Your body is lying still, yet your mind is traveling into a state of effortless calm. Welcome to Yoga Nidra!
In a world that never stops moving, what if one of the secrets to true peace of mind and body is found in doing nothing? Nothing?! Well, you would be breathing and you would be following my voice. That’s kinda nothing much, right?!
Sometimes stress and anxiety, can feel like companions who are pulling at our attention in oh so many different directions. I know a way that enables us to take a pause, quiet the noise, and experience a state of deep relaxation quite naturally. Are you curious? It’s one of my favorite things, Yoga Nidra, NO yoga POSES, it’s Yoga of the Mind. Using your mind to follow a guided meditation technique designed to take you into a state of profound rest while remaining fully aware. Very cool! It’s a state that is also known as Relaxed Awareness. Some say that is our most natural state of being.
What is Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra, often called “yogic sleep,” is a deeply restorative practice that guides you through a journey of relaxation, breath awareness, and visualization. Unlike traditional meditation, where you actively focus on clearing your mind, Yoga Nidra invites you to simply listen, allowing your body and mind to slip into a state of effortless calm. It is oh so yummy!
Scientific studies show that Yoga Nidra activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) and enhancing overall well-being.
The Benefits of Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra isn’t just about relaxation, it’s a powerful tool for mental, emotional, and even physical relief. Here’s how it can help:
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety – The deep relaxation state calms the nervous system and helps to interrupt the cycle of chronic stress.
- Improves Sleep Quality – Many people struggling with insomnia find that practicing Yoga Nidra helps them fall asleep more easily, stay asleep and wake up refreshed.
- Enhances Emotional Well-being – By guiding you through a journey of self-awareness and release, Yoga Nidra can help process emotions and clear mental clutter – without any heavy lifting on your part.
- Boosts Focus and Clarity – A rested mind is a sharp mind. Regular practice enhances cognitive function and decision-making.
How to Get Started with Yoga Nidra
You don’t need any special equipment or experience to begin—just a quiet space and a willingness to relax. Here’s a simple way to try it:
Find a Comfortable Position: As a hypnotist, I suggest getting comfortable on a piece of furniture like a recliner, couch or bed, with a pillow for head/neck support and a blanket for comfort. Yoga Nidra traditionally suggests to lie down on a yoga mat on your back with your arms relaxed by your sides. Use pillows or a blanket to stay cozy and comfortable.
Set an Intention: Before starting, take a moment to set an intention for your practice. Traditionally, this is called your sankalpa, which is your heart’s desire, something you really want. I like to call it your seed of intention. It is stated simply in the present tense, optimistic yet realistic. Realistic because it is obtainable! Starting it with an I Am can be very powerful. Some examples may be, I Am choosing peace. I Am being kinder to myself.
Follow a Guided Session: I love leading Yoga Nidra weekly at a local employee wellness program, monthly in a salt room, and a monthly women’s gathering in a large room at a reiki and sound bowl wellness center. I am in the process of opening “Shop” with some very special Yoga Nidra recordings that you can purchase to use regularly at home. Speaking of home, I do private sessions wherever you may be via Zoom or in my private Milford Ct office.
Let Go: It’s kinda like opening a tightly fisted hand. There’s nothing you need to do; just follow my voice, breathe, and allow yourself to drift into a heavenly state of relaxation.
Tranquil Stillness Awaits You
In our fast-paced world, making time for stillness is a wise act of self-care. Yoga Nidra offers a simple yet incredible way to access deep relaxation, clarity, and inner peace, not to mention the health benefits (that’s for another blog post). If you want to easily release some of your stress and anxiety, I highly suggest exploring this ancient practice to experience the power of complete rest.
Whether you are seasoned with Yoga Nidra or wanting to experience it for the first time, I am available as your guide to lead you into the tranquil stillness that belongs to you.
You don’t have to go it alone…
Call me (Joann Dunsing) @ 203-907-7710 for your complimentary phone conversation. Or click the button below. I usually respond within 24 hours. I see clients mornings, afternoons, evenings and I’m in the office on Saturdays.
