• 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.

Homework was to practice the 3 asana daily, with an attitude of playful curiosity and wonder. I encouraged her to "find her mountain" (tadasana) throughout the day at work, specifically if she noticed herself feeling anxious about commitments to students or feeling overwhelmed. With Virabhadrasana II I suggested she try sharing the pose with some of the students she supports during recess, or anytime she found herself needing to connect with her inner strength. In a similar way, Vriksasana could be a very fun pose to share with students and co-workers, even using some of the trees around the school buildings for inspiration.

Client was in good spirits, enjoying a day off from work. As it was a beautiful fall day, we worked outside in the back yard on the deck. I encouraged her to find the most comfortable position - seated or supine, and she chose sukhasana. I guided her through the Awareness practice, encouraging her to simply notice what was present in each level, without judgement or attempting to change anything. I asked how the practice was for her - she said it was a new experience to take time to simply notice everything that was going on with her.

In her intake she had indicated that whatever she learned during our sessions she hoped to be able to incorporate while at work as well, so I let her know that the breath awareness practice and standing asana I chose to share with her today were chosen with that in mind, so that she could return to them as needed during her day, no matter where she was.

I encouraged her to readjust her body position if she was feeling fatigued or if she simply wanted to change, so she tried supine on her mat with no additional support. I guided her through the Body and Breath Awareness practice, which asked her to divide her attention between sensing the movement of the breath in her body, as well as sensations present in the body.

We explored the first standing asana, Tadasana. I guided her to discover the strength and steadiness of her mountain from the ground up, first finding movement (example: exploring movement through the ankles in every direction before finding where she felt steady and balanced), then steadiness. I encouraged her to notice her breathing as she explored where she could create strength in the pose, then where she could remain steady while finding ease in the pose.

With Virabhadrasana II I suggested she explore where she felt her warrior strength in the pose, imagining her arms as the spear of the warrior. Keeping in mind her desire to share with all those in her life, especially the children she served, I encouraged her to practice the pose this week during recess with some of the students.

Being outdoors there was a lot of visual inspiration for the practice of Vriksasana. I encouraged her to explore the pose with a sense of playful curiosity, seeing what she could discover about her body, her thoughts and her emotions and she noticed all the adjustments and sensations in her body to seek balance.

I over planned the session, and did not get to the discussion of sutra 1.33. I will move it to Session 2.

I offered a supported version of fish pose, using a block under the shoulder blades, positioned just above the bottom ribs, with a pillow under her head to remove tension from the neck. I offered folded towels to go under her shoulders, but she decided the pose felt more comfortable in her body without them. I encouraged her to explore where her legs felt most comfortable, and she decided to extend them long, about hip width apart. She rested in the pose for 5 minutes, before transitioning out, and ending in a shortened savasana of 5 minutes.

I shared with Angela my admiration for her courageous decision to donate her liver, and her desire to serve others. She gave her best effort and energy to each of the practices we explored, and seemed excited to meet again next Monday (November 13th).

I was frustrated with myself that I did not better anticipate the time, as I wanted to include study of sutra 1.33 - I believe the locks and keys can support Angela's desire to set healthier boundaries with others. I have to remind myself that "less is more," as I begin this work, focusing on sharing the tools which can best support the client and that the client can remember and practically apply during the week.

Angela enjoyed the standing poses, and I felt they were the appropriate level of challenge for her across all koshas. Specifically with the pranamaya kosha, I think it was the right decision to begin with breath awareness and not move directly to a breath regulation practice. I feel like working with the breath might be a good choice for Session 3.

Begin with Awareness Practice.
Revisit the Body and Breath Awareness Practice.
Revisit Tadasana, Virabhadrasana II and Vriksasana.
Introduce Sutra 1.33 - The Locks and Keys - to support this, also bring in some additional scripture passages that reference our relationship with others.