Yoga Nidra

~ An Introduction ~

By Anna Caldwell

In Sanskrit (योग निद्रा), Nidra means sleep, so Yoga Nidra is yogic sleep. If you thought yin yoga was relaxing, Yoga Nidra just might give yin a run for its money! It is said that one hour of Yoga Nidra is equal to four hours of regular sleep and all of the bodily benefits that come with it.

According to yogic philosophy, Yoga Nidra is as old as yoga itself, first being mentioned in the ancient Upanishads texts and later represented by Lord Krishna in the Hindu epic Mahābhārata .

In this restorative practice, the yogi rests in savasana (corpse post) as comfortably as possible while being systemically led through a body meditation. The facilitator navigates the meditation through pancha maya kosha, also known as the five layers of self, while repeatedly bringing the practitioner’s awareness back to the Ajna Chakra (third eye) to allow intentions to settle into the intuitive subconscious. This is an immensely powerful meditation practice that leaves one feeling rested and whole!

Just as in yin yoga, this practice gives us the space to explore ourselves in a nonjudgemental, safe way (plus, falling asleep is completely welcome in a Yoga Nidra class!). Over time, emotions that had previously been stuck or hidden come to the surface and a Yoga Nidra practice helps us work through them from a relaxed and receptive place.

Here are a few reasons to give Yoga Nidra a try today:

~Yoga Nidra is one of the easiest yoga practices to incorporate into your life.

~Yoga Nidra can be practiced by anyone, at any time no matter their physical state.

~Yoga Nidra can be a powerful tool for teachers wanting to add deep relaxation components to their existing offerings.

~Yoga Nidra is a wonderful compliment to Yin Yoga and can be enhanced with yogic soundscapes, essential oils and aromatherapy.

If you are interested in learning more about Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra, Shanti Atma Yoga offers a variety of trainings both online and in-person exploring the many avenues to self healing and teacher development:

Yin Yoga Teacher Training Online:

Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 100 hour Functional Anatomy and Chinese Medicine
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 100 hour Pranayama, Meditation and Mindfulness
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 80 hour Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 50 hour Neuroplasticity and Mindfulness
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 50 hour Essential Oils and Emotional Intelligence

Residential Yoga Teacher Training:

Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 100 hour Functional Anatomy and Chinese Medicine
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 100 hour Pranayama, Meditation and Mindfulness
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 80 hour Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 50 hour Neuroplasticity and Mindfulness
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 50 hour Essential Oils and Emotional Intelligence
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 200 hour 5 Bodies Approach
Yoga Philosophy: 100 Hour Life Management with Yogic Values of 5 Koshas

Locations:

Yin Yoga Teacher Training Bali
Yin Yoga Teacher Training Thailand
Yin Yoga Teacher Training India
Yin Yoga Teacher Training Spain
Yin Yoga Teacher Training Australia
Yin Yoga Teacher Training Guatemala

We also have a variety of Yin Yoga Retreats and Yoga Holidays:

Yin Yang Yoga Retreat Spain: Rest and Revive Retreat
Yin Yoga Retreat Bali: Sacred Space Yoga

For more information please contact us here

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