What is Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra, also called the yoga of sleep. At least that's how Yoga Nidra is often described. By this it is meant that during Yoga Nidra one is somewhere between a state of meditation and sleep.
One could also say that Yoga Nidra is a conscious deep relaxation.
A state in which one directs one's senses from the outside in, but does not fall asleep.
Why should you do Yoga Nidra?
It is believed that about one hour of Yoga Nidra can replace four hours of sleep.
Especially in the 21st century, when everything is supposed to run faster and "better", this is directly reflected in our psyche.
The number of physical illnesses has never been as high as it is today.
To bring our body system back to a state of regeneration, Yoga Nidra is one of many techniques that can help us
to do this. During the practice we free ourselves from expectations, judgements, space and time.
When that happens, our brain is still working, but in Yoga Nidra our body comes into this state of regeneration and deep relaxation.
Everyone knows that feeling just before falling asleep. This pleasant
light-headed feeling, which sometimes causes muscles to contract
To relax twitches, you are still conscious, but already totally relaxed.
You could describe the feeling of a Yoga Nidra practice in a similar way.
So how does Yoga Nidra work?
Typically, the practice of Yoga Nidra takes place in the supine position, as this is the position in which muscle activity can be turned off. Of course, lying on your stomach or side are also allowed if lying on your back is not possible.
You will then be guided through the next 30-60 minutes of Yoga Nidra.
In each Yoga Nidra session, there is an intention, goal, or desire that the scripts that are being read are tailored to the practitioner.
These scripts form the basis of every Yoga Nidra session.
There are different Yoga Nidra texts, so it is difficult to formulate a unification at this point. Nevertheless, one can say that Yoga Nidra works a lot with visualization.
Furthermore, the practitioners are guided by various sensations.
Focusing on breathing plays a big role.
First, the student will enter a state of deep relaxation.
Once this is achieved, it is possible to enter deep states of consciousness through Yoga Nidra. Without losing the relaxation, different layers of the mind and body are observed.
You are very close to falling asleep, which is why Yoga Nidra, as already described, is often referred to as the yoga of sleep.
Why Should Yoga Nidra Be Performed With Guidance?
It is always suitable to carry out the Yoga Nidra practice under supervision, as the teachers know exactly how this meditation is structured, which scripts are suitable for whom and always protect you from falling asleep ;).
Another reason why you should do this meditation under supervision
is that it allows you to really devote yourself to the practice without thinking.
we all know how difficult it is to surrender to the moment during mediation when we are brooding.
What are the effects of Yoga Nidra on the body?
And to give you the right motivation to practice Yoga Nidra, here are the
most important effects listed:
-Reduction of stress
-physical and mental recovery
-Increase in concentration
-Recovery of the muscles, e.g. in case of tension
-Increase in general well-being through, for example, more energy
-Mindfulness with yourself and others
