Yoga nidra or yogic sleep is a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping, like the “going-to-sleep” stage. It is a state in which the body is completely relaxed, and the practitioner becomes systematically and increasingly aware of the inner world by following a set of instructions. This state of consciousness is different to meditation in which concentration on a single focus is required. In yoga nidra the practitioner remains in a state with his senses internalised, that is, withdrawn, and only the hearing and feeling still connect to the instructions.
Yoga nidra is among the deepest possible states of relaxation while still maintaining full consciousness. In dreaming one is only, or mainly, cognizant of the dream environment, and has little or no awareness of one’s actual environment.
The practice of yoga relaxation has been found to reduce tension and anxiety. The autonomic symptoms of high anxiety such as headache, giddiness, chest pain, palpitations, sweating and abdominal pain respond well.
A yoga routine provides deep restoration to body and mind. To make the practice more effective, it’s ideal to end the yoga sequence with yoga nidra or to practice yoga nidra alone, when one feel tired during the day or to fall asleep easily.
Yoga nidra helps conserve and consolidate the energy from the yoga poses. It relaxes the entire system, also preparing it for meditation.
In yoga nidra, we consciously take our attention to different parts of the body, which activates the nerves in those areas and helps to integrate the impact of the asanas (yoga postures) into our system. When we practice yoga nidra in Savasana on the mat, it is a good idea to cover the body with a blanket to keep the body warm and relaxed.
Yoga nidra brings an incredible calmness, quietness and clarity. It is one of the deepest of all meditations, leading awareness through many levels of mental process to a state of supreme stillness and insight.
Yoga nidra means Yogic Sleep. It is a state of conscious Deep Sleep. In meditation, you remain in the waking state of consciousness, and gently focus the mind, while allowing thought patterns, emotions, sensations, and images to arise and go on. However, in yoga nidra, you leave the waking state, go past the dreaming state, and go to deep Sleep, yet remain awake.
Schedule: Available for private classes upon request.