• 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.

Journaling prompt response. Kirtan kriya-12 minute version, PT exercise with breath, Taking in the Good, at least 3x/day, journaling prompt, take warm bath with Epsom salts balance pitta dosha, keep up gentle yoga classes.

Check-in, center, ground. Pain=0, fatigue=3 (lowest level since started tracking.) Awareness practice. Selection of affirmation and color cards. Discussion of 2nd David Frawley dosha questionnaire responses and characteristics of types. Results: vata-14, pitta-26, kapha-10. Talked about feeling like a failure, anger. Breneé Brown, Atlas of the Heart, What’s behind this anger graphic. Experiment with adding felt pad under 1” yoga brick to make it closer to 1 ½”. Movement: standing spinal movements. At the wall: down dog, plank up dog sequence repetition; dynamic Warrior I, ½ pyramid, static twist, integrating affirmation. Sun breaths. All 4’s: hip circles, dynamic shifting forward, back to downward puppy/1/2 dog sequence. Prone: sphinx, seal (PT exercise,) crocodile with Bhramari breath to engage ventral branch of the vagus nerve, elicit relaxation response. Guided relaxation. Reviewed components of avidya, “I am not…”

Client is more rested, engaged, taking group gentle yoga classes 2x/week, able to reflect on recent depletion and start to consider other work options. She is open and interested in creating a counter “mantra” to “ugly, fat, stupid.” Repeating the positive mantra to herself when the negative one emerges. Learned the client has a family history brain aneurysms. Client shared has small brain aneurysm and growth; family history-mother, aunt, grandmother. Neurologist consultation next week. Client encouraged by lack of pain. Vertigo and memory loss still a concern. Suggested consulting her neurologist: could aneurysm be contributing? Suggested client discuss failure and demoralizing “mantra” with her psychotherapist.

Client is out of survival mode and engaged. Negative self-talk persists. Her mood is lighter, reduced work load and pain reduction likely main contributors. She is beginning to notice when the negative thoughts show-up, ask if they are Velcro or Teflon, possibly reverse the negative thought.

Returning to self-care and better protection from client's energy is giving me more strength and clarity before, after, and in-session.

Discuss home journaling response, kirtan kriya, dynamic asana linked to expansive breath practice. Include heart chakra in movement and self-inquiry. Explore her desires for her life, Upanishads “You are what your deepest desire is. As is your desire, so is your intention. As is your intention, so is your will. As is your will, so is your deed. As is your deed, so is your destiny.”