• 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.

We explored how 3-Part Breath can be a supportive tool during moments of stress and overwhelm. I encouraged my client to become more aware of these moments throughout the week and to practice the breath technique whenever she noticed herself becoming emotionally heightened. As part of her home practice, I asked her to jot down a few of these experiences—how she felt, what she noticed, and whether the breath helped—so we could reflect on them together during our next session.

Spent the first 10-15 minutes asking MM a few more questions to fill in some gaps from the initial intake.

Centering (5 min): spent a few minutes grounding in a seated position.

Breathwork (10 min): demonstrated 3-Part Breath as well as Nadi Suddhi. Had MM try both types of breath and discussed how they felt in her body. Expand the benefits of pranayama and how they can be utilized at home when feeling stressed and anxious.

Asana (20-30 min): Began w/ very gentle movements in Sukhasana (side stretches, forward folds etc). Moved into some other poses beginning w/ demonstration, then having MM try them. For the first session, I chose some strengthening/empowerment poses such as: Warrior 1 and 2 and Goddess. I also chose these to see how they felt for her w/ her knees. We ended w/ Restorative Fish pose to open up the throat chakra.

Relaxation (10 min): Simple Body Scan

Closing (5 min): discussion around the session and as well homework.

It was a productive first session w/ MM and she is motivated and excited about the practices. She is very new to yoga in general, and has a kind curiosity about it to see how it can benefit her. We began by fleshing out her intake form a bit more and exploring what she’s truly hoping to shift through this work. After grounding into the space, I introduced her to 3-Part Breath and Nadi Suddhi. She was immediately receptive and seemed to feel a sense of calm and clarity as we practiced—she mentioned how helpful it felt to have a tangible tool to turn to when feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

We then moved into a few strength-based postures—Warrior I and II and Goddess—which she met with both curiosity and confidence. I could see her energy shift as we moved, and she shared that she felt stronger and more steady in her body than she had expected. We closed with Restorative Fish and a guided Body Scan meditation, which she described as deeply calming. By the end of the session, she seemed visibly lighter, more grounded, and expressed gratitude for how supported she felt throughout.

Overall, I feel the session flowed well and created a safe, welcoming space for my client to begin her journey. I stayed present, listened closely, and allowed space for her to share and process. I felt confident guiding the breath practices and grounding techniques, and she seemed to resonate with them. Moving into strengthening postures felt like the right choice, and I adjusted cues intuitively based on her needs as well as checked in several times to see how the poses felt in her knees. If anything, I’d like to be even more mindful of pacing in future sessions, allowing a bit more time for integration between transitions. I’m feeling encouraged and excited to continue building this connection and tailoring the work to support her growth.

My plan for Session 2 is to keep a similar format. I plan to start by seeing if she was able to try to homework and how that landed for her during the week. We will then ground, and move into Pranayama reinforcing both breaths that were taught in session 1. I will then move into more asana, building off what we had started in the first session. I'd also like to begin adding in some key concepts from Yoga Philosophy in our sessions.

For session 2, I plan on introducing her to the Aparigraha and having an open dialogue about non-attachment. MM has been married to an alcoholic for a very long time (he is now sober) and has been there through his addiction and his recovery. She appears to hold onto a lot of shame, anger and resentment towards her husband because of his addiction. She also suffers from Abhinivesa - clinging to life - as she has repeatedly made comments about her fear of death and being the "next in line."

We will end with a "Letting Go" guided meditation and discussion of the upcoming week's "homework."