Yoga Nidra — Rest Without Sleeping

Yoga Nidra means yogic sleep: a state between waking and dreaming where the body rests completely but awareness stays awake. Even a short practice can feel like hours of deep sleep. Begin with a Sankalpa, a simple heartfelt intention, and let the body unwind layer by layer. Lie down, do nothing, and arrive.

Transcript

Today we are going to do a beautiful practice of Yoga Nidra, Means yogic sleep, A state between waking and dreaming, Where the body rests completely but awareness stays awake. Even a short practice can feel energizing. Let's begin. Lie down in Shavasana, Corpse pose, Let your feet fall open, Let your arms rest away from your body, Palms facing up, Close your eyes, Do a gentle, Regular breathing, You don't need to do anything here, Just arrive. Now before we begin, We set a Sankalpa, A short true intention, Something simple, Something that is yours, It could be I am at peace or I am enough, Or it could simply be I am home. Say it silently to yourself 3 times, Now bring your awareness to your body, Feel the weight of your body against the surface beneath you, The back of your head, Your shoulder blades, Your lower back, Your heels, Pressing into the floor beneath you, Your head, Mother earth is holding you, You are supported, You don't have to hold yourself up, Let's scan gently without trying to change anything, Bring your attention to your forehead, Let it be soft, Your eyes resting behind closed lids, Your jaw unclenched, Your throat easy and light, Your chest rising and falling like a wave on its own, Your belly soft, Your hands open, Your legs heavy yet relaxed, Your feet released, Your whole body is resting now, Keep breathing gently, Your body is relaxed and resting and yet some part of you it's still here, Still aware, Still awake, Stay here for a moment, Now whenever you are ready, Take a slow deep breath in and let it out with a soft sigh, Begin to wiggle your fingers and toes, Roll gently to one side, Whenever you are ready, Come back up, Slowly open your eyes, Carry the stillness with you, Om Shanti.