Casa de Esperanza: Dual Diagnosis

First class at this dual diagnosis treatment facility. I was informed it would be a class mainly of schizophenics. I did some research in advance and was able to find some useful information online. This is a good article, for example:

http://www.yogamag.net/archives/1997/esep97/schizo.shtml

I also consulted with my teacher Kira and my friend Lisa, who has taught to this population. The main thing to avoid is a deep meditative state; keep them grounded in the body. I didn't hold the postures very long, kept a gentle pace in the practice and stayed tethered to the present moment with the use of voice. Kept a watchful eye to make sure no one 'drifted'. 

This was a 'trial run' class. This facility has never incorporated yoga into their program, and I've never taught to schizophrenics. Only one person in the class had ever practiced.  It was an experiment for everybody!

The facility didn't have mats or any props, so we used towels as mats,  and cushions from the couches as bolsters. It limited my choice of asana even more, which turned out to be just fine. Less was the perfect ticket. 

Yoga is a beautiful thing for this group. It was a lovely experience and the facility asked to make it a regular program. Yeah for Yoga!!!! 

I feel incredibly blessed to begin this path together with Casa d'Esperanza.

Our hour practice today was:

Introductions

easy side bending

seated side stretch

forward fold

pachimotadasana

other side

table top

cat

cow

balasana

1/4 dog

tadasana

1/4 sun

1/2 sun

hip rotation exploration

Warrior II dance both sides

wide leg forward fold

trikonasana both sides

wide leg forward fold

malasana

windshield wiper

supported savasana with guided relaxation

sit

Namaste!