• 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.

Adjustments were made to the original capstone care plan to better support the client’s fluctuating fatigue and need for deep rest. Gentle asanas were adapted to emphasize the functional balance of the vayus, particularly grounding and stabilizing energy. Slow, supported movements and mild forward folds encouraged apāna for grounding and prāṇa for steadiness while respecting the client’s limited energy.
A restorative posture was also added at the end of each session to allow for complete relaxation and integration of the practices. This extended rest helped the client release physical tension and settle the nervous system. The client responded positively to this change, noting, “The resting at the end helps everything settle.”

These adjustments allowed the care plan to remain responsive to the client’s needs while continuing to support the goals of breath awareness, relaxation, and increased mind–body awareness.

The client demonstrated meaningful progress toward the goal of developing regular breath awareness, using affirmations, and engaging in relaxation practices to support overall well-being. She reported increased familiarity with breath regulation and described using slow, conscious breathing during moments of fatigue or emotional stress. Reflecting on this change, she shared, “When I slow my breath, my whole body feels calmer.”

The client also reported that the affirmations and relaxation practices introduced in the sessions helped shift her internal dialogue toward greater self-compassion and acceptance. During guided relaxation, she was able to settle more quickly and described feeling “lighter and more at ease” afterward.

Across the six sessions, the client demonstrated growing awareness of the interconnectedness of her physical sensations, emotional responses, and mental patterns.

The client reported improved comfort with gentle movement and greater awareness of physical limits. She described feeling less fearful of aggravating pain and more confident pacing activity. Gentle asana and restorative rest supported relaxation of muscular tension and reduced physical stress. She noted that slower, supported movements felt sustainable and helpful for managing fatigue. Reflecting on the changes, she shared, “I feel like I understand what my body needs better,” and reported noticing early signs of fatigue and responding with rest or breath rather than pushing through discomfort.

The client reported increased awareness of her breathing and its influence on energy and stress levels. Breath practices such as slow diaphragmatic breathing and extended exhalation helped her regulate moments of fatigue and emotional strain. She noted that conscious breathing helped her feel calmer and more balanced during the day. The client shared that she began using breath awareness independently between sessions, explaining, “When I slow my breathing, everything settles down.” These experiences suggest improved regulation of energy and greater familiarity with breath as a supportive self-care tool.

The client described improvements in emotional regulation and her ability to respond to discomfort with greater calm. Relaxation practices and affirmations supported a shift toward more compassionate self-talk. She reported feeling less overwhelmed by fluctuations in symptoms and more able to pause before reacting to stress. Reflecting on this change, she stated, “The affirmations help me remember that my body is doing the best it can.” These reflections indicate growing awareness of mental patterns and increased capacity to respond to stress with steadiness and care.

The client reported greater insight into the relationship between her physical symptoms, energy levels, and emotional responses. Through mindfulness and breath awareness, she described developing the ability to observe sensations without immediately reacting. She reflected, “I’m noticing what my body and mind need sooner.” This increased discernment allowed her to pace activities more skillfully and respond to fatigue earlier. The client demonstrated growing confidence in choosing supportive practices such as breathing or resting when needed, indicating emerging self-awareness and discriminative understanding of her condition.

The client described experiencing moments of calm, ease, and inner steadiness during relaxation and restorative practices. While symptoms of lupus remained present, she reported feeling more centered and less defined by them. She reflected that the practices helped her reconnect with a sense of peace and presence, stating, “I feel more centered and present.” The restorative posture and guided relaxation supported experiences of deep rest and emotional comfort, contributing to a subtle but meaningful sense of well-being and acceptance.

“The affirmations help me remember that my body is doing the best it can.” She reported becoming more attentive to early signs of fatigue and tension, allowing her to pause and respond with breath or relaxation rather than pushing through discomfort. As she explained, “I’m noticing what my body and mind need sooner.”

Overall, the client’s reflections indicated increased mind–body awareness and a deepening sense of inner steadiness. She described feeling more connected to herself not only physically and mentally but also on a deeper level, stating, “I feel more centered and present.” These reflections suggest increased physical awareness, emotional regulation, mental clarity, and a growing sense of spiritual grounding through the practices introduced in the program.

Session #4:

Set a timer if you'd like.

1. In a quiet, dark, undisturbed space comfortably relax in a supine posture with a bolster under your knees, pillow your under head, etc.
a. Mindfully scan your body from your toes to head then slowly scan downward to your toes.
b. Become aware of your breath. Box breath, taking long exhalations,
c. Now take some time to visualize your favorite lake scene

2. If you wish, reflect on
a. What you notice about your breath today, and,
b. Where do you hold tension.

Theme: “I am resilient and whole."

Session # 5:
1. Read the document on Sa Ta Na Ma.
2. Find a comfortable supported seated or supine posture
3. Practice Sa Ta Na Ma Meditation. :O)

Reflecting on the sessions, I would spend more time researching knee pain and appropriate modifications for clients with sensitive or compromised knees. Although the practices were gentle and well tolerated, a deeper exploration of knee anatomy, common sources of discomfort, and therapeutic adaptations for asana would have allowed me to offer an even wider range of safe movement options.

With additional preparation, I could incorporate more specific alignment cues, supportive props, and alternative postures that reduce pressure on the knees while still supporting stability and mobility. Expanding my knowledge in this area would help ensure that future sessions are even more individualized and responsive to joint limitations, allowing clients with knee sensitivity to move with greater comfort and confidence.

Steffany provided excellent support all along the way.

Yes, I found the experience deeply meaningful and rewarding. Supporting the client through gentle practices and witnessing her growing confidence in managing symptoms reinforced the value of individualized yoga therapy.

Hearing reflections such as, “I feel like I have tools now,” and “When I slow my breathing, everything settles down,” was especially encouraging. The process reminded me that even small, consistent practices can create meaningful shifts in awareness, self-compassion, and well-being. Working with this client strengthened my appreciation for the therapeutic relationship and the role of yoga as a supportive, compassionate approach to living with chronic illness.