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’.
As you lie down, we effortlessly move through the body, bringing awareness to and releasing tension in each part of the body while settling the mind, to move into deeper states 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. This is so needed in the times we currently live in (with the majority of us living in permanent stress and tension).
However, Yoga Nidra is so much more. As you move deeper, answers may be revealed to questions you haven’t even asked. And then you go further. It is the sleep of the Divine – empty and yet full, a void yet abundant, an entry to the infinite.
Yoga Nidra is the teacher.
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 yogic texts, such as the Devi Mahatmya, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and more. This ancient practice is mainly passed down through oral tradition from teacher to student (many styles, techniques, and traditions exist today). The practices I share were passed down through one of my teachers, who received them from his teacher, in the Sri Vidya lineage (of the Himalayan Institute, from India). This tradition honours the Goddess.
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 works on dissolving or changing limiting behaviours and beliefs. In Yoga Nidra, we are moving into consciousness (a place of wholeness) and allowing this place to change beliefs and patterns. Those who practice hypnosis may recognize similarities between Yoga Nidra and Hypnosis, but when you learn and experience the depths of Yoga Nidra, there is a distinct difference. Research has revealed that they affect the brain differently. Yoga Nidra is not a technique but a way of being, a state of consciousness.
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 of transformation 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 lying down in 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, and 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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