Cat/Cow(CC), Downward F. Dog (DFD),

Standing: FF, Mountain (Mt.). Scaffolded Sun Salutation (SS) (1-3) with roll-up (5x). Mt, Backbend, FF, ½ FF, roll up (3x);

To DFD, TT, Cobra, Revolved Cobra, TT, DFD Flow (2x)

Supine: Bridge, knees to chest, Guided Meditation, Centering, Chanting.

Simple cues, prompt for body awareness, hands-on adjustments when allowed.
Dirga Swasam w/hands on belly & heart; introduce nostril breathing vs through the mouth

Use one-pointed focus, repeating aloud as a sangha throughout each session’s practice the day’s affirmation. “I am focused, I am at peace with myself.”

Tense and release physical form followed by Guided mediation with imagery (waterfall): perception of colors, smells, sounds, touch, taste.

Restate as a sangha the day’s affirmation and chant Shanti 3x; then, offer, “peace within you, peace around you, and peace on earth”.
Direct clients to become aware of the place within them that connects them to their spirit. There’s a peaceful, joyous place deep within them that is pure contentment, Santosha.

Simple cues, prompt for body awareness, hands-on adjustments when allowed.

April 12, 2024 Session 2:

Seated: Check-in, centering, Dirga Swasam, Affirmation "I am calm", Chanting OM. With breath awareness - Hero, high kneel, TT, ½ plank, Balasana, Hero (5x);

Standing: Mt, arms raised, side bends, Twist (3x); Sun Salutations (1-3) w/ roll-up (5x); FF.

To hands and knees: TT, Advasana, Cobra, Balasana, Sphinx w/ side look, Balasana (3x).

Supine: Supine Spinal Twist, Happy Baby, Bridge (3x)

Savasana w/ Yoga Nidra (YN) with Guidance, sensing in detail the body parts and energy surrounding them.

Awareness of the physical body, one’s inner sanctuary at heart center, the breath, then sense the ease of these as they meld together. Affirmation, “I am calm.”

Release physical tension, increase bodily relaxation until thinking subsides. Notice the calmness of your body and mind, fewer vocalizations & verbalizations.

Return to the inner sanctuary of love, restate as a sangha the day’s affirmation, seal it within. Chant Shanti together 3x; then, offer “peace within you, peace around you, and peace on earth”.

Daya, compassion, practice this toward yourself; be kind to yourself. Let go of expectations, be good to yourself, breathe in self-love.

April 19, 2024 Session 3:

Seated:

Check-in, centering, Dirga Swasam w/ hands on side ribs, feel the breath, the body expand on the inhale, contract on the exhale.
Feel spaciousness on inhale and light behind the heart center on the exhale. Invite them to exist at the same time. “I am aware, I am in touch with my inner self.place your hands on your side ribs, breathing, feel how the ribs expand and contract, feel your breath, Affirmation, "I am focused on the here and now" Chanting OM. Talked about body awareness,

With breath awareness -

Seated on block or bolster- focus on sitting bones; notice how your hips and knees feel; place blocks under the thighs if it helps.

Joint loosening, neck, shoulders, hands, wrists. C/C, torso circles, side twist hand on opposite knee, Staff;

Hands and knees to Standing

TT, C/C, DFD, FF, Mt, SS (1-5); Mt., T-arms w/twist, Cactus arms w/twist, Palm Tree twist w/backbend, Mt. on tip-toes, Mt.;

Malasana to sitting to Navasana to Savasana. YN guided relaxation, focus on spaciousness & inner light.

Sense the spaciousness at your heart center. Observe your inner peace, your inner light. Hold that feeling and know that you are enough.

Expand self-awareness progressively, build on each session’s teachings to cultivate calmness and focus.
Restate as a sangha the day’s affirmation and chant Shanti 3x; then, offer, “peace within you, peace around you, and peace on earth”.
Direct clients to the spaciousness created by the inhalation; the inner light on the exhalation. Focus on cultivating pure contentment, Santosha.

Session 4

Seated: Check-in, then Center in Savasana, Dirga Swasam w/ hands on belly & chest, set day’s Affirmation of "I am confident, I am enough", Chanting OM.

Supine: Wind-releasing pose, gentle supine spinal twist, rest on side,

Prone: Advasana, Balasana, TT look R/L over shoulders, Baby Cobra, Sphinx look L/R (3x); Balasana;

Standing: FF, SS (1-3 (3x), 1-5 (3x), 1-8 (3x), Utthita Tadasana, Goddess, (3x); Prasarita Padottanasana (PP), MT, Tree

Restorative Savasana: Focus on creating an evenness of breath, the rhythm of the in-breath is even to the rhythm of the out- breath. Guide clients to listen to my words during guided practice; improve focus and concentration, help to coordinate the mind and body. ”I am confident, I am enough.”

“I am confident, I am enough.” Repeating affirmations help to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. We harness the mind’s power by directing our intentions toward our best self and our happiest life. Close with Om Gata Vidhya-ya Namaha: (Ganesha Mantra to transcend fear, & thus feel more confident.)(teach 3x+3x)

Sutra 2.33: (vitarka-bādhane pratipakṣa-bhāvanam) When disturbed by negative thoughts, opposite [positive] ones should be thought of.

Session 5

Seated: Check-in, centering, Teach Bhramari Pranayama with mudra modification. Use the breath to move from a state of high stress to a state of low stress. “I am speaking kindly; I am acting peacefully.” Humming to balance the hemispheres of the brain enhancing mental clarity and focus, & emotional resilience and well-being. Affirmation ""I am speaking kindly. I am acting peacefully", Chanting OM.

Joint loosening – neck, shoulders, wrists, to TT, DFD, FF, 1/2 FF, reverse swan dive

Standing: FF, ½ FF, FF, reverse swan dive, Breath of Joy. Standing wide-legged arm swings w/chest /kidney tapping, Skiing,
Tree, SS (1-3 (3x), 1-8 (3x), 1- 12 (3x),

Supine: wind-releasing, spinal twists.

Savasana with Guided Meditation with body scan, progressive muscle relaxation with movement then imagery (at the lake), perception of colors, smells, sounds, touch, taste. Repeating the affirmation, letting go of the body, breath and thoughts. Notice the ease of breath, weightlessness of body, quieted mind.

Implied experience of peace at a lake, rippling water, cool breeze, blue sky, the warmth of the sun. The peace that’s already within has the opportunity to surface; reach deeply through the layers. Close with affirmation repetition and Shanti chant.

Sutra 1.2 (yogash chitta-vritti-nirodha) Yoga is the mastery of the mind’s fluctuations. Steady and calm the mind to know your true nature.

Session 6

Seated: Check-in, centering, Dirga Swasam, Affirmation, Chanting OM.

Neck figure-8s, yes/no, shoulder rolls, butterfly, Windshield wipers, Upavistha Konasana, Parsva Upavistha Konasana, to

TT, C/C, ½ plank, Cobra, Balasana flow 5x

Standing: Mt., Palm Tree twist (3x), Side bends, SS (3x) holding postures helping clients 1:1;

Supine: wind releasing pose, side twists, reclined Knee Circles,
.
Constructive Rest Wind Release Pose Breath Flow. Focus on connecting your thoughts to your body and breath. Place attention on being present, your body is free to let go and reset.

“I am calm, I am present, I am peaceful.” One-pointed focus on the affirmation, know you are capable and enough.

Integration of breath, body, and mind with affirmation repetition. Focus first on the movements, breath and concentration, then release, let go and witness the ease within, the calmness in the present moment, at peace.

Witness the ease within, the calmness in the present moment, at peace. Feel the innate joy and happiness through your practice. Close with the affirmation repetition and one minute of silence.

Deepen the talk on Sutra 1.2 (yogash chitta-vritti-nirodha) Yoga is the mastery of the mind’s fluctuations. Steady and calm the mind to know your true nature.

Session 1

IF: absent
WA: absent
GA: distracted; participated only when prompted; halfway into asanas; commented on the waterfall guided relaxation
SJ: vocalizations; redirection; participated half the time; tried when asked; vocalized again during guided relaxation so I stood near her to redirect
LF: stiff, not flexible; appears to lack body-awareness; tries hard to follow along, props are useful
SH: flexible, follows clues 70% of the time; doesn't hold poses
JK: positive attitude, good attempt, teaching body/space awareness
EC: can follow cues; sets up in far back corner of the studio, stays in savasana at end until the lights are turned on again

I used hands-on adjustments with all participants with permission from them and their parents and/or guardians. Helped set up props each time. Moved clients out of poses when working longer with one of them.

Session 2

IF: hands-on adjustments, spinal awareness, breathing; mom in session to assist with IF
WA: absent
GA: absent
SJ: absent
LF: limb and joint awareness with prompts and adjustments to correct slouching spine; props helped with stiffness
SH: great flexibility; self-talk, needed redirection, using sign language with this client; some adjustments; followed cues well and was guided to hold asanas instead of going into- and out of poses;
JK: attentive; adjustments; lengthening spine in all asanas; "Our posture, we're doing this for our posture."
EC: appeared to still be upset with vocalizations during the previous adapted dance class. didn't participate, laid in savasana the entire class.

Session 3

IF: focused on breathing and self-awareness including body movements and breath; was well-focused
WA: asked to calm self-talk and focus on breath and body awareness; self regulation and focus throughout the session; practices yoga 3- 5x/week
GA: Asked to participate, chose to lie down with cushion under his head; asked to be a role model for others who were new to yoga;
SJ: needed help with self-regulation of emotions, and vocalizations; guided to focus on cueing; respect peers who were in guided relaxation.
LF: guided through breathing as spinal adjustments were made and props put in place;
SH: absent
JK: prompted to follow cues for breathing practice; helped with adjustments and focus
EC: helped with breathing practices and focus; are aware and emotionally balanced today.

Session 4

IF: body awareness with adjustments, self-awareness
WA: Focus, try to quiet self-talk, return to the present moment by repeating the affirmation
GA: agitated with client who is vocalizing so much; this seems to encourage her to vocalize more; not participating
SJ: vocalizing; cursing; not following; had her step out of the studio for a bit
LF: worked on flexibility, body awareness with adjustments, self-awareness, loses poses if not prompted to hold
SH: absent
JK: adjustments and self-awareness; has begun to rely on prompts, helped with balance in 'proposal lunge'
EC: sat with hands over ears the entire class due to the cursing and loud vocalizations of other client; unable to regroup once SJ was asked to sit with dad

Session 5

IF: absent
WA: good proprioception, self-awareness, focus
GA: needing prompts to participate and hold poses; commented on the lake guided relaxation, appears to enjoy this part of the practice the most
SJ: distracted, needed cues; quiet most of the class; thanked her for her focus
LF: absent
SH: did well with breathing practice, self-regulation, and self-awareness; quiet self-talk good attention during sun salutations
JK: absent
EC: absent

Session 6

IF: self-awareness; worked on coordination of body parts with hands-on adjustments
WA: good work; self talk distracted from focus; responded to prompts and cues
GA: new behavior of making noises which I ignored until EC was covering ears, prompted to participate
SJ: late to classy appeared to lose interest the last ten minutes, unable to concentrate on cueing
LF: absent
SH: reminders to stay in pose; did well following cues and quieting some of self-talk
JK: absent
EC: participated and followed most cues until vocalization became too much for her

Sessions:

1. observations needed to be jotted down as class progressed so I made a chart. I spoke of body awareness, and how we can improve our posture, our balance, and relieve pain. These sessions will require patience, simple cueing, adjustments, and repetition.

2. When the client chose not to participate, I prompted a few times, walked over to EC a few times as well to check on her. I feel an obligation to these clients with IDD since their parents entrust them to me. I want to do my best to ensure they learn something in these classes; and will use what they learn outside of the studio.

3. Vocalizations disturb clients during guided relaxation; trying to find a balance between helping those vocalizing to redirect their energy, and my own peace. When one starts, another complains, and these two are on different sides of the studio. I've spoken to both of them, and have told the class that at times someone may be asked to leave the studio to regroup. Even when I do send someone out, it doesn't always stop the behavior. I need to learn to let go of this, while also coming up with a plan on how while in the studio to keep the energy balanced.

4. An hour class is 15 minutes too long with this grouping. JK is affected by GA's lack of participation. Where JK participated in the first sessions, he began to copy GA's lack of participation. GA and CE are bothered by SJ's vocalizations; GA becomes vocal, adding to the 'noise', CE shuts down. It can be very difficult to manage this group when the energy in the studio is disturbed. I dropped some poses, and had clients in supine positions at the beginning and end of class. Perhaps this threw some of the clients.

5. Class was before a dance so some clients were absent. It presented for a quieter class with more participation with cueing. A smaller class would seem to make more sense in the future.

6. Calmer class today that flowed well. Everyone made a good effort apart from GA. I tried to ignore this as much as possible focusing on movement and energy from the solar plexus, from the earth to the sky. I have little time between classes and realize that having more time between these sessions would do me good, allowing me time to reset and find my balance.

1. After the intakes, I was able to refine the plan of care. Over the ten sessions, I plan to teach the sun salutations in a scaffolded manner, practicing it as a whole when the clients are ready, introduce an affirmation each class, either one I offer or what the class offers, use guided relaxation, and chanting with them.

2. Attention to breathing; " I am calm," affirmation.

3. Expand self-awareness progressively, build on each session’s teachings to cultivate calmness and focus.

4. Begin with explaining why we're all here, practicing yoga together. And how important it is to respect each other, and respect me. If there are questions, to please ask, and to remember that it is for our health and well-being that we practice.

5. After joint loosening, will focus on Sun Salutations as clients appear to enjoy their success with the scaffolded SS and their ability to follow through. We'll focus on energy and prana during our session.

6.Practice fewer asanas, and use time to check -in and -out with clients. Use guided relaxation as a means to find calmness before the weekend.