• 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.

In conversation with client, she shared concerns about processing the loss of her husband. Explored somatic exploration of the grief in her body and a reflective writing meditation exercise.

As the client takes gentle yoga classes 3X per week, we concentrated on, in client’s own words, “work arounds for shoulder.” That is, accessible asana adaptations and adapted muscular strengthening in the rotator cuff region. By last session client’s shoulder pain was gone and she now know how to accommodate her asana practice and daily routine to keep the pain at bay.

Shoulder pain alleviated. Sensed grief deep in the inferior, lateral pelvic region.

Some tension released out of body with both freeing shoulder, processing grief, and working toward forgiveness, moving toward peace.

Mood lightened a bit with the dissipation of shoulder pain and self-study around the grief she holds. Slightly less angry and more tolerant.

Client broke through avoidance of looking at her grief. After taking time to integrate the reflective writing meditation exercise, the client began exploring her sense of self through poetry. She found this style of writing reflective, expressive, creative and effective in allowing her to sense the peaceful calm that is her true nature.

Living in natural setting, surrounded by lawn and trees, the client gains much solace and nourishment from nature.

The client mentioned that the sessions effectively addressed her shoulder pain and helped her to make strides in processing her grief. She has told fellow yoga practitioners that the sessions helped her.

April 11, 2024 Home practice and notes.
Shoulders. Refer to AAOC, exercises for rotator cuff document.
Could try what I call Pull backs. Item 6, Standing Row without the band. Remember you don’t need to pull the elbows real far back and up. You can keep elbows low and go back as feels strengthening without causing pain.
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/rotator-cuff-and-shoulder-conditioning-program/

Pelvic region.
Since bearing weight on hands to do Tibetan hip circles and apanasana feels good in your body, may tray the squeeze and release technique supine as described below.

Apanasana circles. (left) Move legs in circular motion, clockwise for five or so rounds, then counterclockwise. Inhale center, exhale with gentle squeeze to right, inhale center, inhale gentle squeeze to left. When switch to counterclockwise, squeeze left, soften center, squeeze right, return to start on inhale.
Half apanasana. (right) Could try the squeeze, release technique with one leg extended,

Take smaller steps. Be more keenly aware of emotional effects of practices, even for clients who seem outwardly invincible, like this one.

Questions and challenges addressed during mentor meetings.

Absolutely!