Yoga Nidra, also known as ‘yogic sleep’, is the conscious state between wakefulness and sleep, allowing deep relaxation as well as access to the multiple layers of our emotional and spiritual being. You will feel absolutely rejuvenated after a Yoga Nidra practice.
Yoga nidra involves slowing down and chilling out. So does meditation. While some people tend to put them together, they really are two different practices.
Traditional meditation is most often experienced in the ‘waking state’, associated with the Beta and Alpha wave brain states.
Yoga Nidra explores the deeper layers of Self, moving beyond the waking states into the more subtle layers of Self.
During a yoga nidra, you are lying down and the goal is to move into a deep state of conscious awareness sleep, which is a deeper state of relaxation with awareness. This state involves moving from consciousness while awake to dreaming and then to not-dreaming while remaining awake — going past the unconscious to the conscious.Yoga nidra is a very structured and easy to follow practice,you will be guided to think of your Sankalpa (intention) bring attention to different body parts with awareness and using our breath as an anchor ,you will surrender to the practice with ease
Yoga Nidra works with the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system regulates processes of the body that take place without a conscious effort (heartbeat, breathing, digestion and blood flow). This system also includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and immediate physical benefits can be felt such as reduced stress,better sleep and emotional healing benefits.
Yoga Nidra allows us to access the deep state of relaxation we go through to get to the delta state, which is the place of the deepest sleep cycle. The delta state is a deep healing state. That’s where we’re trying to get through yoga nidra. In this state, the body and mind rest and the consciousness is awake.
Some yoga studios offer yoga nidra, but you can also do it at home with the help of YouTube. You don’t need fancy equipment either. You can lie flat on your back on a yoga mat or a blanket with a bolster or pillow supporting your lower back, spine and your head. You can even put a blanket or pillow under your knees….
“10 Stages of Yoga Nidra.”
Connect to your heart’s deepest desire. Focus on a lifelong goal or something that relates to your health. Visualize reaching this goal and feel the joy that comes with accomplishing it.
Set an intention. Think about why you’re practicing, self-love, self care or your daily routine. Whatever the reason, keep it at the forefront of the yoga nidra practice.
Find your inner peace. This involves tapping into a safe space within the body so you can feel secure and at ease while you practice…
Scan your body. During a body scan, you’ll be asked to focus on certain parts or sensations throughout the body. The goal of this is to help reduce tension so you can relax.
Become aware of your breath. Pay attention to how air is flowing in and out of your body. Take note of how it comes in your nostrils and how your abdomen rises and falls. This can help you slow down and breathe evenly.
Welcome your feelings. If you had a rough day, embrace it. You don’t have to ignore the tough stuff, but in recognizing it, you can also think about the opposite of whatever emotion you’re feeling to balance things out.
Witness your thoughts. Similar to step six, you want to observe your thoughts in the moment without judging or trying to block them out. Should any negative thoughts about yourself surface, think about the positive side of things to ease tension.
Experience joy. If you start to feel blissed out, embrace it and let it wrap around your body.
Observe your “self.” Be aware of your personality and how you might be feeling. In other words, your sense of “I-ness.” Then, consider yourself an observing witness. This will help you wake up more aware and in tune with your feelings.
Reflect on your practice. When you finish, think about how you feel and what you were able to tap into during your session. Then, think about how you can bring the peace or joy you might be feeling into daily life whether times are good or bad. Don’t rush out of your practice. Take a few minutes to transition back into the waking state of life….. Journaling and water is recommended afterwards, taking it easy.
Yoga Nidra is a practice that everyone, from children to seniors, can do. It’s practised in schools, yoga studios and health and wellbeing environments to work place offices and building sites
Can't find the answer to the question you have? Send me a message by clicking the button below and I will answer your question as soon as possible.
I always suggest you get medical advice before practising anything while pregnant,but it’s safe once you’re approved.
| Yes you will feel like it’s sleep ,it’s called yogic sleep ,in between sleeping and waking state. |
Anytime of the day once you have a quiet space.
It is best to stay still if that’s possible. But if you absolutely must move then go ahead and move. It’s always good to observe the first impulse to move – sometimes it can be resistance to going deeper. But sometimes you just have to move to get comfortable – so move. But try to keep your movements as minimal as possible so you don’t disturb yourself or others if it’s in a class situation.
The best thing to do is to go with the flow, don’t worry about consciously understanding the words and stay deep.
If at any point you feel discomfort and want to discontinue the Yoga Nidra practice, that is fine. Know that you can at any point. Just gently bring your awareness back to your body by wiggling your fingers and toes.
