• 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.

Session #2:
1. Centering in Savasana (corpse pose on back with props) practicing Dirga Swasam (3-part breath). See if you can feel your breath expanding your back ribs as well as the front. Add an affirmation repetition.
Examples:
a. My body is capable of healing; or,
b. I choose to find moments of joy amid today’s discomfort.
2. Reflection: How can I better nurture myself?

Theme: Santosh

Affirmation: “I am balanced and peaceful in mind and body.” (Client prefers that I provide the affirmations. One less thing for her to think about."

Centering
• Supine grounding with body scan, breath awareness, and clearing of the mind (was fatigued)
• Dirgha Breath with gentle breath counting
• Affirmation - “I am balanced and peaceful in mind and body.”
• Om
Seated Asanas
• Seated Neck & Shoulder Rolls
• Cactus/extended overhead/ W-arms
• Seated Spinal Twist
Spine and Core
• TT
• C/C focusing on spinal segments; breathing 360
• Thread the Needle
• TT w/ L forearm down, R straight, R arcs
Standing (Supported) Poses
• Swinging/loosening
• MT, find your balance/your focus, Explore acceptance and peace int he present moment; repeat affirmation; then
breath-led arm movements
• Side bends
• Warrior 1
• FF
Seated then Supine
•. Konasana
•. Dandasana
•. FF w/ supports over thighs under forehead
•. Bridge ending w/block and legs up
Relaxation
• Supported Savasana with guiding imagery at lakeside, her favorite place
• Simple gratitude practice – “How might I find moments of peace today?”
• Breath awareness in daily life
Closing

During check-in, MML reported that she was tired, overwhelmed, overworked at home and at work. There was nowhere in her environment where it was quiet. Someone always needed her, whether at work or at home. There is "no quiet zone" at home. We talked about how to find peace for example by greeting the family then stating, "I need 15 minutes of quiet time in my room. I'll set a timer and come back downstairs. Please allow me this time." (Remember, she has an adult daughter with disabilities who needs concrete rules.)

To meet her needs, I started her in a supported supine posture where we practiced centering using dirgha swarm with extended exhalations, inviting space into the breath. She likes to start this way with a bolster under the knees, a rolled blanket under the neck, a blanket over her body, a hand towel draped over her forehead, eyes, and bridge of the nose. I am allowed to so I gently use my hands by applying pressure on her forehead then sliding the palms down her temples, over her ears, to the floor. I then repeat this type of practice on her shoulders which are inevitably tense and raised. She softens her face, throat, shoulders. I do this during guided relaxation as well. The difference in tension or the lack thereof is noticeable.

Today we explored acceptance and peace in the present moment. Before we met today, I asked her what a favorite place in nature was. She said she loved being at a lake. During relaxation, I used guided imagery that featured being lakeside, moving through the senses, then holding the peace at heart center. It's always there, return to it frequently.

During closing, I asked that she place her open palms one on top of the other to seal in the peace she felt during relaxation, to allow the mind, body and spirit to meld into one safe peaceful place.

Before our start, I lit candles, plugged in the Himalayan salt lamp, cleaned the map and set up fresh props. I readied the room, then I readied my mind. Through my centering and meditation, I feel I was able to cultivate faith in myself and my abilities as a yoga therapist. I worked calmly through the breathing techniques with the client, the asanas, and imagery. I felt at ease which I believe transferred to the client. I used healing hand and arm movements like those we learned in one of our classes to identify then remove pain.

After checking in, I plan to start MML in the supported supine posture. When she enters the room, I sense a need for her to truly relax and center before the asanas. We will work on cultivating balance in the mind, body, and breath focusing on Santosh, and embracing the present moment.