Yoga Nidra

By Lori Palmer

Yoga Nidra is a very accessible form of meditation for everyone,teens and adults, from all backgrounds. Nidra means "sleep", and the practice of Yoga Nidra is among the deepest possible states of relaxation while still maintaining full consciousness. It is a systematic method of complete relaxation, bringing a holistic approach to our neurological, physiological and subconscious needs. 

During a yoga nidra session, the students are invited to lie down and often use props such as blankets and a cloth over the eye to block the light and to aid relaxation by minimizing stimulation as much as possible. Many beginners to meditation can find sitting meditations difficult, and silently meditating can be overwhelming for the new practitioner. Yoga Nidra addresses both of these by guiding the students in a fully relaxed reclined state through a very specific process to relax the body, then the mind. The student needs only to follow the voice of the instructor, and nothing more. 

Sessions last anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, and can provide in that short session the same benefits to the body as 4 or 5 hours of sleep. The stages of the Yoga Nidra provided by the guidance of the instructor quiet the overactive conscious mind and slow down the brain waves to a place of harmony and bliss. Most practitioners emerge feeling rejuvenated and calm. The beauty of the unwinding of the nervous system is the gift of Yoga Nidra.

By slowing the brain waves from the normal daily active beta waves to relaxed slower alpha waves, and even slower theta waves, the nervous system goes into rest and digest mode, rather than our typical fast paced stress filled world of fight or flight mode. When the parasympathetic nervous system is activated during meditation and Yoga Nidra, the body begins to heal, the thoughts begin to slow and soften, and an awareness is achieved that goes far beyond the session. The more regularly the students practice, the healthier all facets of their life become. 

The long list of benefits from practicing Yoga Nidra include reduction of stress, relief for depression and anxiety, aids in finding healthy restful sleep, relaxes the mind and body, helps with creativity, aids in banishing unhealthy habits... and so much more. Find out for yourself how blissful Yoga Nidra can be!