• 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.

Kirtan kriya-12 minute version, Give the new positive mantra a try as often as the negative thoughts arise, PT exercises with breath, keep up gentle yoga classes and walking outdoors. Read through Atlas of the Heart and take note of what attracts her interest.

Check-in, center, ground. Pain=0; fatigue=1. The client talked about some of her plans for upcoming high school reunion events and how she’s getting ready for them; putting together outfits and preparing emotionally. She shared about her recent pattern of binge eating junk food; how she almost purged and did not; how she will swing the other way and not eat to make up for binging. We talked about balance, moderation, and strategies to refrain from binge eating while still satisfying her craving for a sweet after the evening meal.

We discussed some of her responses to the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire and her perceptions about her social support networks framed in terms of seeing clearly, vairagya. We also talked about her work to craft a counter narrative to “ugly, fat, stupid.”

Awareness practice. Selection of affirmation card. Down dog and Warrior I at the wall. Crocodile, sphinx, and up dog on the mat. Photos for capstone presentation.

To facilitate writing her positive, affirming statement, Thriving moment practice. Client recalls a time in her life when she felt fully alive, thriving, an awe inspiring moment. Imagine the scenario and all that lead up to the moment, the sense of accomplishment, taking in all five senses. Immerse herself in the felt sense of the moment. After the meditation and visualization, write some words to express the experience. Let the words flow through her. Client shared her responses. She created a new mantra: “I am loved, deserving, and strong.”

Closing. Schedule for upcoming sessions.

The client shared she felt calm and peaceful during the awareness practice. She expressed contentment with her current income and work schedule. She loves going to work at the consignment shop. She is considering taking some restorative yoga classes at the studio where she used to take hot power yoga, giving her an opportunity to reconnect with some yoga buddies.

The client’s mood was upbeat. Says she feels more confident. I’ll take it! She has been walking outside on a walking path where she can see the mountains. To alleviate right hip flexor pain, she periodically stops to do some lunge stretches along the way on that side. The intervals of stretching make it possible for her to walk without pain.

The client and I have developed a trusting, open relationship. I believe we have created a foundation upon which to anchor as the vicissitudes of life come along.

Discuss her reflections over the two weeks until we meet again: working with her new mantra, Kirtan Kriya, and movement practice. Awareness, ‘Ha’ breath, sama vritti/same wave breathing, movement, and rest. Incorporate the iRest yoga nidra technique after the training I take next week.