REst & restore with yoga nidra
Yoga nidra is an ancient practice allowing the practitioner to achieve deep states of relaxation.
Brought to the West by yogi Satyanada, and modernized by teachers such as Dr. Richard Miller, it has applications as simple as deep rest and restoration (it’s said that 1 hour of nidra is equivalent to 4 hours of deep sleep!), to aiding in the treatment of PTSD.
The practice is simple, but not always easy. Lying in a supported state of savasana, the practitioner listens to a guided meditation allowing them to drop into lower states of consciousness (similar to when they are sleeping, yet they remain conscious and alert.)
In this deeply relaxed state, they are able to recite their own “Sankalpa” or mantra - a heart felt “I am” statement that brings them into alignment to the life they wish to lead.
I am enough.
I am strong.
I am resilient.
I am loved.
Whatever feel right. There truly is no wrong way to practice yoga nidra.
The additional gift of aromatherapy
Our sense of smell is incredibly powerful and, in my opinion, underappreciated.
Consider…
Coffee percolating first thing in the morning…
A freshly cut lawn…
Rained on pavement…
The Sea…
A crackling campfire.
When you think of these experiences, can you recall the smell? How the scent carries you away as part of the experience?
Many studies have shown that scent can play an important role in mood, memory , and emotion. By introducing gentle, calming scents with yoga nidra, we can invite & encourage the nervous system to relax with greater ease, allowing for deeper integration, and a more relaxing experience.