Welcome to what I hope is a deeply restorative yoga nidra practice,
A practice that I'm now coming to see as a way of creating a sacred space for ourselves,
Both for our inner world and a safe sacred space to protect us in our outer worlds.
As the chapter of 2025 begins to unfold,
This practice invites you to release the need for rigid plans and new year's resolutions and instead open your heart to the infinite,
That's right,
The infinite possibilities that lie along your path.
Rather than focusing on setting intentions,
Which has its place,
This journey is about trust,
Trusting in yourself,
In the unfolding of life and in the wisdom of the different paths that might call to you.
Through this guided relaxation and visualization,
You'll be led to connect with the quiet wisdom that lies within,
Allowing your mind to settle and your intuition to come to the fore.
Along the way,
You'll be encouraged to release any fear of uncertainty and cultivate a sense of curiosity and openness.
This practice is an invitation to let go of resistance,
Embrace the unknown and find clarity,
Not in the destination,
But in taking the next step forward.
As you rest in this state of deep awareness,
You may discover pathways revealing themselves,
Pathways of growth,
Connection and self-discovery.
The practice will guide you to trust the guidance of your intuition,
The strength of your spirit and the boundless potential of the journey that lies ahead.
This is your time to simply be,
To welcome the unfolding of 2025 with grace and curiosity and to embrace the beauty of walking your path wherever it may lead.
I invite you now to lie down in a comfortable position.
You can sit if that's more comfortable.
Find a position and allow your body to completely relax.
Let the ground or the chair beneath you support your weight entirely.
Gently close your eyes and take a deep breath in,
Feeling your chest rise.
Slowly exhale and release any tension that you might be holding.
Repeat this a few times,
Each inhale allowing you to sink deeper into stillness and relaxation.
As you settle,
Know that this practice is a time for you to simply be.
No expectations,
No effort required.
Let yourself rest in openness,
Ready to receive whatever arises on your journey.
Shift your attention now to your breath.
Feel the natural rhythm as it flows in and out.
Steady and effortless.
There's no need to change or control it.
Simply observe.
As you inhale,
Feel the breath nourishing you,
Grounding you in this moment.
As you exhale,
Let go of any tension,
Worry or resistance.
Imagine with each breath that you are drawing energy from the earth below you.
Feel its stability,
Its strength,
Its constant support,
Unwavering.
And with every exhale,
Allow yourself to sink deeper into this connection,
Grounded and secure.
Now bring your awareness to different parts of your body.
As I name each area,
Simply bring your attention there,
Allowing that part to completely relax.
Bring your focus to your right hand thumb,
Index finger,
Middle finger,
Ring finger,
Little finger,
Palm of the hand,
Back of the hand,
Wrist,
Forearm,
Elbow,
Upper arm,
Shoulder,
Armpit,
Right side of your chest,
Right hip,
Thigh,
Knee,
Back of knee,
Calf,
Ankle,
Heel,
Sole of your foot,
Top of your foot,
Big toe,
Little toe,
All toes together.
Now shift your awareness to your left hand thumb,
Index finger,
Middle finger,
Ring finger,
Little finger,
Palm of your hand,
Back of your hand,
Wrist,
Forearm,
Elbow,
Upper arm,
And shoulder,
Armpit,
Left side of your chest,
Thigh,
Back of knee,
Heel,
Sole of your foot,
Top of your foot,
Big toe,
Little toes,
All toes together.
Now move to the back of your body,
Bring awareness to the back of your head,
Shoulders,
Spine,
Lower back,
Back of legs.
Finally focus on the front of your body,
Forehead,
Tail,
Jaw,
Throat,
Chest,
Abdomen,
Pelvis.
Take a moment now to feel your entire body as one,
Feeling the whole body,
Crown of the head to the tips of the toes,
The whole body resting completely still and relaxed.
Once again shift your attention now to your breath,
Feel the natural rhythm as it flows in and out,
Steady and effortless,
No need to change or control it,
Simply observe.
As you inhale feel the breath nourishing you,
Grounding you in this moment,
As you exhale let go of any residual tension,
Worry or resistance.
Imagine with each breath that you're drawing energy from the earth below you,
Feel its stability,
Its strength,
Its constant unwavering support.
With every exhale allow yourself to sink deeper into this connection,
Grounded and secure.
Now in your mind's eye begin to visualize yourself standing at the edge of a forest,
The air is cool and fresh,
Filled with the scents of earth and trees.
The forest is alive and vibrant and inviting,
Yet currently its paths are hidden from view.
There's no clear entrance,
Just a mass of leaves and branches.
You cannot see further than the edge of this rich woodland,
Yet still it beckons you in,
Trusting that it's the right thing.
You tentatively look for a space and as you do you notice a slight thinning of the foliage in one area.
The more you look and focus,
The more intention you place on this space,
The clearer you feel that the place is becoming,
Enabling you to take that first step.
As you take a first step forward,
The ground beneath you feels steady,
Even though the way ahead is unknown.
Slowly a path begins to form beneath your feet,
As brambles and branches and leaves move aside as if creating a path specifically for you,
Guided by some unseen higher force.
It unfolds naturally,
One step at a time,
As though it's been waiting for you all along.
Notice how you feel as you walk this path.
Are you eager?
Are you curious?
Do you feel calm or are you cautious?
Allow any emotions to surface and flow through you without judgment.
Understand it's natural to feel a myriad of feelings when faced with uncertainty and that this is just a natural part of being human.
As you continue,
You see the path begin to branch off in many directions.
Each pathway feels unique,
Holding its own energy and purpose,
Yet none of them demand a decision from you.
Instead of choosing,
You pause and take a deep breath,
Feeling completely open to the possibilities before you.
A gentle voice whispers within you,
Reminding you that there is no wrong choice,
No rush to decide.
Trust that the path meant for you will become clear at the right time.
For now,
Simply be present,
Embracing the beauty of this moment and its unfolding.
In this magical forest,
You feel supported and guided.
Each path,
Whether taken or not,
Holds an opportunity for growth.
And you are exactly where you need to be.
The branches and brambles are not there as obstacles,
But as protection,
To protect your unique path.
As soon as you focus,
New pathways become clear.
You can meander and stroll as many paths as you like,
Trusting you're never lost and always able to turn back.
There are infinite paths,
Each one ready for you to take.
Stroll,
Explore,
Ramble,
And enjoy this wood between the worlds.
A place of infinite,
Infinite possibility and pathfinding.
Take a few moments to rest here.
Rest in the peace and the wisdom of this space.
Know that as you move forward in 2025,
You carry with you the ability to walk your path with trust,
Curiosity,
And courage.
The wood between the worlds.
Now,
Gently bring your awareness back to your breath,
Feeling it steady,
A steady rhythm once more.
Begin to notice the surface beneath you,
The points of contact between your body and the ground.
Wiggle your fingers and toes,
Allowing sensation to return to your physical body.
In your own time,
No rush.
When you feel absolutely ready,
Slowly opening your eyes,
Carrying the calm and openness of this practice with you into the rest of your day or into sleep.
I'm going to say goodbye and leave you all there.
Thank you.
