• 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. do the stream of consciousness writing; practice tradak practice. Clients encouraged to journal as well.
2. continue other practices that were taught as well.
3. bring in meaningful object to next group session

Opened with breathing practices and crystal sound bowls
Did check in with passing around talking bear.
Family discussed their experience with yoga nidra, their experiences this past week, feelings at work, difficulties at work and home. Giovanni was more open in this session and spoke openly about his job and its challenges. Julia chose to do her check in while seated on the floor.

Pulled positive affirmation card (Louise Hay How to Love Yourself and read it). Family each reflect on the meaning. Card stated "I choose a bright future right now."

Took brief break. When returned, family each presented their objects that they chose. Discussed the mind body connection and how mindfulness can help nurture a sense of calmness. Inquired as to clients' past experiences with meditation. Giovanni spoke of his current regular practice. Mother stated she had tried but was unable to concentrate.

Taught concentration practice in which each client holds the chosen object in his/her hand or on the table if it's too big. Demonstrated active concentration with my object for 3 minutes, then allowing the eyes to close (or lowering the gaze for those not comfortable with eye closure) for another three minutes imagining object in the mind.

Group did this practice together. Gave each group member a chance to reflect on the practice. Instructed them to use this practice daily, at a time that works best for them. Giovanni had not used this practice in the past and planned to incorporate it before he started his usual silent meditation in the AM.

Discuss that the timing of this practice can be increased over time, but to start with smaller amounts of time (home work was for 6 min max practice; 3 mins of open eyes and 3 mins of imagining object in mind)

Mother asked question, which asked what to do when her mind felt so full of thoughts that meditation is difficult.

Discussed this concept with group and all members, except for Julia, had experienced this feeling of having too many thoughts.

Introduced a practice of stream of consciousness writing, which was termed, "Drain the Brain." Clients, for 10-15mins, in silence, wrote on a piece of paper all of the thoughts which came to their mind. Grammar, capitalization, spelling, making even formed letters was irrelevant. The most important idea was that the thoughts were "drained" out onto the paper. Explained this emptying a kitchen sink garbage disposal. By dumping out the excess thoughts, the mind could be clear to proverbially spin.

Clients really like this practice. Discussed using it before the tradak practice if that would be helpful. Could also be used at times when clients feel overwhelmed, or before bed to help with clearing the mind before sleep.

Overall, the groups thoughts during the check in have become less anxious. The speech is less rapid and I can feel the change in energy when we open with the sound bowls and meditation. They are progressing well. Mother has been attending work each day of the last week and Sara continues to go to school. Giovanni was sick this past week so was not at work. Mother has noted that she gets less tightness in her shoulders and eye area since using the chair yoga practice that we reviewed. Clients have continued to use yoga nidra, and Sara finds this helpful before bed.

I have found a good amount of satisfaction in working with this family and I can see and feel the difference from when we started.

1. plan to delve into conscious speaking and listening practice
2. plan to use meaningful object to make a little space/table in the room with meaningful objects.