YOGA NIDRA
‘One of the most profound transformative practices in our modern lifestyle’
Yoga Nidra translates as the “Yogic Sleep”. It has been used by ancient yogis as a way to enter a profound state of relaxation in a short time, equivalent to several hours of deep sleep. It is common nowadays for people to experience tiredness upon waking up, either their body feels tense or their mind retains some form of anxiety or stress, leaving them with a sense of not being fully rested. With the practice of Yoga Nidra the physical, emotional and mental aspects become refreshed within a short time while a sense of ‘letting go’ takes place naturally. During this time our consciousness functions at a deeper level of awareness and rejuvenation takes place.
Yoga Nidra has its origin in ancient Tantric practices where there is rotation of consciousness on the many different parts of the body (called ‘nyasa’). By directing our awareness to all the specific parts in a logical order one can feel tension melting away, thus leading to a feeling of expansion and relaxation. In the 60’s Swami Satyananda of the Bihar School of Yoga revived the practice and explored its many applications, especially in working with its profound effect on the psychological aspect of the human being. By introducing a ‘sankalpa’ which is a unique and personal affirmation, one is able to move towards a more positive state, finding it easier to let go of old unnecessary habits. Hence Yoga Nidra is very effective for re-programming one’s own attitude and response to life.
The negative effect of Stress
The medical field has conducted countless studies and research on the detrimental aspect of stress and we now know that our immune system can be deeply compromised under its influence. These can lead to mild discomfort such as tension headache, indigestion or insomnia to more serious diseases like cardiovascular problems, diabetes, autoimmune disorders and severe depression. Many people often opt for either comfort eating, drinking, recreational drugs and so on in order to deal with their stress and the related symptoms. The demands of the modern world gives rise to anxiety, digestive problems, hypertension, insomnia, and often a sense of ‘not having enough time to recharge’. A state of imbalance slowly creeps in and the conditions worsen over weeks and months. This is when the practice of Yoga Nidra becomes a valuable tool.
What does the practice of Yoga Nidra involves?
What are the possible benefits?
Regular sessions encourage change to take place is a person's lifestyle or way of thinking, creating more confidence and inner strength in tackling obstacles and negative patterns. On a physical level it balances the heart rate (beneficial in cases of hypertension, palpitation etc), relaxes the muscles and is a great tool for pain management with noticeable improvements. Muscular and nervous tension is gradually released leading to a deeper sense of peace, the mind becoming calm with fewer thoughts passing by. It has been noted that Yoga nidra may improve memory and recall, as well as enhancing creativity and intuition.
It has become more and more popular as a preventive practice for stress related conditions, due to its extremely simple technique which appeals to people of all ages and abilities. If lying down is not comfortable, one may practice propped against a wall with enough cushioning supporting the back and neck. Your teacher will be able to help you find the best comfortable position.
On a more spiritual level, Yoga nidra is said to help release old ‘sanskaras’ (past life impressions) which often acts as obstacles in order to live to our full potential. Deep seated tendencies slowly become dislodged effortlessly allowing your personality to reflect your true Self. Yoga Nidra is a very valuable tool when it comes to deal with the more challenging difficulties one may have to face in life, and a regular practice has cumulative effect which allows changes to manifest quicker when needed. The sankalpa (which is your own resolve) can be repeated also during the day at anytime to enhance the outcome, but only after it has been ‘planted’ as a seed in the subconscious during a properly taught practice by an experienced teacher.
Marianne Simonin©
Where and When?
please contact Marianne if you are interested in setting up a small group. At the moment there are no regular classes.
‘One of the most profound transformative practices in our modern lifestyle’
Yoga Nidra translates as the “Yogic Sleep”. It has been used by ancient yogis as a way to enter a profound state of relaxation in a short time, equivalent to several hours of deep sleep. It is common nowadays for people to experience tiredness upon waking up, either their body feels tense or their mind retains some form of anxiety or stress, leaving them with a sense of not being fully rested. With the practice of Yoga Nidra the physical, emotional and mental aspects become refreshed within a short time while a sense of ‘letting go’ takes place naturally. During this time our consciousness functions at a deeper level of awareness and rejuvenation takes place.
Yoga Nidra has its origin in ancient Tantric practices where there is rotation of consciousness on the many different parts of the body (called ‘nyasa’). By directing our awareness to all the specific parts in a logical order one can feel tension melting away, thus leading to a feeling of expansion and relaxation. In the 60’s Swami Satyananda of the Bihar School of Yoga revived the practice and explored its many applications, especially in working with its profound effect on the psychological aspect of the human being. By introducing a ‘sankalpa’ which is a unique and personal affirmation, one is able to move towards a more positive state, finding it easier to let go of old unnecessary habits. Hence Yoga Nidra is very effective for re-programming one’s own attitude and response to life.
The negative effect of Stress
The medical field has conducted countless studies and research on the detrimental aspect of stress and we now know that our immune system can be deeply compromised under its influence. These can lead to mild discomfort such as tension headache, indigestion or insomnia to more serious diseases like cardiovascular problems, diabetes, autoimmune disorders and severe depression. Many people often opt for either comfort eating, drinking, recreational drugs and so on in order to deal with their stress and the related symptoms. The demands of the modern world gives rise to anxiety, digestive problems, hypertension, insomnia, and often a sense of ‘not having enough time to recharge’. A state of imbalance slowly creeps in and the conditions worsen over weeks and months. This is when the practice of Yoga Nidra becomes a valuable tool.
What does the practice of Yoga Nidra involves?
- During a session you lie down on your back and find a comfortable position; you may use certain props like blocks, cushions or blankets to support your body to reach optimum physical comfort. It is important to be warm by wearing suitable clothes and cover yourself with a light shawl or blanket. There should be sufficient space around your arms and legs so the energy can flow freely. The practice is done with eyes closed.
- There are many variations to the way Yoga Nidra is taught and each teacher has his/her own unique style or sequence. As a general guidance it is likely that you will be made aware of yourself lying down in the room, of your breath and the fact that you are ready to practice yoga nidra. You will be asked to formulate your ‘Sankalpa’ mentally which is a short affirmation that addresses a specific area of your health, lifestyle or behaviour. This will be explained more thoroughly by your teacher prior to the session.
- You will then be guided through ‘nyasa’ which is the rotation of awareness through all the different parts of the body such as: “become aware of your right hand, your wrist, elbow, upper arm” until the whole body - back and front is acknowledged. This will induce a deep state of relaxation, with a sense of heaviness, feeling all tension being released. The teacher’s voice will be heard with detached awareness. Yoga Nidra is not falling asleep, it is a state between wakefulness and sleep, and this is when you slowly access the deeper layer of the subconscious. During this period the teacher may take you through a series of visualisations or sensations depending on the focus of the day.
- After about 20 - 30 mins, once completely relaxed on a physical, emotional and mental level you will be asked to repeat again mentally your sankalpa several times. In this second time your sankalpa may manifest more spontaneously from within you, with the intention reaching a deeper level. You will be able to start feeling the effect on your body and mind. This is when the practice becomes powerful, as only you decide what you want to change. Your affirmation becomes a seed of transformation that you plant in the fertile ground of your subconscious.
- Each session of yoga nidra repeated regularly will nourish and fertilize this seed, hence the importance of keeping the same sankalpa until you see the results manifesting in your life. Towards the end of the practice you will be asked to slowly become aware of body sensations by gradually moving your toes or fingers and then come back to a comfortable posture. The session often ends with a short meditation and talk, with time for questions and answers.
What are the possible benefits?
Regular sessions encourage change to take place is a person's lifestyle or way of thinking, creating more confidence and inner strength in tackling obstacles and negative patterns. On a physical level it balances the heart rate (beneficial in cases of hypertension, palpitation etc), relaxes the muscles and is a great tool for pain management with noticeable improvements. Muscular and nervous tension is gradually released leading to a deeper sense of peace, the mind becoming calm with fewer thoughts passing by. It has been noted that Yoga nidra may improve memory and recall, as well as enhancing creativity and intuition.
It has become more and more popular as a preventive practice for stress related conditions, due to its extremely simple technique which appeals to people of all ages and abilities. If lying down is not comfortable, one may practice propped against a wall with enough cushioning supporting the back and neck. Your teacher will be able to help you find the best comfortable position.
On a more spiritual level, Yoga nidra is said to help release old ‘sanskaras’ (past life impressions) which often acts as obstacles in order to live to our full potential. Deep seated tendencies slowly become dislodged effortlessly allowing your personality to reflect your true Self. Yoga Nidra is a very valuable tool when it comes to deal with the more challenging difficulties one may have to face in life, and a regular practice has cumulative effect which allows changes to manifest quicker when needed. The sankalpa (which is your own resolve) can be repeated also during the day at anytime to enhance the outcome, but only after it has been ‘planted’ as a seed in the subconscious during a properly taught practice by an experienced teacher.
Marianne Simonin©
Where and When?
please contact Marianne if you are interested in setting up a small group. At the moment there are no regular classes.
