• 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.

If/when client thinks about or feels emotions around the death of her husband or son, notice if and where she may feel bodily sensation. Where might she physically feel the emotions? What does it fell like? Is there imagery associated with the sensation?

Chair at the wall with shoulder rolls and chin tucks.

Listen to Ho’oponopono meditation recordings and see if the meditation resonates with her.

Check-in, catch-up since last session on July 1st. Discussion of recent health concerns, physician guidance and client’s diet related to digestive complications; revisted client’s goals noting grief and meditation not yet specifically explored.

Center, ground. Movement: Standing cow/cat, kayak, lateral bends, raise arms for gentle backbend, chair at wall with shoulder rolls and chin tucks. Shifting back into downward facing dog with hands on high windowsill and YT ‘s hand placed on back of heart space, forward toward plank, rhythmic movement. “Clearing the Path” from Paul Denniston: imaginary light sword/saber with diagonal hand movements to clear resistance, heaviness of grief, shame and regret. Sharing. All fours hip circles. Prone with thin blanket under pelvis and abdomen, YT’s hand placed on back of heart space while client practiced full diaphragmatic breathing. Seated, dandasana with big toe taps and leg shakes. Supine, guided relaxation with imagery. Seated, tapping and stroking heart center with extended exhale. Metta meditation, starting with own self. Reflection, planned future sessions.

Client is interested in processing grief. Discussed both yoga therapy and psychotherapy for grief. Client expressed openness to individual grief counseling/psychotherapy. Discussed client’s food choices and effects they may have on the acid reflux and involuntary food expulsion she has been experiencing recently, particularly lactose intolerance. The “Clearing the Path” practice gave the client a sense of lightness and was a welcome practice for her. Notion of somatics and internal sensory body awareness is somewhat remote for the client. She experiences her grief as thoughts in the mind. Something to explore further.

Pleased at the client’s openness and willingness to process her grief. This client may continue sessions after practicum. Latest physician consults have not addressed client’s health concerns. Wonder if the client’s difficulty with digestion, pelvic discomfort, and hyperkyphosis in some way related to manifesting grief held in the body.

Include healing heart meditation and grief processing movements with reflection. Introduce concept of gunas and doshas, hers being predominantly vata, and need for consistency of practice.