1:1 with my mom

this evening for restorative yoga, one person show up to class- it was my mom. when i consider the infinite possibilities and variables that go into this equation, i am humbled. i am reminded that we are not in control and that the universe is in charge. i couldn't have planned this miracle.

from the beginning, i got the clear hit to stay in "teacher mode" during our 1:1 session. mom mentioned that she wanted to move a bit. this was her fourth, maybe fifth yoga class ever, so we started from the basics, moving slow and deliberate and establishing a language around the breath.

supine heart opening with ball
1 block under head (we moved through all 3 sides of the block)
1 ball in between the shoulder blades/back of the heart
1 bolster + rolled blanket under knees for back support

pranayama pratice:
4 part breath awareness
diaphragmatic breathing
sutra 1.34 with emphasis on the exhalation

mom expressed difficulty breathing. she could access memories of past injuries, scar tissue from child birthing, cracked ribs, etc. this process was fascinating. her breathing was so effortful and eager. i tried to emphasize staying present with the quality of the breath but releasing some of the effort involved.

release onto back
pause and notice how you feel

easy windshield wipers
supta baddha konasana
tailbone awareness: arching and curling
shimmy x2 (this was very FUN and very effective)

pause and notice how you feel (she totally got the euphoric sensation)
short talk about the PSNS

sukasana
arch and curl
forward fold
side bend

repeat pattern on the second side

all fours
cat/cow
childs

plank with 2 blocks
dog
lounge
crescent moon
lounge
dog
lounge (second side)
crescent moon
lounge
dog
uttanasana
roll up to standing

tadasana

we spent a lot of time in tadasana, rooting and lengthening and tuning into the current of energy in the spine. this was very cool.

1/4 sun salutations x6

wide leg stance
warrior 2
dance and hold

second side

wide leg forward fold
toe heel feet closer and roll up to standing

tadasana
tree pose
malasana

supported heart opener:
supta baddha konasana over bolster with blanket support

side lying rest pose

spinal twist

savasana