• 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.

Continue her asana practice.

Continue exploring using the Locks and Keys in her interactions with students, parents, family members. Notice how using the keys makes her feel. Does it help her define her boundaries more clearly? Does it offer her more space to invest in her self-care and spiritual growth?

Client again in good spirits, and had continued practicing her standing asana. She had still invested a great deal of time over the week volunteering as well as a visit with her nephews. During Awareness practice noticed tension in her traps.

She is considering the locks and keys - still a little uncomfortable with setting boundaries for herself with others, although she knows she needs to for her wellbeing. She understands the four attitudes and the value of each.

I guided Angela through some joint activation of the neck and shoulders - spending additional time breathing through scapular elevation and depression. Next we practiced the standing asana, during which Angela commented that she felt more challenge in tree pose when her left leg was the standing leg, but still felt more stable and "stronger" than last week.

Specifically for core strength we continued practice of McGill curl ups (one of his Big 3 exercises), along with Dead Bugs, during which she held a small foam roller between her hands, pressing into the sides of the roller with her palms while keeping fingers "free" and had a small resistance band under the arches of each foot - in order to increase slightly the resistance as she extended one leg while holding the second leg in isometric hip and knee flexion. With both of these core exercises she practiced breath awareness, keeping movements slow and smooth.

I offered an extended time of Shavasana and deep relaxation, guiding her through the Integral Yoga Nidra scripting. I encouraged her to "be picky" for herself in the posture she chose, adding additional support of a folded blanket/towel under her neck for support, with lower legs elevated with a bolster.

We spent a few minutes doing a "check out" of sorts, since this was our last scheduled session. Client felt the sessions and practices have been helpful, but admits she still struggles with taking time for herself and self-care. She truly loves volunteering and serving others, but will continue to seek balance so that she can continue to serve others well.

Angela was very present at every session - positive outlook, overall sattvic in her mind, and open to trying every practice. She has seen some improvements in her physical strength and stability in the short time we have worked. She is taking in the raja teachings and will hopefully continue to explore them and apply them to her interactions with family, friends and students.

I have known this client for years, so we had a good relationship prior to our first session. In looking back, with my earlier clients, I felt the most present with her during our sessions, which I would attribute to both our relationship as well as what a gentle soul she is. With her already being so well established in karma yoga - she truly lives a life of service to everyone she possibly can - I wish I had offered her additional pranayama practices to explore as her body healed, and as she navigated new boundaries for herself.

This was our final session.