• 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.

Practice for hand mobility, neck stretches with recording, dancing Ganesha synchronizing hand movements with side stepping for brain challenge and balance practice. Notice when she might be overexerting herself. Is there a pattern to this? What might it be reflecting? Balance activity with rest.

~ Check-in, center, ground. Feedback from homework over the past week. Awareness practice, seated spinal warm-up including Ann Swanson video hand movement sequences and joint freeing neck/head movements. Client shared memories of her husband’s 88th birthday celebration and his decline over the next three years after that. We talked about the grieving process and making space for all that arises, without judging or setting expectations for herself. The neck, head, and hand movements gave the client a feeling of lightness and freeness. Standing asana: cow/cat, empty coat sleeves, toe taps into Warrior I, dancing Ganesha. Short body scan with calming breath practice. Extended healing heart meditation with reflection. (Personalized guided imagery will be in session 5.) Reflection included healthy lifestyle choices and healthy diet choices. Closing.

The client reflected upon her ability to find alone time for quiet reflection when she visits her daughter at her beachside vacation home. She finds the setting conducive to holding her grief, being okay with being alone, a significant shift from the early days of her husband’s death and the recent deaths of her close relatives. In her words, “You need time with family and friends, and you also need time alone.” She’s finding balance in many aspects of her life.

The client is keen to share her wisdom and experiences as a wise teacher. I am reminded that yoga therapy is collaborative, the hierarchy is flattened. The exchange is heartwarming. Client is steadily moving toward her initial goals and a much deeper healing is progressing as well.

Same or similar first part of the session as today. Add a static standing balance (likely tree pose) as per care plan. At the end of the session, guide the client through the personalized guided imagery practice I have written for her. Leave time for a longer reflection, covering the five sessions we have had together.