• 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. group to continue breath practices before dinner and before bed.
2. group to continue personal mantra repetition.
3. group to practice conscious eating.
4. mom to continue to work with her therapist about experiences of abuse. I called the therapist and informed her, with mother's permission.

1. opened group with diaphragmatic breathing and heel breathing while seated; I played sound bowls.
2. teddy bear was used by each group member. Marta shared experience of being abused by father (not present in session/not part of group) and this clearly set the tone for the rest of the family. Julia became fidgety in her chair, and the rest of the family was less talkative when their turn came around to speak. At this point, we all did a few rounds of diaphragmatic breathing. All members of the group seemed to feel better after this. Mother expressed gratitude to group for listening and states she and her therapist will continue to work on this together.

We then explored the topic of safety. It was clarified that mother's experience happened years ago, and that abuse is no longer occurring in the home, and that all members in the family feel safe in their current home situation.

4. after a brief break, it was clear the clients were happy to move on to a different subject. They each showed their food that they brought in. Julia brought potato chips. Mother brought in raisins and had a box of Cheez-its for other members of the group.

5. discussed conscious eating and tasting; discussed the effect of the sympathetic nervous system on the ability to digest food, and even the taste food. Clients expressed understanding of this concept. Discussed foods that would stimulate the nervous system and would be less helpful for facilitating a sense of calm. Talked about the Ayurvedic concepts of rajas, tamas, and satva.

6. demonstrated conscious tasting and each client practiced this with the chosen food.

After that, we ended with diaphragmatic breathing with sound bowls, and an agreement to practice conscious eating along with other practices.

Group overall, is feeling more comfortable with each other; it is clear that mother is starting to feel more comfortable with sharing. She likely felt lonely keeping these experiences to herself. Mother missed two days of work last week and Sara went to school 4/5 days again last week.

Giovanni, has taken in the teachings most readily and finds them in line with his studies of Buddhism. The youngest, Julia, also seems calmer and less reserved that she did when we first started.

Our group is progressing nicely. Mother's willingness to share her experience lets me know she is starting to feel safe in the group. I am grateful to be able to provide this conscious space to help facilitate a healing process.

1. will plan to use tradak practice.
2. will also plan to do the crystal/food coloring bowl practice to help demonstrate the true nature of the mind being calm and at peace.