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WHAT IS YOGA NIDRA Yoga Nidra is an inward journey of self inquiry. It is an ancient, non-dogmatic, secular practice. Yoga=union Nidra=sleep The sleep of the Yogi is not really a sleep; it is a deep, alert rest where the mind is not attached to thought. It is the soil for inner growth. The physical body holds much of our tension and through the practice of yoga nidra we become aware of our bodies and our subtle bodies. Through this awareness, a profound transformation of a psychological, physical and spiritual healing takes place. Long-held negative beliefs that block our ability to live fully become released. Through yoga nidra we learn how to live a contented life free of conflict, anxiety, fear and suffering. Skills that assist us in experiencing mastery during the most difficult times are cultivated, and an increased experience of joy and mental composure will pervade our everyday life. Ultimately, we learn how to uncover our True Nature and experience the inherent inter-connection with all of life. How does Yoga Nidra Work? The practice of Yoga Nidra induces relaxation throughout the body and mind by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. It works on subconscious and unconscious conditionings that affect daily conscious living. Participants of the recently conducted Walter Reed Feasibility Study, the COTS-IONS-CTB and Missouri iRest studies reported: Decreased insomnia
How Does One Practice Yoga Nidra? A Yoga Nidra class consists of a of 30-40 minute session where one is guided through a meditative sequence. During this sequence participants are guided deeper into the layers of the subtle body where beliefs and memories are stored. When suffering is felt, welcomed, and seen by Pure Awareness, it evaporates. As each layer is released into Pure Awareness there is an uncovering of a deeper sense of freedom, truth and joy. Once learned, yoga nidra practice can easily be integrated into a daily routine. The individual components of iRest can be practiced in as little as three minutes. The protocol of iRest covers: 1. Body sensing 2. Breath awareness 3. Sensing feelings and emotions - This is designed to bring awareness of and neutralize negative, traumatic body sensations, stress, emotions, beliefs, images and memories. 4. The experience of well-Being and joy 5. The experience of mental and emotional composure amidst the changing circumstances of life - Therefore, our inter-connectedness with all of life is seen. As inner tensions decrease, self-confidence and well-being increase, which remains with you as you, go about your daily life. Integrative Restoration (iRest) Integrative Restoration is yoga nidra derived by Richard Miller who has spent twenty-six years developing iRest to make it uniquely suitable for Westerners. He has taught the iRest protocol to thousand individuals in classes, retreats and individual sessions throughout North America. The protocol is (a) integrative in that it heals the various traumas, fixations and negative patterns that are present in your body, mind and senses; and (b) restorative in that it aids you in recognizing your inter-connectedness with everyone and all of life. iRest accomplishes its goal through two steps: 1. The embodiment of pure awareness 2. The release of negative body sensations, emotions, beliefs and stress that give rise to self-destructive patterns Richard is currently researching iRest effectiveness with various populations including:
Please see the website: www.nondual.com for further information How is Yoga Nidra Practiced At The Yoga Darshana Center? Yoga
Nidra’s transformative inner journey is perfect for everyone, not just
the physically fit or the advanced yogi. Participants are asked to lie
down and become as comfortable as possible. The teacher’s voice guides
and encourages the participant through the meditative sequence. Individual sessions of yoga nidra are available for further practice and assistance YOGA NIDRA TESTIMONIALS I have participated in other meditation sessions in the past, but after completing this one I felt very much at peace. We are all aware of the constant stream of thought or as I like to call it, "the noise within" our minds. Through guided meditation you are asked to bring your attention inward, through the sensation of body, breath, mind, and beyond. Conducting the session through tele-conferencing is a novel idea; it allows participation from the comfort of one's home or where ever else convenient.......Bob This was a wonderful experience for me. I have been exploring both yoga and meditation independently. Through Yoga Nidra I have gained guidance and a deeper personal awareness. I am now intrigued about both the deeper investigation, and usefulness of Yoga Nidra......Nina It was very enjoyable. I loved the fact that I could do it in my own house with my own blankets, pillows, etc. It was relaxing and peaceful. I look forward to more sessions. Thank you Matthew.........Dale I could not believe the revelations, the unraveling that took place with Yoga Nidra. Things were uncovered that I did not even suspect. I have had many sessions, several that were major life altering experiences. One in particular that actually made me feel ill, it was a purging, letting go of such unbelievable harmful energy and beliefs that I had living inside and around me for many, many years. Since that time my life has changed in so many positive ways. I can say that I have gotten closer to my true self. What wonderful experience.......Susan I learned a new approach and technique in Yoga Nidra class which I already implemented in my practice this morning. It actually helped me fall asleep again when I woke up in the middle of the night......Alexandra Yoga Nidra is good for whatever ails you. If I'm having physical pain somewhere and I do Yoga Nidra, the pain is usually greatly reduced, physical anxiety about the pain is also reduced and often a belief underlying the pain may be uncovered. If I'm feeling poorly emotionally or I'm in a negative frame of mind, embracing and welcoming these feelings through Yoga Nidra always brings me a great sense of peace and ease. It increases my ability to love and accept myself just as I am now. The benefits of Yoga Nidra are lasting as well as immediate. I feel that a weekly Yoga Nidra session adds an underlying layer of serenity to my daily life........Barbara After just the 1st session of Yoga Nidra, my reiki energy re-awakened in a huge way! When attending a session now, I can quickly attain a state/feeling of pure awareness. When this happens, I feel like a puddle of energy and as if I could simply float away. When not in a session; I can once again quickly call upon my reiki energy to share with others. I also find myself using this wonderful technique throughout my day to be fully aware and present in the moment. Since I am a educator; this has really helped me when I am experiencing feelings of impatience. I am very grateful to have been exposed to Yoga Nidra........Ann Marie The teacher very clearly and skillfully guided us through a powerful Yoga Nidra meditation. I appreciate how generously they shared their grounded, gentle energy and knowledge of this deep but accessible practice. After the session, I felt a deeper sense of connection and more acceptance/peacefulness about myself and where I am in life….Beth What a profoundly powerful experience. I tapped into some things I'd held in my body as a result of connecting to it so completely. This experience of witnessing meditation on being present in the body and in the world as a whole feels very comforting. I would absolutely love to do this again…..Kim I found Yoga Nidra to be supremely relaxing. This session worked well for me as a tele-class because I didn't have to rush anywhere, I was in the comfort of my own space, and had a comfortable hands-free headset that allowed me to completely relax. During the meditation, I was able to give my busy mind permission to turn off and rest. As I went deeper into relaxation, I discovered a sense of "pure awareness" which transcended my physical body. It was as if I was floating outside yet safely inside of my body. I feel a greater sense of well-being and peace with "what is" as a result. I highly recommend Yoga Nidra. Thank you again…..Cathy The meditation was well lead. Matthew was an excellent facilitator. Usually, I am energetic in the morning but this morning I was tired and stressed. The positive "guidance" led me to a place that was inspirational, relaxing, affirmative, etc…. DeaJay Highly recommended. By feeling the body in this way you are also activating and healing it by simply being aware.Great method to do with the organs as well. I consider this method of meditation one of the most beneficial types around for learning about yourself and the world you live in. Your body is an excellent and profound teacher. This type of meditation is especially important nowadays when we are so much out of our bodies using computers and phones and cars all the time- we can easily go through looooong periods of time without paying real attention to our bodies even with exercise…….Chris This was the first time I had tried anything like this. I thought it was a great class. I was very relaxed and do believe it is something I would like to learn more about…..Mary I had a lot of energy afterward. I felt focused and peaceful. I would like to practice this on a regular basis…..Sue Absolutely superb! I went from a day that was unusually anxious and melancholy to deep peace and satisfaction. Thank you…..Paula Very nice and pleasant .It.exceeded my expectations…….Wilma I do yoga nidra regularly but this was really refreshing. I went deeper than I ever did before. Thank you for an amazing experience….. Bhav The class was very relaxing! The instructor was fantastic.…. Sarah The meditation instructor was well trained, has a very soothing voice and provided the space for a comfortable meditation….. Sheila This was my first experience with guided meditation but it was all I expected it to be - and perhaps then some. I was mentally prepared to accept guidance and the teacher was helpful. I didn't know what the Yoga Nidra concept was/is, but I really enjoyed it…….Mike LONG ISLAND YOGA STUDIO - not-for-profit organization |