Yoga Nidra
That lovely state where you have let go of all the cares and worries of the day and you are just about to drift into a wonderful dreamland.
That's me practicing my Yoga Nidra in Campo.
For years my daughter thought that I said "Need Yah" and, well, she wasn't wrong.
We all need some Yoga Nidra in our lives.
What is it?
Yoga Nidra is a guided deep relaxation. The Sanskrit word Nidra is often translated as sleep.
BUT
The aim is to not go to sleep, rather we aim to hover just between sleep and waking.
That lovely state where you have let go of all the cares and worries of the day and you are just about to drift into a wonderful dreamland.
Sleep but not sleep? How is that possible?
It all depends where you are beginning from
Do you need to get rid of some physical tension so that you can lie down comfortably?
Do we need to slow down your racing mind?
Ideally you would practice AFTER your asana practice. However, that isn't always practical and you can practice Nidra independent of other practices, whenever you need a revive.
In a relaxation session where we are going to practice yoga nidra, I would first talk you through a full body relaxation.
Most likely we will use a tense and release technique to get rid of any residual tension. Then the magic begins as I talk you through the Nidra steps.
Don't worry, although some people have described it as "like hypnosis", I most certainly am not trying to hypnotise you and get you to give me your bank details or eat a raw onion!
I will guide your awareness around your body to experience the different parts of your body and how they feel. We will not be moving the body parts, the only movement will be your natural breath - this will slow down as you relax.
In a longer Nidra practice we will use some visualisation techniques. These can be relevant to whatever our current interests or area of self improvement are.
In a similar way to hypnosis, the mind is very receptive whilst in the Nidra state. So this is a good time use your affirmations (blog coming soon on affirmations).
What are the benefits?
Too many to list in one blog, but I will give it a go
Here are just some of the benefits of practising Yoga Nidra
Helps relieve muscular, emotional, and mental tension
Relaxes the mind
Relieves stress and anxiety
Helps treat insomnia
Enhhances memory
Increased energy levels
Aids the healing of endocrinal imbalances and optimal functioning of the endocrine system
Improves creativity
and the list goes on, but I'm sure you are getting the idea
It is good for you
Do I have to lie down?
Ideally but other options are available
The ideal position for Yoga Nidra is Savasana, also known as Corpse posture.
This is because we want the body to become a dead weight, where you have let go of all holding - conscious and subconscious.
Once the physical body is relaxed and "let go", we can work in the Super Conscious and experience true rest, relaxation and revival.
If you are not able to lie in Savasana, do not worry, I have nearly 30 years of experience at helping people adapt and find their comfortable pose.
Post in the comments and I will happily share modifications for you.
Ready to give it a try?
Subscribers can access a mini Nidra recording in the Soul Support member area.
Settle yourself down and listen as I guide you to your inner sanctuary of peace in only 18 minutes.
Not a member yet?
Here are some other ways to experience the benefits of Nidra
We practice Yoga Nidra on the last Monday of each month at St.Leonard's
Come along to the hall and join us for a Yin Yoga session followed by Yoga Nidra
A Yinidra session, now that is something we all need!
A true NEED YAH as my daughter would say.
