Even your grandma knows about the importance of meditation nowadays. However, an actual sitting down for half an hour and turning your thought processes off has been a challenge for every modern human out there.
How about a deeply relaxing guided meditation, that is practiced laying down and with a promise to make your deepest wish come true as a cherry on top of a cake? Welcome to the world of Yoga Nidra.
So what is the secret?
Yoga Nidra is a system taking its origin from tantric practices and is a powerful technique of inducing a complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation. The term Yoga Nidra is derived from two words in Sanskrit, “yoga” which means union or one-pointed consciousness and “nidra” which means sleep.
However, in the practice of Yoga Nidra, sleep is not considered a tool of relaxation. Many of us are used to call having a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, watching our favorite series or reading a book, as our relaxation. But none of this fits the scientific definition of relaxation. All that is just a sensory switch. True relaxation extends far wider. For a complete relaxation, you must be aware of it. And this is exactly what Yoga Nidra offers – a state of dynamic sleep or a conscious relaxation.
During yoga nidra practice, it may seem that you are falling into a dream, however, your consciousness continues to operate on deeper layers of awareness. Therefore, the state achieved in the process of Yoga Nidra is often called extrasensory sleep or hypnosis. On the border between sleep and wakefulness, happens a spontaneous contact of consciousness with the subconscious. Taking one into such deep relaxation, an hour of practice can easily substitute about four hours of sleep, which makes it an incredible quick recharge for busy, sleep deprived beauties.
In Yoga Nidra practice, attention is directed inward, away from external sensations. When consciousness is separated from external awareness and sleep, it becomes incredibly powerful and can be used for various purposes, for example, to develop memory, acquire new knowledge, creativity or to transform the whole essence of a person.
How does it work?
During complete relaxation, the receptivity is much stronger. When consciousness is associated with all the senses, then receptivity is much weaker, because attention is simply scattered. This is the secret of Yoga Nidra. When information is obtained through intellectualization, it reaches the brain, but it does not affect it much, so to speak, it does not greatly impress it. When the mind moves slightly back and you enter the borderline state between sleep and wakefulness, all the information absorbed by you acquires strength and is easily absorbed.
Perhaps one of the most effective mechanisms for influencing and changing consciousness is Sankalpa, which is repeated during each yoga nidra practice. Translated from Sanskrit, Sankalpa is an intention, but in Yoga Nidra practice this concept is much broader. It is said – Anything in life can fail you, but not the Sankalpa made during the practice of Yoga Nidra”.
Sankalpa is a powerful tool that can change lives. By consciously approaching the choice of Sankalpa, you can change your personal qualities, your reaction to things and events and draw the events you need into your life. If you know what you want to achieve in life and in what direction you want to develop, working with a well-chosen Sankalpa will certainly facilitate and accelerate the process of transformation.
Regular practice of Yoga Nidra leaves you more balanced and happy with life, helps you to find peace with yourself and improve your sleep, as well as serving as a magic wand making your wishes come true through setting an intention.
This is a deeply relaxing and comfortable practice that is guaranteed to return you back to this world rested and with a smile on your lips.
Jana Belugina
Certified Yoga Nidra and Mindfulness Instructor
Author of transformative course “Meet your true self and bring your dreams to life with Yoga Nidra”
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