Yoga Nidra
Teacher: Carmen Giraldo - Vasquez
Category: Yoga Nidra, Meditation, Pranayama
Skill level: Beginners
Day: Every Thursday
Time: 17:00 - 18:00 Pacific Time
Classes
Introduction
Yoga nidra, which is derived from the tantras, is a powerful technique in which you learn to relax consciously. Often referred to as psychic sleep or deep relaxation with inner awareness, Yoga Nidra is a systematic method of inducing complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation; in this threshold state between sleep and wakefulness, contact with the subconscious and unconscious dimensions ocucurs spontaneously. The term is derived from two Sanskrit words, yoga meaning union and Nidra meaning sleep. During the practice of this science, one appears to be asleep, but the consciousness is functioning at a deeper level of awareness.
Yoga Nidra - The Blissful Relaxation
Most people sleep without resolving their tensions,
This is termed Nidra.
Nidra means sleep, no matter what or why,
But yoga Nidra means sleep after throwing off the burdens,
It is of a blissful, higher quality altogether.
When awareness is separate and distinct from the vrittis,
When waking, dream and deep sleep pass like clouds,
Yet awareness of atom remains
This is the experience of total relaxation.
Relaxation does not mean sleep.
Relaxation means to be blissfully happy,
It has no end.
I call bliss absolute relaxation;
Sleep is a different matter.
Sleep gives only mind and sense relaxation.
Bliss relaxes the atom, the inner self;
That is why, in tantra,
Yoga Nidra is the doorway to samadhi.
-Swami Satyananda Saraswati
Is this program for you?
Absolutely! Yoga Nidra is a practice that anyone can experience. There is not rule for practice yoga Nidra as it’s related to a form of guided meditation. All you need to do is lying down (or sit comfortable if there is any limitation) and the teacher will guide the session. During this practice you will draw your attention inwards, and will learn to surf between the states of wakefulness and sleep, where your body finds its natural state of equilibrium (homeostasis) – the breath balances and becomes quiet, unconscious and conscious aspects of the mind reveal themselves, and you will fall into an innate state of deep, blissful awareness.
How do I prepare myself for this practice?
In reality there is nothing that you need to do specifically to enjoy the blissful of this practice, but there are some tricks and tips that can help you get the most of this. As a basic rule, you can do yoga nidra at any time of the day, but as any other meditation practice, you have to give yourself enough time to digest your last meal fully. That means that you have to wait at least two hours after eating before practicing. Also, wearing comfortable clothes will help you relax and not get distracted.
