Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra is commonly referred to as yogic sleep, however it is much more than the name implies.  It is a journey through the various layers of your body (the koshas), a glimpse into the different levels of consciousness, and an experience of the brainwave states.  Yoga Nidra can be thought of as a goddess, a mother; one who awakens us but holds us in a deep nurturing embrace.  Rest is vital in our culture today, and the practice of Yoga Nidra is a portal into peace.  It is about surrender and support.  You may experience falling asleep to all that no longer serves you, or unconscious patterns ruling your life.  You may wake up to your profound power, creativity, expansiveness, and radiance.  Yoga Nidra is full of magic and mystery.  It can lead you to clarity, enliven your intuition, connect you to your purpose.  The technique of this practice is a journey through the states of consciousness while remaining awake and aware.  It is calling us to that state of deep sleep, beyond our true Self.  It awakens us to the brilliance of our own true nature.  It is the awareness of the transition point between the waking and dreaming state, and in that space we experience deep receptivity and rejuvenation.  Yoga Nidra is a cosmic gateway to another world, the world within.  

The aim of this practice is to rest in awareness and be present in deep relaxation.

The steps (basic outline) are as follows:  

Yoga Nidra is a complete practice in the 8 limbs of Yoga.  Here it is in mantra form.

I turn Darkness to Light

I honor All, including myself

I am Truth

I do not take what is not mine to take

I respect energy, power lives in moderation

I abide in my own abode, and resist continuous temptation

I am resilient, brilliant in light

I am pure, content, and full

I desire to know and grow

I see All as a lesson within, no right or wrong, good or bad

I surrender to the Divine. 

First, some gentle movement or breathing practices to relieve tension and surrender.

Next, craft a comfortable “nest” to fully relax and be “held” to focus on the breath.

Breathing is essential to establish mindfulness and effortlessness in our energy. 

Mantra may be used to still the mind as the senses are drawn inwards, like a tortoise. 

State an Intention (important for going into the subconscious mind)

Systematic relaxation of the body, naming each part to surrender and release.  

Visualization, concentration on various images/sensations.

Rest in awareness, focus on the upper chakras, the heart, the throat, or the third eye.

This is the place to experience the absorbing aspect of meditation.

Dissolve into the grace of surrendering to the stillness and spaciousness of the soul.

Welcome back to the external world, deepen the breath and stir the body.

Remember your Intention in the transition between the journey and wakefulness.

Journal your experience, to understand and remember, to enhance intuitive abilities.  

Gratitude for the practice, and giving yourself the gift of deep rest and connectivity.  

This practice is a teacher, it will lead you to your true self, stability, clarity, and wisdom

Join us for Yoga Nidra, in our sanctuary of sacred space.  

You can also get the app Insight Timer for guided meditations, Youtube, or a great book is

“Radiant Rest” by Tracee Stanlee