The definition of Yoga Nidra means sleep with some awareness.
Some say that Yoga Nidra’s roots began in India dating back to1000 bc. However, the versions that we hear today were formulated after the direction of Swami Satyananda in the late 1960-to early 70’s. He believed that yoga could be beneficial to anyone regardless of religion, caste, race or nationality. He has literally helped millions of people throughout his practices, his life and of course here after.
Life has changed socially over the years. It doesn’t matter where you live, what color of skin you have, what religion or beliefs you have, life as we know it, is crazy. Stress has become a norm. Pressures that others put on us and pressures that we put on ourselves have created a chaotic state of mind. Most of us at some point wonder where our true selves have gone. It’s no wonder. And now, we are all going through a world pandemic! It is easy for us to be anxious, cautious, worrisome, stressed, and anxiety ridden. And, with all of that stress can create other issues in the mind and in the body. Yoga Nidra is here for you!
I first experienced Yoga Nidra in a workshop that I was taking last year. It changed my life all together. I did come out of the session crying and couldn’t explain why. But the release felt so flipping good and it helped me let go of things that I had been holding on to. Things that were all mumbled up inside of me that I had been carrying around and was oblivious to. Now I feel that I have a tool that helps me destress, sleep, detach from thoughts that don’t serve my greater good, I am more accepting of myself and my abilities, and can feel joy even in the hard times. It has opened doors for me that I didn’t even know needed opening.
There have been scientific studies that Yoga Nidra is effective for better sleep, regulate heart rate, glucose levels, help to reduce pain, change behaviors, enhance memory, enhances focus, anti aging, creates a solid connection with self, and a feeling of empowerment. The government now uses Yoga Nidra as a therapy for soldiers with PTSD.
Now this isn’t your typical Yoga class. You see it is for everyone! Literally! All one has to do is to get comfortable, close your eyes, and listen to the words being spoken. Simple as that. Honestly. Scripts are written by educated people whom are trained in Yoga Nidra. They take anywhere from 20-60 minutes, and can go longer. So if you are time sensitive, make sure that you check the length before you start.
There are a few things that I recommend when practicing for the optimal experience. First, find a good place to lay down and get comfortable. I do this in bed if I’m struggling to sleep and before bedtime. But, if you decide to practice during the day, laying on a blanket/yoga mat, on the floor, in the grass, or wherever you feel comfortable (anywhere but the bed), or anywhere where you will be able to stay aware and listen to the words being spoken. Second, You may want to lay in Savasana pose – on your back, place a pillow or rolled blanket under your knees, feet slightly wider that your hips, and arms out from your sides, and palms up. You might want to add an eye pillow, if you have one. And third, if I am doing this during the day, I also do a few asanas prior to as well. Nothing too strenuous; A few cat, cows, maybe a downward dog, ankle rolls and wrist rolls. However, Yoga Nidra is great to practice after a long workout, a run, or any workout.
I usually put my headphones in to listen or use my bluetooth speaker. The practice is then guided for you once you hit start.
I do Yoga Nidra at home a regular basis. Especially now that we are all quarantined. But in the studio setting, for me, it is more stimulating and I’m not sure why. Maybe it is the collaborative energy presence of other people in the room. Both places are beneficial, but definitely different.
You can find many practices on line, if you want to start tonight. I will be sharing one tomorrow. I just thought that today would be a good day to take the time to talk about Yoga Nidra.
I hope you are all staying well.
Love & Peace, Dawn
The Holistic Road 