October 1st, 2018
If there is anything in this world that is truly universal, it’s sleep. We are all human, and as a result, we all sleep. Whether you are a 9 hour per night champion or someone who feels lucky if they get 3 solid hours of shut-eye, we all know that sleep is important and absolutely necessary. You can’t fake it, you can’t buy it, and you can’t live without it… We need sleep. With technology creeping into our bedrooms (and sometimes even into our beds) and life feeling busier every day, sometimes we just don’t feel as well rested as we should.
If you could use a little help in the rest and relaxation department, then yoga nidra is for you!
WHAT IS YOGA NIDRA?
Yoga nidra (meaning “yogic sleep”) is a state of awareness that exists between wakefulness and sleep. It is an incredibly powerful and relaxing guided meditation practice meant to be restorative and calming to the nervous system.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PRACTICING YOGA NIDRA?
While it is not a substitute for regular and good quality sleep, yoga nidra can be deeply relaxing and has the ability to recreate a few of the benefits you get from catching some real ZZZs. Research has shown that practicing yoga nidra can help lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and combat stress. Some practitioners have also reported that they are able to sleep better and longer after practicing yoga nidra.
WHO SHOULD PRACTICE YOGA NIDRA?
Anyone and everyone! The ease of this practice means it is accessible to all ages and ability levels and you truly cannot do it wrong. Yoga nidra may be especially helpful for those who suffer from anxiety, depression, insomnia, and a multitude of other physical, mental, and emotional challenges.
WHAT WILL I NEED FOR THIS PRACTICE?
It is possible to practice yoga nidra with nothing more than your body and a comfortable place to sit or lie down. However, you may want to bring a yoga mat or use some of the props provided in the studio (such as blankets or bolsters) in order to create a supportive space for your body. Some students choose to bring an eye pillow for their personal use in order to deepen their relaxation.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THIS PRACTICE?
Yoga nidra is always verbally guided by an instructor and a session can last anywhere from five minutes to an hour. You will likely experience a sense of deep physical and mental relaxation. Sometimes students fall fully asleep during this practice and that’s okay, but the goal is to hover in the place between actual sleep and being awake. You will be guided through the five layers of self (Pancha Maya kosha) and will also be asked to make a resolve (Sankalpa) in order to focus your meditation. Hopefully, at the close of a yoga nidra practice you will feel rested, relaxed, and restored.
We invite you to treat yo’ self to a yoga nidra practice and see for yourself what it’s all about!
Written by Meraki Teacher Natalie Carrasco
Join Natalie for Yoga Nidra on
October 25th 8.15pm-9.15pm
November 29th 8.15pm-9.15pm
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