The Beauty of Yoga Nidra

What is Yoga Nidra?

“Release of tensions, relaxation, and peace of mind are the secret of transformation. When we are under tension, our behavior is influenced and when we are relaxed we become natural.” - Swami Satyananda

Yoga Nidra is a practice of systematic relaxation and easing of physical, mental and emotional tensions. In the practice the body and mind come to rest in the dreamy space between sleep and wakefulness. With regular practice we also introduce a personal sankalpa (intention) to help you further transform your life in an intentional, positive way.

Through consistent practice you are able to free yourself of tension, stress, worry, negative thoughts, feelings and more. When you can let go of those things, you are able to come closer to your true nature - that which is calm, steady, and blissful. You become more aware of the beautiful and divine in yourself and the world around you. You feel more joyful, radiant and free.

Yoga Nidra is and effortless practice, typically done lying down in shavasana supported by pillows and blankets. If need be it can be done sitting up as well - modifications are always available.

What are the benefits?

The benefits are endless, and truly unique to each individual as the practice will adapt to meet each persons needs at the time. A Yoga Nidra Practice rooted tradition and sound theory has an intelligence to it that enables it to care for a person .

These are just some of the benefits:

  • Release held physical, mental, emotional tensions

  • Prevent and/or decrease stress

  • Relaxation of body and mind

  • Improved sleep

  • Greater energy and vitality

  • Aids in management of various health issues (hypertension, chronic pain, anxiety, etc.)

  • Increased focus, concentration and memory

  • Increased patience and adaptability

  • Increased creativity

  • Release negative thought/habit patterns, and create new positive ways of being

  • Increased inner peace and calm

  • Deepened sense of spirituality

Who is it for?

Yoga Nidra is for anyone, truly.

It is an adaptive practice. Within it is contained an intelligence that allows it to change to meet an individuals needs.

There are circumstances and conditions that do require modifications, but a well informed teacher will be able to help you have a safe and restful practice.

I truly believe Yoga Nidra is for anyone. It can help you where ever you are in life - whether you are struggling with stress, health issues, feeling stuck in life, hoping to improve sleep, or looking to develop spiritually. Yoga Nidra is a practice that will meet you where you are. It is a wholistic practice that will address your body, mind and spirit as needed, every time you practice.

Some general reasons people practice Yoga Nidra:

  • stress from work/home/parenting/relationships

  • relaxation

  • relief of chronic pain, tension

  • anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic pain (and more)

  • looking to make any positive changes in life but feeling stuck

  • difficulty sleeping

  • lack of energy

  • a desire to know themselves better

  • to support living a spiritually based life

When we relax, we open ourselves to new possibilities and our unlimited potential.

We uncover and reconnect with that part of us that is not bound by our body and mind.

We begin to remember we are a part of something much greater than ourselves.

 FAQs

  • Absolutely not. While we do some seating and lying movement prior to Yoga Nidra, this is not a physically demanding practice. In fact, one of the aims is to release all effort from the body to achieve complete relaxation. We often use blankets, pillows, eye covers etc. to help us achieve maximum comfort.

    Typically Yoga Nidra is done lying on your back in shavasana, but if you are unable to do this for whatever reason, there are modifications. It can be done in a variety of positions - side lying, sitting up, etc. If you wish to attend a class you can always get suggestions to help you find your most comfortable position.

  • Any practice is better than no practice! You will receive benefits each time you do Yoga Nidra.

    But, if you are looking for a change and shift in your life - it is recommended to practice more days than not during a week. I always say 3-4 days is great, but even 1 is better than none!

  • Yes. If there is something particular you are looking to shift in your life, a more personalized Yoga Nidra practice can be deeply beneficial. With support you will uncover your true intention, your deepest heartfelt wish for your life - and will be given a specific practice to support you on the way to living as your authentic self. You may also be given other suggestions for daily practices or lifestyle changes to help bring balance and harmony to your life.

  • Once a season I offer an in-depth 8 week experience through Yoga Nidra. In this series of weekly classes you learn more of the philosophy behind the practice, modern science that supports it, as well as build from a beginner practice to a more advanced Yoga Nidra. It is a wonderful opportunity to make a meaningful commitment to the practice, and see how your life can begin to transform.

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