• 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.

Client unexpectedly initiated a spiritual conversation in session #3 after saying during intake that spirituality is not important to him. I was able to meet him where he is and offer more about what Yoga teaches regarding Spirit. For example, we discussed advaita vedanta and pure consciousness, as well as ishta devata. Client acknowledged that Nature gives him a connection to Spirit.

Client stated he would like to learn how to stay calm when feeling angry/frustrated. He also wanted help “being present and okay with spending money beyond necessities.”
He states he has been able to reframe his thinking using pratipaksha bhavana in regards to spending money. For example, when his wife bought another Fitbit, he was able to remind himself how important it is for him to support her in her fitness goals.

Client is very physically fit since he does cardio exercise, weight lifting, and yoga asana several times a week at the recreation center. I focused mostly on restorative asana with him. He enjoyed this since it was something new which also gave him opportunities to relax, de-stress, and focus on breathing.

The client deals with ADHD and tends to be rajasic which shows up as rapid thinking and talking. I gave him a questionnaire on mental constitution according to the gunas so he could see this. He chose to limit caffeine intake as a way to become more sattvic. The client is able to calm himself, lie down quietly without fidgeting, and practice slow deep breathing when given the opportunity. His challenge has been to remember to take time for himself to do this.

The client has improved his ability to manage his tendency toward acting out feelings of anger/frustration by remembering to observe his physical sensations. He is able to pause and move awareness to slow deep breathing. In our last session, I noticed irritation in his speech, tone, and body language as he talked about his mother pressuring him to attend church. He was able to calm down as he considered that his connection to Spirit (through Nature) is different from that of his mother and everything is okay.

The client is very secure in his work life and his relationship with his wife. He thinks and reasons clearly, and enjoys intellectual conversation. For example, we have discussed topics such as raja yoga, bhakti yoga, jnana yoga, the 5 koshas, the Yoga Sutras, and advaita vedanta.

The client feels a connection beyond his small self when he notices the beauty of nature. He has mentioned birds, trees, blue sky, water, and clouds as times when he feels a sense of "ahhhh" or a sense of knowing there is more to life than the things he is usually focusing on. I believe the client is curious and will continue to grow in this area.