What is Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra is often defined as “yogic sleep” and is rooted in the Sanskrit words Ni (void) and dru (to bring forth). Twenty-five minutes of practice has the same effect on the emotional, physical, mental and spiritual human systems as 2.5 hours of sleep.
The practice involves completely supporting the body in a relaxed position (typically savasana) and listening to prompts that can include systematic guided relaxation, visualizations, sensory exploration and others.
It gives the opportunity to practice non-judgment, foster creativity, clear neural pathways & energy blockages, can give clarity and deepen connection with the self. We experience a state of being rather than doing. In our culture’s hyper-focus on productivity and busy-ness, to rest is rebellious, bold and paves the way for change.
Yoga Nidra can guide one to explore different states of consciousness, such as wakefulness, dreaming, deep sleep or dreaming while awake. There is no way to do the practice wrong; you get what you came for whether that’s a deep nap, connection to your inner self, or a bit of both.
It’s said that the magic and mystery of the practice can only be felt; words aren’t sufficient to describe it.
