• 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.

Yoga Sutra 1.2 – Calming the Mind

"Yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind."

Practice:
• Set a timer for 5–10 minutes
• Sit comfortably in a chair, feet grounded
• Practice Dirga Swasam (Three-Part Breath)
• Try Torso Circles or Seated Cat/Cow, coordinating with your breath

Reflection Questions:
• When I focus on my breath, how does my body respond?
• Which movement helped calm or ground me the most?

Introduce: Yoga Sutra 1.2 – “Yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind”

Focus: Grounding, breath awareness, nervous system regulation

Centering
• Seated centering: awareness of body, mind, breath
• Introduction to The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and Sutra 1.2 — calming the mind’s fluctuations
• Gentle breath observation
• Dirga Swasam (Three-Part Breath): slow, complete breaths into belly, ribs, chest
• Cue gentle lengthening of the exhale
• May use hands on body for tactile feedback

Chair Asanas
• Neck & Shoulders
•. Torso Circles: slow, supported spinal movement
• Seated Cat/Cow: coordinated with breath
• Seated ½ Forward Fold with support — awareness to lengthen spine
• Side bend
• Spinal twist
• Leg lift with ankle rotations

Supported Standing Asanas with Chair
•. Mt
• Hip circles
• Katichakrasana (with straightish arms and bent knees)
•. Tippy toes, heels, ex- & internal rotations
• Tree

Closing
• Bhramari (Buzzing Bee Breath) — to soothe nervous system
• Introduction to meditation - brief meditation with
• Reflection on calming the mind through breath and movement

The client was receptive to an introduction to The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Following a brief discussion, he expressed understanding of the concept of “stilling the fluctuations of the mind” and shared that he looked forward to learning techniques to support this.

Due to difficulty getting up and down from the floor, the client opted to practice in a chair. This was his first experience with yoga, including chair-based practices. He expressed interest in learning breathing techniques to “breathe properly.” I explained that conscious breathing can support stillness in both the body and mind. While he is already breathing adequately, bringing awareness to the breath and encouraging deeper, more mindful respiration may offer therapeutic benefits.

The client was able to sit with eyes closed during the closing practice. He noted that maintaining focus on the breath was challenging. I reassured him that this is a common experience and that concentration improves with regular practice over time.

It was meaningful to observe how the client gradually relaxed over the course of the session. While I have a deep, intuitive understanding of the Yoga Sutras—particularly across multiple kosha levels—I often find it challenging to articulate these concepts clearly. Expressing this kind of embodied knowledge in words does not come naturally to me, and I continue to work on developing language that bridges intuitive understanding with accessible explanation.

Offer to work with him on strategies to get up and down from the floor. He is a tall man who may need a taller chair. We placed a cushion on the chair but his 'seat' wasn't as stable as I'd prefer. Continue with gentle asanas, the sutras, and using breath to calm the body and mind, leading to one of his goals, patience.