I am fascinated by anything to do with our minds - different states of consciousness, the subconscious, dream states, altered states of reality, psychedelics....
No wonder I have been drawn to the practice of Yoga Nidra. What is this, you ask?
"Nidra" means "sleep", but Yoga Nidra is considered to be a different state of consciousness altogether.
Early references to Yoga Nidra do not describe a practice or a technique, but describe a transcendental manifestation of sleep. Later, Buddhist texts describe it as "peace beyond words"; a state in which Buddhas enter to realise "secret knowledge".
For anyone who has experienced Yoga Nidra, you will understand this ultimate state of complete relaxation. Some may experience it during a Reflexology treatment too (I certainly do!)
Swami Satyananda states: "During the practice of Yoga Nidra one appears to be asleep, but the consciousness is functioning at a deeper level of awareness".
It is a state of consciousness which is neither awake nor asleep.
When we sleep, we spend most of it in the dreaming state, the REM state. At some point, we may dip in to deep sleep, before coming back out in to the dream state before awakening. The gap before we sleep and before we awaken is the state most people spend the least amount of time in. In this time, our brain experiences alpha frequency waves. This is when we are not asking our brain to think, do, decide, judge. We are just being in our True Nature.
Neurologists have discovered that alpha brain waves increase the release of serotonin, the "feel-good" hormone which, when in balance, helps to decrease anxiety and depression, and lower the production of stress hormones. Increased Alpha brain wave activity has also been shown to lower the heart rate, and blood pressure, which in turn, improves the functioning of the digestive system and creates a deeper relaxation of the muscles. Blood flow to the brain is also improved, which is why this "flow state" has been linked to increased creativity, concentration and focus.
When you are in this blissful relaxation state, you are able to connect to your subconscious thoughts and experiences from the past - this is why it has been likened to hypnotherapy, and is used by some psychologists to help deal with deep-seated negative emotions and traumas. This is something to be aware of when you start to practice Yoga Nidra regularly.
Regular practice of Yoga Nidra can do all of the above for you! How good is that?!
All you have to do is lie down (or sit if this is not possible) in a comfortable position, make sure you're warm and try and stay softly aware as your teacher rotates awareness around different parts of the body, relaxing each part as you remain completely still. Sometimes you will fall asleep - this is fine - Yoga Nidra gives you what you need at that time.
Practiced regularly, you will notice you feel calmer, more positive, more focused and have more energy throughout your day. A lot of people notice that their sleep improves. It can be practiced at any time - I use it mid-afternoon to recharge and stop that slump, or early evening to help me wind down and relax from the day and prepare for a good night's sleep.
Sounds like magic? It is!
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