Inspired by the holistic health care model set by the Family Practice and Counseling Network, this project emphasizes movement’s ability to heal and provide mental health benefits. Since complementary therapies are not currently included in many health care plans, this project seeks to make these practices more accessible regardless of age, physical capabilities, and socioeconomic status. Using a trauma informed yoga certification will guide participants to take care of the whole person while also giving them many stress reduction techniques. These tools serve as preventative care for emotional health as it provides coping methods for stress. This project uses an auto-ethnographic methodology as well as a certification training that will grant qualifications for teaching a mindful movement class to a senior population. This class will be offered at the Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships, A Drexel affiliated community center for residents in the West Philadelphia area. The class will take place in the spring term and occur once a week for 8 weeks. 

Within the class, I will create one movement sequence that will be used every week. Each week I will present the movement from different relaxation perspectives. These styles include pairing the movement with imagery, promoting individual movement investigation with creative movement prompts, focusing on coordination of movement with breath, and direct/concise directions with reference to anatomical features. As I plan for these classes I will be paying attention to the language and verbal cueing I use to present the movement. The content of the last 4 weeks of the class will be determined by the feedback given by the participants.