Broad range with group - had 8 participants that ranged from needed to be in a chair, to not wanting to be in a chair with a pretty advanced physical practice. There were 2 participants that needed modifications and props due to lower back issues. Physically, this was a very motivated group regardless of limitations and props and chairs were offered to all, as well as modifications throughout the 5-week series.

Again, a very broad group in terms of energetics with a combination of rajas and tamas throughout the group. From intakes it was clear some were suffering from mild depression and dampened mood, others seemed a little more rajasic in her recently retired, "trying to find her place" mind-frame. A couple participants mentioned wanting to learn how to be less "reactive" and "control their moods" as well, and each session included various breath techniques in order to learn how to quiet the mind, ground themselves and clear space energetically in order to begin how to "see" clearly. Dirgha svasam, nadi suddhi and Brahmari breath were incorporated into most sessions.

From the Mood and Feelings Questionairre there were several who reported feeling "tired a lot" as well as "restless."

I observed from the Mood and Feelings Questionairre a broad range of emotions throughout this group from depression, loneliness and unlovable to peaceful and content. I observed a participant who was thoroughly content with himself and his life to others who seemed discontent and isolated with where they were in their life (and vocal about it) due to being newly retired as well as being empty nesters with kids and their families not coming home to visit often.

Did not get into each participants spiritual orientation too much, but everyone was keenly interested in the philosophy aspect of the classes.

There seemed to be a moderately strong sense of self amongst the majority of the group. Again, I did observe one participant very much trying to discover what her place is in life at the moment, as well as another participant who reported participating in this series simply to learn more.

Each session I included discussion around each of the 5 Yamas. I referenced the book, "The Yamas and Niyamas" by Deborah Adele. My thought process was, through the study and integration of each of them we can better understand our own morals, thus controlling our own behaviors which can hopefully lead to a happier existence. I wold begin by reading passages about what the Yama of the week was and then pose questions for discussion around it.

Week 1 - Ahimsa
Week 2 - Satya
Week 3 - Asteya
Week 4 - Brahmacarya
Week 5 - Aparigraha

Handouts were given at the end of classes for my participants to take home with "homework" that included trying to integrate these principles into their daily lives and then report back at the next class.

I also touched on Sutra 1.2 in the first class to introduce the idea of when we can control the mind, we can maintain our ability to be in the present moment.

Chen, Kuei-Min; Chen, Ming-Hsien*; Lin, Mei-Hui**; Fan, Jue-Ting***; Lin, Huey-Shyan****; Li, Chun-Huw*****. Effects of Yoga on Sleep Quality and Depression in Elders in Assisted Living Facilities. Journal of Nursing Research 18(1):p 53-61, March 2010. | DOI: 10.1097/JNR.0b013e3181ce5189

Halpern J, Cohen M, Kennedy G, Reece J, Cahan C, Baharav A. Yoga for improving sleep quality and quality of life for older adults. Altern Ther Health Med. 2014 May-Jun;20(3):37-46. PMID: 24755569.

Mathersul DC, Rosenbaum S. The Roles of Exercise and Yoga in Ameliorating Depression as a Risk Factor for Cognitive Decline. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:4612953. doi: 10.1155/2016/4612953. Epub 2016 Dec 1. PMID: 28044084; PMCID: PMC5156813.

Incorporating a regular yoga practice has been shown to improve sleep, reduce depression and improve quality of life in the aging population. By offering this 5-week series, my hope is that a regular practice will be adopted by my participants in order to achieve their goals.

I don't have any questions since the series is over, but I'm beginning a similar new series at the Senior Center but with a smaller and more physically compatible group. I'm hoping to have my programming more dialed in this time and will have the intakes in right away.

• 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.