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Yoga Nidra, also known as “yogic sleep” is a state of deep relaxation that combines conscious awareness with deep sleep. It is a powerful tool for stress relief, pain management, and improving overall health and well-being.
During yoga nidra, you are guided to relax your body and mind through a series of verbal cues. As you relax, you become more aware of your breath and your body’s sensations. You may also experience visualizations, insights, or feelings of peace and well-being.
People of all ages and physical fitness levels can practice yoga nidra. It is a safe and effective way to relax and de-stress.
Benefits of Yoga Nidra
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Improves sleep quality
- Reduces pain
- Improves mood
- Boosts energy levels
- Increases focus and concentration
- Promotes creativity
- Enhances self-awareness
- increases spiritual development
Yoga nidra is a fantastic solution if you’re looking for a way to lower stress, enhance your sleep, and improve your overall health and well-being. People of all ages and fitness levels can engage in this practice because it is safe and efficient.
History of Yoga Nidra
The history of yoga nidra is long and complex. The practice has its roots in ancient Indian philosophy and tradition. The first known mention of yoga nidra appears in the Upanishads, a collection of ancient Hindu texts. In the Upanishads, yoga nidra is described as a state of deep meditation in which the mind is completely still and the body is completely relaxed.
The sage Patanjali further developed yoga nidra in his well-known book, the Yoga Sutras. In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali describes yoga nidra as a state of “conscious sleep” in which the mind is aware of itself and its surroundings but is not attached to any thoughts or emotions.
Yoga Nidra was brought to the West in the early 20th century by Swami Vivekananda. Swami Vivekananda was a Hindu monk and philosopher who travelled to the United States in 1893 to attend the World’s Parliament of Religions. In his lectures and writings, Swami Vivekananda introduced yoga nidra to Western audiences.
The US Marine Corps implemented Yoga Nidra as a component of their PTSD treatment program in 2011. Dr. Richard Miller created the program, which is known as the iRest Yoga Nidra program. Dr. Miller is a neuroscientist who has spent more than 30 years researching the effects of yoga nidra. He’s discovered that Yoga Nidra can lessen the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and PTSD.
The US Marines are not the only military organization that uses Yoga Nidra. The US Navy, the US Air Force, and the US Army have also started using Yoga Nidra as part of their stress management programs. Yoga nidra is a safe and effective way to help people relax and recover from the stress of combat. It is a valuable tool that can help improve the mental and physical health of service members.
How to do Yoga Nidra
Here are the steps on how to practice yoga nidra:
- Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed.
- Lie down on your back in a comfortable position.
- Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
- As you exhale, allow your body to relax even more.
- Begin to scan your body from your head to your toes, noticing any areas of tension and releasing them.
- Once your body is relaxed, bring your attention to your breath. Notice the rise and fall of your chest as you breathe in and out.
- Continue to focus on your breath for a few minutes, allowing your mind to become still and calm.
- Now begin to repeat a mantra to yourself. This can be a word, phrase, or sound that has a positive meaning for you.
- Continue to repeat your mantra for a few minutes, allowing your mind to become more and more focused on the mantra.
- As you continue to repeat your mantra, you may begin to experience visualizations or insights. These are perfectly normal and can be a sign that you are entering a deeper state of relaxation.
- Continue to practice yoga nidra for as long as you like. When you are ready to come back to awareness, take a few deep breaths and slowly open your eyes.
You can also listen to this on YouTube