Welcome to this guided yoga nidra practice inspired by Tapas,
The yogic principle of discipline and inner fire.
In this session you'll be invited to relax your body and calm your mind.
To reflect on practicing the ethic of Tapas reminds us of our capacity to persevere and show up for ourselves.
This yoga nidra practice helps you connect to your inner drive and resilience,
Not through force but through steady centered presence.
Through calming visualization and body awareness you'll nourish your commitment to your personal growth and goals.
It is my intention to bring accessibility to yoga nidra and all yoga and mindfulness practices so please remember to honor your comfort and feelings of safety.
Traditionally yoga nidra is practiced lying down with the straight spine but you may also practice on a bed,
A yoga mat or remain seated in a chair if that's more comfortable.
Choose a position where your body feels fully supported.
Use pillows under your head and knees if that helps and a blanket or eye mask or eye pillow for warmth and comfort.
Comfort is key.
Take a moment to settle in making any last adjustments so your body can fully relax.
There's no right or wrong experience.
Whatever arises is welcome.
If your mind wanders that's okay.
Simply return to the sound of my voice knowing this is your time to rest and receive.
If you're new to yoga nidra and feeling unsure you can listen to my yoga nidra explanation talk first and then come back to this meditation.
When you're ready softly close your eyes and allow your body to settle.
The practice of yoga nidra is about to begin.
Take a gentle nourishing breath in and as you exhale feel your body begin to soften.
Now bring to mind a sankalpa.
A sankalpa is a heartfelt intention or positive affirmation.
This is a short present tense statement that reflects how you wish to feel or who you are becoming.
Let it arise naturally without force.
For example you might choose to affirm your inner fire and strength and commit to your heartfelt purpose in life.
It may be I am dedicated and resilient.
I trust in the power of small steady effort.
I honor my path with commitment.
I will pause a moment so that you can settle on your sankalpa.
Silently repeat your sankalpa three times planting the seed deep within your consciousness.
We now begin a journey through the body a practice known as rotation of consciousness.
As I guide your attention simply notice each area without judgment.
There's no need to move just feel and observe.
I will guide you quite quickly to help you stay present without lingering on thoughts.
Bring your awareness to your right hand,
Right thumb,
Second finger,
Third finger,
Fourth finger,
Little finger,
Right hand palm,
Back of the hand,
Right wrist,
Forearm,
Right elbow,
Upper arm,
Right shoulder.
Continue to bring your awareness to the right side,
Right side of the chest,
The right side of the waist,
The right hip,
Thigh,
Right knee,
Calf,
Ankle,
Heel,
Right sole of the foot,
The top of the foot,
All five toes on the right foot.
Moving to the left hand,
Left thumb,
Second finger,
Third finger,
Fourth finger,
Little finger,
Left palm,
Back of the hand,
Left wrist,
Forearm,
Left elbow,
Upper arm,
Left shoulder.
Now keeping your awareness on your left side bring that awareness to the left side of the chest,
The left side of the waist,
The left hip,
Thigh,
Knee,
Calf,
Ankle,
Heel,
Sole of the left foot,
Top of the foot,
All five toes on the left foot.
Feel the back of your body,
Bring your awareness to the back of the heels,
The back of the calves,
The back of the thighs,
Hips,
Lower back,
Upper back,
Shoulder blades.
Keep focusing your attention,
Bring your awareness to the forehead,
Eyebrows,
Eyes,
Cheeks,
Lips,
Jaw.
Now sense your whole body together,
The whole body together,
The whole body together.
Your body is worthy of clarity,
Your body deserves rest.
Let's bring kind attention to our breathing.
Gently bring your awareness to the natural rhythm of your breath.
Feel the gentle rise and fall of your belly as you breathe.
There is nothing to change,
Simply observe.
If it feels comfortable,
Begin to count your breath backwards from 12 to 1.
With each exhale silently count 12,
Inhale,
Exhale 11,
Inhale,
Exhale 10.
If you lose track,
Simply begin again,
There's no rush.
With every breath allow yourself to sink deeper into comfort and ease.
I will provide a moment of space here for this now.
Now in the quiet of this moment visualize a steady flame burning in your core,
Not wild but stable and strong.
This flame fuels your motivation,
It warms your body gently and the warmth is soothing and calms your mind.
You feel the warmth within you,
Grounding you,
Giving you strength.
The strength is as unwavering as the flame and you are filled with self-confidence and a sense of purpose.
Feeling this as strongly as you can,
You are reminded of your ability to cope and to be resilient.
You have an inner knowing that even when challenges arise,
Your strength carries you forward.
Affirm silently,
I am returning to my natural state of strength and purpose.
If it feels right,
Extend gratitude to your body for all it does to support you.
Even if there are challenges,
Your breath continues,
Let that be your starting point.
You may say thank you body for supporting me as I return to strength and purpose.
Right now you don't need to fix anything,
You are enough exactly as you are.
I invite you to complement and complete this yoga nidra with a few moments of Shavasana,
Just being still and present with yourself without any direction,
Just being with whatever arises.
Allow yourself to relax further into complete stillness.
Simply be with yourself without any effort or expectation.
Let your awareness settle into the space of quiet within you.
There's nothing to do,
Nowhere to go,
Just deep rest.
You may choose to remain in Shavasana for as long as you like.
If you wish to stay,
Simply let the recording end and continue resting.
However if you're ready to return,
Gently bring your awareness back to your physical surroundings.
If you set a sankalpa,
Silently repeat it once more,
Knowing that this intention is already taking root within you.
Feel the surface beneath you.
Notice the gentle rhythm of your breath.
Begin to gently move your fingers and toes.
Stretch gently if that feels welcome.
Open your eyes slowly,
Returning to the present with a heart full of gratitude.
The practice of yoga nidra is now complete.
Congratulations for choosing now to take care of yourself.
Thank you for practicing mindfulness and yoga nidra with me.
