Yoga Nidra can be translated to “Yogic Sleep”.  Yoga Nidra is an ancient yogic practice that is both a form of meditation and a mind/body therapy.  It is a systematic form of guided relaxation where you learn to relax as deeply as in sleep while remaining awake.

At the start of a Yoga Nidra session, you will most likely be in the active state of beta brain waves which is our normal waking state.  The Yoga Nidra practice will then take you into alpha brain waves which is a calmer state where you will enjoy mind/body integration and you begin to shift into a state of rest.  Theta brain waves come next which helps with creativity, problem solving and learning.  It is in the theta wave state that we process our emotions and release the ones that no longer serve us.  After theta, you move into blissful delta brain wave state.  This is the slowest and deepest state and is normally experienced during deep dreamless sleep.  During delta wave state your organs regenerate and the body metabolizes cortisol, the stress hormone, and moves it out of your body.  Healing and rejuvenation happen in the delta wave state while mental clarity and elevated mood are achieved.  We can experience all of these brain wave states in our Yoga Nidra practice.  

Yoga Nidra has many benefits which include deep relaxation, release of chronic stress, resolution to many of life’s issues, and a greater sense of harmony in daily life and relationships.  Guided by my voice, you will identify sensations throughout your body, focus on your breath and move through pairs of opposite sensations while remaining in a state of relaxed awareness so that you may release deeply held tensions, unresolved emotions, and body aches.

We will start by developing an intention (sankalpa) for our life and then focus on breath and bodily sensations to help release emotions, let go of thoughts and worries and allow our own wisdom to guide us.  Throughout the practice we will tap into an underlying sense of peace that is always present.  One hour of Yoga Nidra is said to equal about four hours of restful sleep.  A consistent Yoga Nidra practice allows you to experience the deepest states of consciousness and brings beneficial changes to your wakeful state of mind.

No prior yoga experience is needed to participate in Yoga Nidra.  You can sit or lay down wherever you are the most comfortable, supporting yourself with pillows and bolsters.  Since we will be using Zoom, you can even just lay down on your bed for the session.  If you prefer to join the session without Zoom video turned on, that is just fine.  You will want to be in a quiet space and you may want a light cover layer as the body tends to cool down during Yoga Nidra.  Treat yourself and join me for one of these relaxing sessions.