Exploring Yoga Nidra: What Is Non-Sleep Deep Rest

May 22

Yoga Nidra, also known as "non-sleep deep rest," offers a gateway to deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and inner transformation. In this blog post, we will dive into the essence of Yoga Nidra explained by Satyananda Saraswati, a leading guru known as the father of Yoga Nidra.

Yoga Nidra is a powerful technique that originated from the ancient teachings of yoga. It is often referred to as "yogic sleep" or "non-sleep deep rest." Despite its name, Yoga Nidra is not about falling asleep but rather entering a state of conscious awareness between wakefulness and sleep. It’s a type of meditation where you shift your awareness between different body types bringing a sense of calmness and relaxation.

According to ancient teachings, during the practice of yogi sleep you must choose your Sankalpa. A Sankalpa is an intention consisting of a short phrase or sentence that you express clearly, focusing on a chosen goal, e.g. “I am resting in peace”, “I am healthy”, or any other intention that is closer to your heart.

Usually, this meditation practice is led by a teacher and lasts between 10 - 90 minutes. You simply follow the instructions and focus on each body part at the time. It might happen that you fall asleep, but that’s okay, that means that your body needed that. Maybe next time you will manage to remain awake during the entire practice.

To experience the profound benefits of Yoga Nidra, practice must take place in a quiet and comfortable space where you can lie down without interruptions. This meditation cannot be practiced during driving or any other activities requiring your focus.

Incorporating Yoga Nidra into your regular routine can bring a sense of balance, clarity, and well-being to your daily life. And as this practice is accessible to everyone despite their physical capabilities I believe it’s a very transformative tool worth exploring.

I invite you to experience the Yoga Nidra practice with calming sea waves. Explore the state of deep relaxation ✨ Enjoy! 💚