• 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.

Ahimsa Awareness Homework
This week, pay attention to moments—big or small—when you notice thoughts, feelings, or actions that may feel harsh, judgmental, or unkind (toward yourself or others). Use the worksheet to briefly describe what came up and reflect on how you might gently reframe it through the lens of Ahimsa (non-harming).

Ask yourself:

1. “What would compassion look like here?”
2. “How can I respond more kindly to myself or others?”

We'll take time to share any insights or challenges in our next group session.

Centering (5 min): Grounding

Discussion (10 min): Introduce myself and Yoga Therapy. Have everyone introduce themselves and say 1-2 sentences about what drew them to idea of signing up for the 5-Week Yoga Therapy group.

Yoga Philosophy (10-12 min): Introduced the concept of the Yamas and NIyamas. Explained how each session for 5 weeks will have a theme (each Yama per week). Explained that today, Week 1, will be a discussion around Ahimsa. Told them what it translates to and then went around the room asking each participant to say what comes to mind when we think of "non-harming."

Breathwork (10 min): Discussed the importance of breathing in yoga. Taught 3-Part Breath and had the participants spend a few minutes trying it. We then had an open discussion about how that felt in their bodies.

Asana (20 min): Had everyone start seated either on the mat or in a chair. I had 8 people in this group, which was too many, and the class was immensely variable in ability. We started by closing the eyes, feeling into the body and setting an intention for our 5-Week Series. I then led them through very gentle movements with head rolls, shoulder rolls, wrists, neck etc.

Relaxation (10 min): Loving Kindness Meditation (to practice Ahimsa)

Closing (5 min): Q&A; discussed homework.

The group was definitely engaged and interested. Some members were more apt to open up than others, which is to be expected.

I found it difficult to moderate a group of 8 with varying levels of ability. A lot of time was spent here making adjustments for certain members and we were also in the Senior Center where we don't have access to a lot of props. This part was challenging for me. I also found it challenging to make sure anyone with less physical ability did not feel intimidated or bad that they were "holding anyone back."

I did the very best I could with a large group of varying ability. I think moving forward having chairs ready for all (they can use or not), will make it a little easier. The first session was tough because I did not know who would be in my group until the session started. (Frustrating!)

My plan for next session is to have the room ready with chairs and as many props as I can get (I'll prob bring some from my studio). I'll have the session laid out in advance with modifications for those who need it.