• 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.

I added balance exercises and eye movements this week.

1. Balancing Exercise: I provided a sheet with images and instructions for balance exercises, reminded him to practice safely with a clear surrounding, and use a table or wall for support.

2. Eye movement: 1 or 2 times daily and as needed.

3. Gratitude Journal: I encouraged Dan to start a gratitude journal and advised him to add other items if he like to.

4. JAPA Meditation with Alternate Nostril Breathing**: Suggested combining his 10-minute daily practice with the affirmation, “I trust my body’s ability to heal and restore itself,” which became his favorite mantra.

5. Mindful Walking: I gave him step-by-step instructions for mindful walking since he enjoys walking.

I began today’s session by asking him how he was feeling and whether he noticed any physical or mental changes or challenges. He said there were no major changes since the last session. I led Dan through centering using three-part breathing, which helped him relax and focus on our practice.
Then, I guided him through joint movements and slow shoulder and back movements, reminding him to breathe deeply with each movement. I wanted him to feel the benefit of deep breathing, which can help alleviate his pain.
Next, I demonstrated balancing practice, and he joined me. He mentioned that he is recently experiencing balance issues when he closes his eyes while washing his hair in the shower, even when standing on both feet. I reminded him to use a chair or table for support and clear the area where he is practicing to practice safely.
We continued with a few minutes of eye movements. I explained the benefits of this practice. He liked this practice and mentioned that the clock really helps to visualize it, as I used a big clock as a reference for eye movements.
I ended the session with a 15-minute session of Yoga Nidra. After Yoga Nidra, he said, "When I lie down flat, it hurts at first, but the pain is gone by the end."

Dan's biggest progress has been in his breathing practice. He has learned alternate nostril breathing and has incorporated it into his daily routine. When I asked him about it, he said he practices every day. He said that it took a few minutes to get into and lost after about 5 or 6 but he focused back to the breath, totaling about 10 minutes per day. Last week, he had to drive over two hours, and his feet became numb due to neuropathy. He pulled over and practiced alternate nostril breathing for a few minutes, which helped him refocus and continue driving.
He also enjoys shoulder/neck movements which is combined with breathing exercise. This Taichi-like movements may alleviate his back pain from his post-surgery back pain.
2 or 3 rounds of this will be good upper-body exercises for him

Overall, I believe this care plan is working well. Although he is not actively practicing yoga philosophy, his current daily practice supports both his physical and mental well-being. I mentioned at the first session, that I will provide tools you can use anytime you need, and then he said at this session, "I have one takeaway from each session and am adding tools to my toolbox." I hope he will incorporate a gratitude journal and other practices into his daily routine. This week, we began focusing on balance exercises, and I would like him to be able to practice shoulder movements while standing.

I will continue to focus on balance practice to enhance his stability. Achieving a better balance will significantly improve his quality of life and help prevent falls. In addition to JAPA and balance exercises, I plan to incorporate strength and flexibility training into our sessions.
For wisdom teaching, I will encourage him to maintain a gratitude journal and explain the benefits of non-attachment. This approach aims to improve his physical, mental, and emotional well-being.