• 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.

I had to adjust and adapt to "drop in" participants, who may or may not be experiencing pelvic or low back pain. I find it challenging to truly offer support to the targeted conditions when the doctor is opening the class to anyone.

Clients experienced a reduction in low back and pelvic pain, as well as reduced tension in the hamstrings.
Clients reported feeling more calm and relaxed at the end of each practice.
I have also observed an increase in overall ease of movement and movement confidence specifically with Christine and Trina over the course of the case study.

Clients have reported an overall reduction in chronic tension in their hamstrings and low back, as well as greater proprioceptive awareness and connection to sensations in their bodies. I have observed an increase in movement confidence and overall range of motion in the standing asanas with the support of the yoga wall, straps and cradle.

The clients who weekly present more tamasic at check in report feeling "awake yet calm" at the end of the practice. I have also observed increase abdominal movement during deep diaphragmatic breathing since the initial assessments.

Where I have observed the most change here has been in the clients' communication. During the first session when I would ask what they were experiencing in a pose, or how they felt afterwards, they seemed reflective but were silent. Over the weeks they have begun to share more - not only about their experience with a pose, but more before the start of class as well as after. I attribute this to their feeling more safe in the environment and building both relationships with me as well as the other participants.

During shavasana and yoga nidra I feel like clients have had the opportunity to rest in the vijnanamaya kosha, even if just for a few minutes. After these practices I observe more sattvic presentation, as well as their feedback of feeling "calm" and "relaxed."

On intakes and during assessment, in response to my question on spiritual practice, I received answers including "praying," "meditation," "open to anything," and "personal." Beyond giving an introduction to the panchakosha model and introducing the idea of the anandamaya kosha, I don't feel that I explicitly offered practices to connect with the anandamaya kosha. Perhaps the challenge is really with me in navigating the expectations of the practice and Dr. Casey, gauging each client's willingness to explore spiritual practices, and my becoming more skillful at integrating them into the offerings of each session.

Christine has reported feeling more strength and stability in her core, with less consistent low back pain. Trina has reported feeling less tension in her low back and hips, and becoming more confident in her asana practice. I have observed more diaphragmatic movement with dirga swasam in both.

The "drop in" clients, being Emily, Todd, Liz, Allen and Natia, all reported feeling "stretched out," "calm," "relaxed," and "better" after sessions.

Practice: Surya Namaskar at the wall. Take your time with each pose, feeling the movement of the breath in your body and connecting with sensations present.

Practice: Brahmari breath - explore different mudra options (traditional as well as "helmet mudra").

Have pushed for the training to be scheduled up front. Fortunately Dr. Casey has been open to my suggestions around mat based options being included, as well as other tools of yoga that I have begun to share with her.

From a class environment standpoint... I am not able to dim the fluorescent office lighting in the space, and sometimes during Shavasana you can hear the office manager on the phone answering client questions. I wish there was a solution that allowed me to reduce environmental distractions during relaxation and yoga nidra.

Still navigating the relationships between medical professionals (who pay me to teach the class) and the clients.

Yes. It has been challenging but in ways that I believe are allowing me to grow in competence and confidence. I'm also attending an in person training on yoga therapy for pelvic floor with Leslie Howard in DC the first week of September, and I'm looking forward to sharing my learnings with Dr. Casey and growing my working relationship with her, as well as the regular clients attending weekly sessions.