A journey into the embrace of the Goddess, Yoga Nidra.
The word Nidra means sleep, so Yoga Nidra is often referred to as ‘yogic sleep’. Ni also means ‘void’ and dru means ‘to reveal’.
In simpler terms, you may feel as though it’s a form of meditation (but it’s not really), and you are lying down. It’s a method of moving you through the layers (body, mind, energy) to a deeper state of consciousness. On the outermost layers, you may feel ease in the body, a wave of peace wash over you, and a feeling of being held.
Yoga Nidra is so much more. It is challenging to describe in words and can only be experienced as a student. Yoga Nidra is the teacher.
It is the sleep of the Divine – empty and yet full, a void yet abundant, an entry to the infinite.
about nidra
Yoga Nidra is more than just a technique or even rest and ‘sleep’. Rest is essential, and Yoga Nidra provides profound benefits in this regard. But it is so much more. Yoga Nidra is a state of consciousness, of being. As we move into Yoga Nidra, we ‘sleep’ (disidentify) to the impermanent parts around us (money, relationships, status). We become awake to the unchanging, eternal aspect of ourselves that never sleeps. It awakens, reveals, transforms and permeates.
Yoga Nidra is referred to in many texts, such as the Devi Mahatmya, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and more. It is mainly passed down through oral tradition from teacher to student (many styles, techniques, and traditions exist today). The practice I share was passed down through one of my teachers, who received it from his teacher and worked with his teachers through the Himalayan Institute (from India). This tradition honours the Goddess and Great Mother who teaches us.
Meditation: In Yoga Nidra, you are lying down (while seated in meditation), and there’s no struggle to ‘do something’ or ‘to meditate’. In Yoga Nidra, the deeper state of consciousness reveals itself (occurring easefully as the body and mind are at rest). The remembrance of this essence or state lends itself well to deeper meditations.
Hypnotherapy: Hypnosis specifically works on dissolving or changing limiting behaviours and beliefs. Yoga Nidra’s deeper level of unconsciousness changes beliefs and patterns from a place of wholeness. Research has revealed that they affect the brain differently. Yoga Nidra creates a sattvic environment for change, where the brain is awake and develops different awareness. Whereas, Hypnosis is led into deep sleep and is said to close down parts of the brain to effect change (creating a tamasic condition).
Yoga Nidra Private
A space for you to be held in Yoga Nidra. These sessions are curated for you and your life/spiritual journey.
New Moon Yoga Nidra
The New Moon is a magical time to connect with that which is sacred and set intentions for the lunar cycle.
Yoga Nidra Teacher
A sacred container to be in Yoga Nidra. Embody the teachings and share this rich wisdom with others.
We begin the session with the intention of reverence for Yoga Nidra, setting up a ‘Rest Nest’ with deep care and a space to be held. Our ‘Rest Nest’ is Savasana (usually), with props to allow our body to feel at ease and our spirit to feel safe – this alleviates distractions of any discomfort arising from the body and mind. I then guide you in settling the body, regulating the breath, and different methods begin to move you through the koshas (layers of being) – a journey within. Initially, you may enjoy the physical and mental peace that permeates. You may see visuals (a bubbling up of memories, past lives, or random images) – we just let them dissipate. And then you may experience a journey beyond this.
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