Conscious Rest Yoga Nidra

Yoga nidra, Sanskrit for "yogic sleep", is an ancient relaxation practice usually done lying down and accessible to everyone and is intended to balance both hemispheres of the brain.

You are guided through descending brainwave states into deep states of consciousness between wakefulness and sleep. Here, the relaxation response of the parasympathetic nervous system is triggered, and you have the opportunity to disengage from the endless stream of thoughts.

We will set an intention for the practice and use specific relaxation techniques, visualizations, and breathing exercises to bring you to a place where the subconscious mind is open to suggestion.

Our intention, which will be different each time, is repeated to you in your most relaxed state to begin to re-wire thinking patterns in the waking state.

Researchers propose that yoga nidra is an appropriate state in which to learn something new because it employs both hemispheres of the brain in the task: the logical, conscious left and the non-logical, subconscious right.

Instead of being in control, the mind is taking a back seat and allowing the body's innate intelligence to heal itself.

The more you practice nidra, the more profound the benefits are. You can become more present daily, reduce stress; improve sleep, chronic pain, PTSD symptoms, and more. One hour of yoga nidra is said to be equivalent to 4 hours of restful sleep.

Together we have the opportunity to:

• Use intention to reprogram unhealthy patterns and behaviors in the subconscious mind
• Give the body time and space to heal as you disengage from your thoughts
• Promote better sleep and reduce stress
• Stimulate immune response, reduce inflammation, and help chronic pain
• Increase production of serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine
• Improve focus and concentration

This is an effortless alternative to seated meditation, although you do not have to lie down. The body temperature tends to drop during yoga nidra so you may want to have a blanket. Some practitioners also like to use an eye pillow to block any unwanted light from the environment.