So what is Yoga Nidra? Yoga? Sleep? Meditation? Let’s explore what exactly the practice is, how it works and what we can use it for.
Have you ever sat down with a coffee, lazed in front of the TV or occupied yourself with a book and thought to yourself – this is so relaxing. What if I told you that this sensation is not actually sufficient in meeting the scientific definition of relaxation? Though they may feel like incredible things for us to do, having a break from our busy lives, they are simply just distractions for our senses. While the distraction may be what feels like the relaxing part, in order to reach true relaxation, you actually need to be aware. This is what we practice when we do yoga nidra, we relax consciously. Even when we fall asleep, this is not considered absolute relaxation; maintaining awareness throughout this, which we call dynamic sleep, is the practice of yoga nidra.
As you might already be aware, yoga nidra means yogic sleep, and while it is in the name, sleep is not actually the goal of yoga nidra. The aim of the practice is to methodically slip into absolute physical, emotional and mental relaxation. The body appears to be sleeping while the consciousness is completely aware; you are taken to a place between wakefulness and sleep; this is why the practice is sometimes called psychic sleep.
To reach this level of relaxation, the awareness is drawn inwards, in contrast to it usually being held by outer experiences, and eventually can bring our consciousness to be set apart from the external world. When this happens, incredible things can happen within our minds – as Swami Satyananda Saraswati says in his book, Yoga Nidra (1976), ‘If the consciousness can be separated from external awareness and from sleep, it becomes very powerful and can be applied in many ways, for example, to develop the memory, increase knowledge and creativity, ir transform one’s nature.’ (pg 1)
So how does this work? Put simply, when we are in a state of total relaxation, our mental receptivity is more extensive, whereas when we are focusing on sensory diversions , it is reduced. This is why we introduce a Sankalpa, an intention, during our practice, so that we are sowing the seeds towards self-transformation. Scientifically put, the state we reach in yoga nidra is the ‘hypnagogic state’, where the mind is greatly receptive. ‘Languages and other subjects can be learned rapidly. Suggestions given at this time are successful in removing unwanted habits and tendencies. In fact, yoga nidra can be used for directing the mind to accomplish anything. This is the secret of the extraordinary accomplishments of great yogis and swamis.’ – Swami Satyananda Saraswati (Yoga Nidra, 1976, pg6) Yoga nidra is a simple practice that has profound effects, and while there are multiple different styles and teachers, the goal is the same: absolute physical, emotional and mental relaxation!
I’ve included a free 30 minute, sleep inducing yoga nidra to help you drift off soundly, simply click here to access the class, and if you’d like to keep learning more about the wonder that is yoga nidra, follow me on instagram @withmadilyn.
By Madilyn Fletcher – Yoga Teacher
