Yoga nidra is the practice of psychic sleep. It’s not an asana, but a conscious state that flirts on the border of sleep. Deep transformation can happen in yoga nidra because you can set a resolve that permeates into the subconscious through the practice, bringing powerful potential for healing and self-growth.
Yoga nidra is sort of like a very long Savasana (Corpse pose). Here, you lie on your back, get comfortable, close your eyes, and settle in. However, yoga nidra is a much longer practice and can sometimes last for an hour. And you are not left in silence, but guided through the practice by a teacher who directs your awareness throughout your body, breath, senses, emotions, and to archetypal imagery.
The affirmation used in yoga nidra goes far beyond positive thinking. It should be a resolve for your betterment and a short sentence that you want and believe will surely come true. It should be the same each time you practice, too. Something like “my body is healthy” would be great for someone who’s sick, or “I am lovable” for someone who’d like to improve their self-love. And it should be in the present tense. Our resolve settles into the subconscious through the practice of yoga nidra, enabling deep and profound changes in your self-perception and the body.
Practicing yoga nidra provides the following health benefits.
Yoga nidra can be practiced at any time, except right after eating, as you may be more inclined to fall asleep then. You may consider practicing in the morning, after asana or meditation, or before you go to sleep. It makes a nice prelude to sleep by relaxing the body and unwinding the mind for deeper, more restful slumber.
Download Your Free yoga playlist
Dreams of Mystics by DJ Taz Rashid pairs perfectly with meditations, yin or restorative yoga practices, and Savasana.
Yoga nidra is typically a guided practice. Below you’ll find the skeleton of a full yoga nidra session. Repeat instructions and elaborate as needed.
Use a chanting-like tone that is smooth and affectionate. Give a pause between each instruction and don’t be afraid to repeat. Your students will drift in and out of consciousness. When directing their awareness around the physical body, do so quickly—just long enough for them redirect their attention and mentally recite the body part name.
1. Lie down on your back for the practice of yoga nidra. Bring your feet as wide as your mat. Rest your arms by your sides, away from your body, and palms facing the sky. Get completely comfortable. Adjust yourself so that you are comfortable on the floor. Close your eyes. Now find stillness. Do not move throughout the practice of yoga nidra. Keep your body still and relaxed. Release any tension from your body and find complete relaxation.
2. Stay awake throughout the practice of yoga nidra. Tell yourself, “I will not sleep. I will remain awake.” Simply follow my voice throughout the practice but do not try to intellectualize my words. Kindly follow my voice as I guide your consciousness throughout your body.
Now decide upon a resolve. Find a simple resolve, an affirmation. Find a resolve for yourself. Choose a resolve in the present tense. It should be clear, direct, and simple. This resolve will surely come true in your real life. It is bound to happen in your own life. Fix your resolve and use this resolve now and at the end of the yoga nidra practice. Now mentally repeat your resolve, knowing that it will most certainly fructify.
3. Bring your awareness to your physical body and become aware of your physical body. Remind yourself, “I am listening to the instructions, I am awake.” Follow my voice as I guide your awareness to different parts of the body and bring your full awareness to each specific area. Do not concentrate too much but move your mind quickly. If I move too quickly, don’t worry, direct your awareness where you next hear my voice.
After I say a body part, mentally repeat the name of that body part. Right thumb, second finger, third finger, fourth finger, fifth finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder, waist, hip, thigh, knee, calf muscle, ankle, heel, sole of the foot, right big toe, second toe, third toe, fourth toe, fifth toe. (Then repeat on the left side.)
Pro Tip: Depending on how much time you have, you can follow the structure of right side, left side, backside, and front; getting as detailed as you like with the inner parts of the body such as organs and tongue.
4. Feel your body get very heavy. Awaken the feeling of heaviness throughout your body. Become aware of your whole body heavy on the floor. Now awaken the feeling of lightness. Feel your body being very light. Feel each part of the body very light. Repeat to yourself, “I am not sleeping.”
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE CHAKRAS EBOOK
Gain a better understanding of the chakras as a whole and the yogic practices associated with each as you journey through this ebook.