You deserve rest.
"Yoga Nidra is a release of all doing, all effort to be anywhere but where you are. It is a subtraction of doing. In the absence of doing, you notice that you are already whole.” - Kamini Desai
More about Yoga Nidra
I’m honoured to offer you this free yoga nidra guided meditation. Yoga nidra, also called yogic sleep, is a practice that guides you from an activated mind and body to a deep state of resting awareness. While there are different styles and methods, I have studied with and will utilize Karen Brody’s Daring to Rest Method.
There are different stages in yoga nidra.
Setting an intention. Connecting inward, you listen for what your heart is longing to tell you. From here a sankalpa, the Sanskrit word for intention - a positive personal affirmation or mantra is created to manifest a desired feeling or outcome in your life.
Relaxing the physical body. You are guided through the body to release physical tension, stress and exhaustion.
Breath Awareness. A variety of breath practices may be used to aid in the connection to and softening of the body, to support letting go, and to quiet the mind and body.
Mental and Emotional. One of the most powerful tools is introduced here: the holding of opposites. Through the use of imagery and visualization, we explore
Intention Repetition. One’s intention is repeated towards the end of the meditation. In this relaxed and open state we are able to plant the seeds of our sankalpa and nourish it even more.
Awakening. Slowly we are returned to the waking state. Many practitioners feel deeply rested and rejuvenated.
What do I need to do?
I will guide you through a short physical practice. This can be done standing, seated or lying down depending on what feels best for you at that moment. You may need to alter the suggestions according to your position or the specifics of your body and needs. This is a time to truly listen to what your body is asking for. You are your best teacher.
After the somatic movement section you will be led through a short rest practice, or a full length (roughly 35 minutes) yoga nidra. The beautiful thing about yoga nidra is that there is nothing “to do” but simply rest. You get as cozy and comfortable as possible, sitting or lying down, using blankets and pillows to support your body.
What are the benefits of yoga nidra?
A regular yoga nidra practice:
Relieves tension and stress, reduces anxiety and insomnia
Balances and calms the nervous system
Allows one to connect deeply to their inner knowing
Quiets the mind, enables you to listen to your truth and intuition
Restores and rejuvenates the whole body
