Yoga nidra also known as yogic sleep has to be one of my most favourite parts of my yoga classes. I just love seeing everyone rising back up, their faces and bodies in total relaxation as if I have just woken them from a deep sleep. I am sure many of you would prefer me to just leave you there for a while haha!
I have received such great feedback from people on how after class they end up having the most amazing sleep they have had in a long time and some even roll straight into bed after an evening class! I have also noticed a huge difference in the kids classes, they are much more focused and relaxed compared to if I do a standard meditation. Some kids have even come straight to class and asked if we can go straight to the yoga nidra.
As you can see yoga nidra is a powerful technique that is really helping to make a difference to our health and well-being. In todays blog I will give you a brief overview of what yoga nidra is and does, plus some of the benefits you can receive during this practice.
What is yoga nidra?
Yoga nidra is an ancient technique derived from India which brings you into a state of consciousness between wakefulness and sleeping. This state is amongst the deepest possible states of relaxation while still maintaining full consciousness. Whilst keeping your mind alert, you are able to take your awareness layer by layer deeper inside of you, accessing parts of you that may have been blocked by tensions. As you begin to relax your whole physical body as well as your mind and emotional body, you become receptive to being able to rejuvenate your whole self whilst eliminating worry, stress and tension.
What is the difference between meditation and yoga nidra?
There are three main differences between meditation and yoga nidra:
Physical position.
Awareness.
State of consciousness.
Meditation.
Physical position - Most meditations require you to be seated keeping your spine erect with no head support.
Awareness - During meditation you consciously keep on bringing your awareness back to your breath or a mantra.
State of consciousness - Depending on the type of meditation you are practicing you can experience many states of consciousness.
Yoga nidra.
Physical position - Yoga nidra is practiced lying down supported by blankets and pillows so you are at your most comfortable.
Awareness - During yoga nidra you are guided throughout the whole practice to bring your awareness to specific locations, your surroundings, sounds and your body.
*This greatly helps those people who really struggle to slow down their mind and find focusing on one thing difficult. By following the instructions from the teacher, they are able to allow their body and mind to enter that state of deep relaxation they truly need.
State of consciousness - Yoga nidra moves you into the state between wakefulness and sleeping whilst keeping your mind alert. In this state you enter a deep relaxation.
What are some benefits of yoga nidra?
Improves sleep.
Helps heal trauma - Yoga nidra is having some amazing healing effects on soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Decrease in stress and anxiety.
Reduce chronic pain and chemical dependency.
Heightens awareness and focus.
Plant the seeds of future growth - During the start of the practice we set a sankalpa (also known as an intention) when your mind is relaxed and ready to absorb. Towards the end we then repeat the sankalpa which is now ready to sprout into your life, helping to positively improve your thought patterns.
So now you know why I include yoga nidra in all of my classes including the kids classes. I truly believe that this is the golden nugget in the meditation world and I love love love seeing you reap the benefits this beautiful practice has to offer.
I hope you enjoyed learning about yoga nidra and if you have any questions please feel free to email me at amy@believeyoga.com.au . Also if there is a topic you would like me to delve in to for you, let me know!
Sending loving kindness,
Amy. x
Comments