Yoga Nidra…… as I’ve learned is a dimension of astral sleep; aka yogic sleep . This ancient practice dates back as far as 700 B.C. Based on what yoga experts have taught me, yoga nidra a complex & much more than a just routine you can pick up via YouTube video.
As a practicing Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist [A.Y.S] who teacher Yoga Nidra (Y.N.) regularly, let me clarify that Y.N. this is not “meditation” per se, but more like a combination of meditation & Savasana (corpse pose).
Yoga Nidra actually becomes a bridge for the final steps of yoga practice, towards deeper meditation, while attempting to achieve samadhi [a state of meditative absorption].
This guided practice takes you on an astral plane in which you gradually withdraw yourself from the physical body & mental body to a dream-like or astral state. Then the structured practice carefully guides you back to the core. The intent of the practice of yoga nidra is about abiding [remaining in place] in your center. As such, Y.N. can tap into the unconscious and subconscious mind for deeper healing, as many experience in our sessions.
While yoga nidra practices can be readily found in app stores & YouTube, it is highly suggested to learn directly from trained yoga practitioner, who has deeply explored the practice, preferably in an established training program. As for myself, I’m a Certified Practitioner with Yoga International & have 100 hours of training, with more than 1,000 hours of clinical practice.
The beginning of contentment is not about doing more. Most people are doing too much in their lives as it is. Here you will be taught to lie down on the floor, in a safe, warm & environment. You will be invited to let go without any digital input from the external world.
It has been said the practice of Yoga Nidra requires a lot of self-inquiry; adequate time for contemplation; to get to know ourselves & with time you will be ready to reunite with your essential selves.
Hence, the benefits of yoga nidra are in the process of it, while allowing you to experience the state of yoga [union]. Maintaining the state of yoga happens while building awareness; getting in touch with the body layers [koshas] & the mind [manas] which are the positive side effects of regular practice.
It is critically important to form a deep intimacy with the self & it takes incredible courage.
For people who want a simple routine to reduces stress & enhance concentration for difficult or mentally taxing tasks, then just yoga Nidra will do. Yoga therapy ending with a 15-30 minute nidra practice may be a better choice for those who want to try this ancient method, incorporated to experience a deeply relaxed state of well-being. You can experiment with deep relaxation in Savasana or yoga nidra, but do it with intention.
Yoga Nidra & Savasana teaches our nervous system what Being Present means. The practice integrates with our nervous system, preparing to allow us to experience deeper states of meditation to arise spontaneously.
Learning to let go of physical tension in our body is actually tough. I can attest to that because it’s taken me years of practice (never perfect) & experientially over time I found the delta point.
But first, we have to deal with the whirlings of the body to feel “just right”, the dominance of the mind to relax & a myriad of undulating emotions in order to practice be still, silent, & become totally present. Finding this space to “do less” & allow us to embody union/yoga, not just “do it” is not that simple…
The mystery of Nidra is in learning how this essential practice from the mat is transformational & rewarding you to wholistically integrate the information into knowledge. And from this inner knowing… into wisdom & that wisdom transmits into greater awareness & healing. Why not allow yourself the time to experience Yoga Nidra? Ask yourself: What obstacles are preventing me from becoming more alive to this moment? I hope you will join us some day!