Yoga Nidra Guided Sleep Meditation With Shiva's Wisdom

Welcome to this profound sleep meditation combining two deeply restorative practices: Yoga Nidra and an enlightening bedtime story of wisdom and inner stillness.

Allow yourself to fully let go as you are gently guided into deep relaxation, melting away stress, tension, and mental chatter. This Yoga Nidra session is designed to reset your nervous system, restore balance, and ease you into a state of complete tranquility. Through breath awareness, body scanning, and energetic release, you will experience the bliss of stillness.

Transcript

Good evening,

Dear dreamer.

This is Sean,

And I'm very excited for you to join me on this sleep journey tonight.

I think it's going to be a very unique experience.

It's going to contain two distinct parts.

The first part is a yoga nidra relaxation,

And it's meant to put you in a very profoundly deep state of rest,

Where just a portion of your consciousness is still aware,

Yet your body feels deeply at rest.

And this will allow you to be guided into the second part of the sleep journey,

Which is a bedtime story that takes place in the Himalayan mountains,

Where a sage named Alok embarks on a spiritual journey to find true inner peace.

Alok is guided by Lord Shiva,

The embodiment of cosmic wisdom,

And he learns the secrets of meditation,

Surrender,

And stillness within.

So I'm very excited for this profoundly inspirational experience,

And I'm very happy and grateful that you're joining me.

So I wish you a beautiful night of rest,

And please allow this meditation to guide you into the realms of dreams and deep sleep.

Namaste.

My name is Sean,

And welcome to our yoga nidra practice.

This session is designed to reset your nervous system,

A soothing,

Restorative journey for your brain and entire peripheral nervous system.

Much like a full body massage combined with the energetic balancing of acupuncture.

Through this practice,

You will be guided into a profound state of relaxation,

Allowing your body and mind to soften,

Unwind,

And restore.

Take a moment to settle in,

Creating your perfect yoga nidra resting space.

Ensure you have everything you need to feel completely supported and at ease.

Perhaps a pillow beneath your head or knees,

A blanket wrapped around you for warmth,

Or an eye covering to block out any remaining light.

Let yourself take any small adjustments,

Moving in tension until your body feels fully at rest,

Completely supported by the surface beneath you.

Now,

Take two gentle sips of air in through your nose.

Exhale slowly through an open mouth,

Allowing your jaw to soften and your entire body to release.

Once more,

Inhale twice through the nose,

And let go with a deep,

Effortless sigh.

One last time,

Two sips in,

And exhale,

Feeling your body grow heavier,

Surrendering into the support beneath you.

Your nervous system begins to unwind,

Untangle,

Like a tightly wound thread unraveling into spaciousness.

Allow yourself to fully arrive here in this sacred moment of rest.

As your body settles,

Feel your breath return to its natural rhythm,

Like gentle waves rolling in and out.

Relax the muscles of your face,

Your jaw,

Your tongue,

Softening the tiny muscles behind your eyes,

The micro muscles around your forehead and scalp.

Let go of any lingering tension.

Imagine the two hemispheres of your brain,

Like tired muscles,

Slowly unclenching,

Opening into ease,

Spaciousness,

Stillness.

And could you allow this relaxation to flow downward?

Feel it cascading through the entire body,

Melting through your shoulders,

Down your arms,

Into your hands,

Softening your abdomen,

Your pelvis,

Your legs,

All the way to the soles of your feet,

The very tips of your toes.

Wrapped in warmth,

Cocooned in stillness,

You are momentarily untethered from the outside world,

Free to simply be here,

Resting in this sanctuary within,

Allowing the mind to dissolve into spacious awareness.

As if thoughts be gently embraced by the heart,

Letting go of thinking,

Planning,

Doing,

Opening instead to the experience of listening,

Sensing,

Being,

Fully present,

Completely at peace,

Feeling the gentle ebb and flow of your breath as it carries you deeper into stillness.

Held,

Supported,

Nourished by this moment of profound rest.

Nothing to do,

Nowhere to be,

Simply here.

As you continue to relax,

Surrendering into this deep state of being,

Know that you are safe,

That you are enough,

That you are whole.

Rest here for as long as you need,

Embracing this sanctuary of stillness within.

Now,

It's time to set your sankalpa,

Your intention.

If you do not have a specific intention at this moment,

You may silently affirm,

I surrender completely,

Allowing my body and mind to rejuvenate in perfect harmony.

Whisper this intention three times in your mind,

Letting each repetition deepen its presence within you.

Let this resolve remain present throughout your practice.

Feel its resonance extending into each moment,

Like a gentle wave washing over your awareness.

Now,

A journey of awareness through the body begins.

Direct your attention to the tip of your tongue,

The surface of the tongue,

The roof of the mouth.

Direct your attention to the entire mouth,

The teeth and gums,

The inside of the right cheek,

The inside of the left cheek,

The space between the upper and lower lips,

The air moving in and out of the nostrils,

The tip of the nose,

The bridge of the nose.

Feeling both eyebrows,

The temples.

Direct your attention to both eyes together,

Growing heavier,

Gently relaxing back into their sockets.

The sensation of relaxation deepens as the eyelids soften and the muscles surrounding the eyes release completely.

Direct your attention to the center of your forehead,

The entire forehead,

Allowing awareness to seep into the scalp and hair,

The entire scalp and hair.

A sensation of warmth or tingling may emerge,

Spreading down from the crown of the head,

Like a gentle wave of relaxation.

Focus attention on the entire right hemisphere of the brain,

The entire left hemisphere of the brain.

Both hemispheres together,

Simultaneously,

Uniting in a sense of spacious awareness.

The brainstem,

The root of the tongue,

The entire jaw,

The center of the throat,

The base of the throat,

Expanding with each effortless breath.

Bring attention to the heart center,

The right side of the chest,

The right shoulder,

The upper arm,

The elbow,

The forearm,

The wrist,

The palm of the hand,

The back of the hand,

The thumb,

The first finger,

The second finger,

The third finger,

The small finger,

Returning back to the palm,

The wrist,

The forearm,

Elbow,

Elbow,

Upper arm,

Shoulder,

Shoulder blade,

Ribcage,

Waist,

The whole thigh,

Knee,

Lower leg,

Ankle,

Heel,

Sole of the foot,

Top of the foot,

The big toe,

The second toe,

The third toe,

The fourth toe,

The little toe,

The entire foot,

The whole leg,

The whole right side of the body together,

The whole right side of the body and the left hemisphere of the brain,

Sensing them together,

Urging breath,

Awareness and relaxation,

The whole right side and left hemisphere,

Bringing attention back to the center of the chest,

Feeling steady rhythm of your heartbeat as it echoes through your being.

The left side of the chest,

The left shoulder,

Upper arm,

Elbow,

Forearm,

Wrist,

Palm of the hand,

Back of the hand,

First finger,

Second finger,

Third finger,

Small finger,

Back to the palm,

Wrist,

Forearm,

Elbow,

Elbow,

Upper arm,

Shoulder blade,

Ribcage,

Waist,

Hip,

The whole thigh,

Knee,

Lower leg,

Ankle,

Heel,

Sole,

Top of the foot,

The big toe,

Second toe,

Third toe,

Fourth toe,

Little toe,

The whole foot,

The whole left leg,

The entire left side of the body,

The whole left side of the body and right hemisphere of the brain,

The whole left side of the body and right hemisphere of the brain,

Both simultaneously embracing the entire left side of the body and right hemisphere of the brain,

A sensation of unity,

Balance and effortless awareness emerges.

Now,

Welcoming both hemispheres of the brain,

The right and left sides of the body together,

Sensing the wholeness of your being merging into stillness and peace.

The entire body,

The whole body effortlessly at rest,

Embraced in a state of deep relaxation,

Feeling the breath,

The body breathing itself,

Steady,

Natural,

Soothing,

Guiding you deeper into serenity.

In your nostrils,

You may sense warmth as you exhale,

A coolness as you inhale,

Becoming aware of the breath,

Feeling the gentle rhythm of your breathing,

Noticing the ocean of air surrounding you,

Waves rolling in,

Waves rolling out,

Sinking deeper into relaxation,

Allowing your body to soften,

To settle,

To surrender into the stillness.

As you observe this effortless,

Natural breath,

Feel yourself becoming more and more present.

Begin to count down from 18 as you inhale,

Softly whispering the number 18.

As you exhale,

18.

On the next inhale,

17.

Exhale,

17.

Continue at your own gentle rhythm,

With each breath feeling the passage of air moving through you like a gentle guide,

Cleansing,

Soothing,

Calming.

Whenever you are ready,

You can release the count,

Returning to the natural flow of your breath.

The next time you inhale,

Imagine your body becoming light,

Weightless,

Floating effortlessly,

Drifting upward,

Light and expansive.

Floating on the breath like a feather lifted by the wind.

The next time you exhale,

Sense your body becoming heavy,

Sinking into the earth,

Grounded.

Feeling the weight of your body supported,

Embraced by the earth beneath you.

The fullness of your body resting even more deeply.

With each exhale,

Surrendering further into comfort and ease.

On the inhale,

Once again embracing weightlessness.

With each breath floating,

Spacious,

Free,

As though held by an invisible force of calm and clarity.

As you hover in this tranquil space,

Bring your awareness to the center of your forehead.

Allow a rotation of images to gently arise.

The feeling of bare feet against the earth.

The scent of flowers drifting in the air.

Their fragrance infusing each inhale with serenity.

Golden sunlight filtering through the trees,

Casting dappled light upon your skin.

The soothing song of birds in the distance,

A melody of nature's harmony.

A vast horizon lined with mountains,

Their peaks whispering stories of timelessness.

The glow of the setting sun painting the sky in hues of amber and violet.

The shimmer of ocean waves beneath moonlight.

The rhythm mirroring your breath.

The warmth of flickering flames in a fire,

Their glow offering quiet comfort.

A silent owl gliding through the night sky,

Wise and knowing.

The Milky Way stretching infinitely across space,

An expanse of wonder and mystery.

A deep sense of connection with all that is.

A boundless awareness,

Infinite and whole.

An embrace of all existence.

Resting in this profound interconnection with all things,

Feeling the pulse of life within and around you.

Allow yourself to welcome your sankalpa,

Your intention,

Feeling it resonate within or softly stating it in your mind.

Imagining yourself floating amidst the constellations bathed in celestial light.

The outline of your body traced by twinkling stars forming the constellation of you.

Begin to sense physical form of your body,

The edges,

The volume,

The presence,

Feeling the volume of your being resting in your sacred cocoon,

Your sanctuary of stillness.

Noticing the breath moving through you effortlessly,

The gentle rhythm of life itself.

Taking a deep breath in and releasing fully.

Then two small sips of air through the nose and exhale completely.

Repeating once more,

Breathing in deeply and releasing.

One last time,

Softening into stillness,

Expanding into the moment.

Allowing yourself to absorb the benefits of this practice,

The deep nourishment of presence.

Welcome,

Dear traveler,

As you prepare to embark on tonight's journey,

A voyage into tranquil realms and boundless possibilities.

Let's take a moment to settle in and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Allow this time to be your bridge between the waking world and the serene landscapes of your imagination.

Let the surface beneath you fully support your body.

Feel the softness cradling you,

Inviting you to let go and simply be here in this moment.

Now,

Imagine a soft,

Radiant light glowing gently at your heart's center.

This light feels warm,

Soothing and peaceful.

As it begins to expand,

Allow it to flow through you,

Carrying relaxation to every corner of your being.

Feel the light rising to your shoulders and flowing down your arms,

Gently releasing any tension you've been holding.

It moves up your neck,

Your jaw and your face,

Softening and easing every muscle.

Your brow becomes smooth.

Your eyelids heavy and your expression serene.

Now,

Let the light cascade downward through your chest and back,

Flowing effortlessly with each breath.

It reaches your stomach,

Your hips and your thighs,

Inviting every part of you to relax deeper with each passing moment.

The light travels further down to your knees,

Your calves and finally your feet.

From the top of your head to the tips of your toes,

You are now bathed in this warm,

Calming glow.

Your body feels lighter as if you're floating,

Yet deeply grounded in this peaceful space.

With your body at ease,

Let's turn our focus to your breath.

Inhale deeply,

Drawing in the crisp,

Refreshing air of a starlit night.

Hold it gently and then exhale slowly,

Releasing the remnants of the day,

Any tension,

Any lingering thoughts,

Letting it all drift away.

Inhale calm and clarity.

Exhale and let go.

As you continue this steady rhythm of breathing,

Imagine yourself standing at the threshold of a journey.

Before you stretches a path,

Illuminated by soft moonlight or glistening stars.

This path feels safe and inviting,

Leading you toward a realm of wonder and discovery.

Picture your surroundings now,

A tranquil forest,

Its trees swaying gently in a midnight breeze.

An expansive shoreline,

Where waves whisper secrets to the sand.

Or a glowing celestial bridge,

Suspended amidst the stars.

This is your starting point,

Your sacred gateway to tonight's journey.

Feel the anticipation building,

Like the quiet hum of an adventure waiting to unfold.

You are the traveler,

The explorer,

The dreamer ready to step into the unknown with curiosity and trust.

For now,

Simply savor this moment,

This peaceful pause before the journey begins.

Let yourself sink fully into the comfort of your sanctuary,

Knowing that whatever lies ahead will gently guide you toward rest.

Insight and serenity.

When you're ready,

Let your breath lead you,

Bridging the gap between this calm stillness and the unfolding journey.

Now,

Dear traveler,

With your body at rest and your mind open,

Let us begin our journey.

Shiva's Serenade,

A Journey to Inner Stillness Chapter One.

The Call of the Forest In the heart of the mystical Himalayan mountains,

Where the earth touched the heavens,

There dwelled a sage named Alok.

With a flowing white beard and eyes that mirrored the wisdom of the ages,

He was revered not only for his deep knowledge,

But also for his profound connection with nature.

Alok's days were filled with the rustling of leaves,

The songs of birds,

And the gentle whispers of the wind.

He had retreated from the bustling world to find solace in the embrace of the natural world,

Seeking a profound inner peace that had eluded him for years.

Despite his wisdom,

Alok felt an emptiness within,

A longing for a deeper understanding of existence.

One crisp morning when the sun painted the sky with hues of gold and pink,

Alok decided to embark on a journey deeper into the forest.

He had heard tales of a tranquil clearing hidden amidst the trees,

Where a pristine river flowed.

It was said to be a place of unparalleled beauty and spiritual significance.

As Alok ventured further into the forest,

He marveled at the towering trees that seemed to touch the heavens.

The air was thick with the scent of pine and earth.

And the symphony of nature's sounds enveloped him.

He felt the presence of something greater,

Something he couldn't quite fathom but had always yearned for.

After hours of walking,

Alok stumbled upon the hidden clearing and his breath caught in his throat.

The sight that unfolded before him was beyond his wildest dreams.

In the center of the clearing stood a magnificent banyan tree,

Its roots reaching deep into the earth like ancient tendrils.

Its branches extended like a canopy,

Providing shelter to countless creatures.

At the heart of the tree's shade was a serene river,

Its waters glistening with the promise of purity.

Alok approached the tree with a sense of reverence.

Feeling a profound stillness settle within him.

It was as if time had stilled in this sacred place and he knew he had found what he had been seeking,

A gateway to inner peace.

As he stood beneath the banyan tree,

A vision began to form before his eyes.

From the depths of the river,

A figure emerged.

It was Lord Shiva,

The eternal yogi whose presence exuded an aura of tranquil wisdom.

Shiva's hair flowed like the cascading waterfall of knowledge and his third eye shone with an otherworldly light.

Without words,

Alok and Shiva locked eyes and in that silent exchange,

A profound understanding passed between them.

Shiva beckoned Alok to sit beside him and as they shared the shade of the banyan tree,

Their hearts synchronized with the rhythm of the forest.

In that sacred moment,

Alok felt a deep resonance with the universe.

It was as if the very essence of creation itself danced around him.

Shiva began to share his timeless teachings,

Speaking not with words but through the language of the soul.

Shiva spoke of the eternal dance of creation and destruction,

The intricate tapestry of existence woven with threads of change and transformation.

He explained the cyclical nature of life where endings were beginnings and beginnings were endings.

He emphasized the importance of embracing change and releasing attachments for it was in the freedom of non-attachment that true peace could be found.

With each wordless exchange,

Alok's heart expanded and his mind quieted.

Shiva encouraged him to find the stillness within,

To seek solace in the depths of meditation and to recognize that the answers to life's profound questions resided not in the external world but in the uncharted realms of the self.

As the sun dipped below the horizon,

Painting the sky with hues of orange and lavender,

Alok closed his eyes and began to meditate.

In that moment,

He understood that his journey had only just begun and that in the forest's embrace and under the banyan tree's canopy,

He would unravel the secrets of inner stillness.

With Shiva as his guide,

Alok embarked on a transformative odyssey of self-discovery,

Ready to embrace the timeless wisdom that awaited him on this mystical path.

Chapter Two The Meditation Beneath the Banyan Tree Alok returned to the sacred clearing beneath the banyan tree,

His heart heavy with the weight of his own thoughts.

Shiva's teachings had resonated deeply within him,

Yet he found himself wrestling with the turmoil of his mind.

The relentless chatter of thoughts and the chaos of the external world seemed to have taken root within him,

Making it difficult to find the stillness he so desperately sought.

As he settled onto the soft earth beneath the banyan tree,

Alok closed his eyes and attempted to calm the turbulent waters of his mind.

The whispers of the forest surrounded him,

And the gentle rhythm of the river seemed like a distant,

Soothing melody.

However,

His inner turmoil raged like a storm,

Threatening to drown out the tranquility of his surroundings.

In that moment of struggle,

Shiva's presence manifested once more.

He stood beside Alok,

A silent guardian of his inner journey.

Shiva gently placed his hand on Alok's shoulder,

And in that touch Alok felt a surge of serenity wash over him.

With Shiva's guidance,

Alok began his meditation journey.

His consciousness expanded beyond the confines of his physical body,

And he found himself transported to a realm of pure energy and light.

Vivid imagery painted the canvas of his inner world.

Forests of emerald green,

Rivers of liquid gold,

And skies that danced with colors beyond imagination.

As he delved deeper into this realm,

Alok felt the essence of his thoughts unraveling like threads of mist.

Shiva's voice,

Like a gentle breeze,

Whispered wisdom into his consciousness.

He spoke of the transient nature of thoughts,

How they arose and dissolved like waves on the surface of the ocean.

Shiva urged Alok not to resist his thoughts,

But to observe them without attachment,

Like clouds passing through an infinite sky.

Alok watched as thoughts of past and future,

Desires and fears,

Drifted by like leaves on a flowing river.

He realized that he was not his thoughts,

He was the stillness that observed them.

In this realization,

A profound sense of freedom and release washed over him,

Like a dam breaking and allowing a river to flow unhindered.

As Alok continued his meditation,

The boundaries between himself and Shiva began to blur.

The divine presence of Shiva merged with his own consciousness,

And he felt an interconnectedness with all life.

A sense that he was not separate from the universe,

But an integral part of its grand design.

Time lost its hold,

And the river's gentle murmur seemed to echo the timeless wisdom of the cosmos.

Alok's mind became as still as the tranquil waters beside him,

Reflecting the brilliance of the banyan tree's branches.

The boundaries of his ego dissolved,

And in that dissolution he discovered a profound sense of inner peace.

In this state of stillness and unity,

Alok experienced a transformation of his being.

He understood that the path to inner stillness was not a destination,

But an ongoing journey.

A journey of self-discovery and awakening.

Shiva's presence,

Once external,

Now flowed within him,

A constant reminder of the divine wisdom that resided at the core of his being.

With each breath,

Alok embraced the impermanence of life and the eternal dance of creation and destruction.

He realized that true inner stillness was not the absence of thoughts,

But the recognition of their fleeting nature.

In that recognition,

He found liberation from the ceaseless chatter of the mind.

As the sun dipped below the horizon,

Casting a warm glow over the clearing,

Alok opened his eyes.

The banyan tree's branches swayed gently in the evening breeze,

And the river's waters shimmered with the reflections of countless stars.

Alok had undergone a profound transformation,

And Shiva's teachings had become an integral part of his consciousness.

With newfound clarity and inner peace,

Alok knew that his journey was far from over.

The mystical Himalayan forest held more secrets to unveil,

And the wisdom of Shiva would continue to guide him along the path to inner stillness.

As the first light of dawn painted the sky in shades of pink and gold,

Alok emerged from his meditation beneath the banyan tree.

His eyes,

Once clouded with inner turmoil,

Now shone with a radiant tranquility.

Shiva,

The silent guardian of his transformation,

Stood by his side,

A serene smile gracing his lips.

With a heart full of gratitude and newfound wisdom,

Alok turned to Shiva.

Lord Shiva,

He began,

His voice carrying the resonance of inner peace.

Your teachings have unlocked a profound stillness within me.

I am eternally grateful for the wisdom you have shared.

Shiva's eyes,

Like pools of cosmic knowledge,

Met Alok's gaze.

Alok,

Remember that inner peace is not a static state,

But a dynamic journey.

As you return to the world,

You will face the trials and tribulations of life.

It is during these moments that your inner stillness will be your greatest strength.

Alok nodded,

Understanding the truth in Shiva's words.

He knew that the challenges of life would test the depths of his inner peace,

And he was determined to stand unwavering in the face of adversity.

With Shiva's guidance and the newfound wisdom he had acquired,

Alok returned to his community as a transformed sage.

The people who had known him as a seeker of inner peace now beheld him as a living embodiment of that very peace.

His presence radiated a calm that transcended words.

Alok began to share the teachings he had received from Shiva with those who sought solace and wisdom.

He taught them the art of meditation,

Guiding them through the labyrinth of their own thoughts toward the stillness that resided within.

He spoke of the impermanence of life,

The cyclical nature of existence,

And the importance of embracing change with grace.

As Alok's teachings spread throughout the community,

A profound shift occurred.

Families began to prioritize harmony over discord,

And individuals found solace in the stillness of their own hearts.

The ripple effect of Alok's wisdom extended beyond the community,

Touching neighboring villages and towns.

In times of strife and conflict,

Alok's presence became a beacon of inner peace.

His words resonated in the hearts of those who had the privilege of listening to him.

Through his guidance,

People learned to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience,

Knowing that true strength lay in their inner stillness.

As the final notes of this love song to your soul gently fade,

Allow yourself to sink even deeper into the embrace of this serene and sacred night.

Your body is a landscape of tranquility,

And your mind a clear and starlit sky.

Each breath you take is a soft,

Whispered lullaby from the universe,

Affirming that you are safe,

Loved,

And beautiful.

Imagine now that with each exhale you are sinking further into the tender arms of sleep,

As if you are being cradled by the night itself,

Like a feather,

Light and free,

Drifting slowly,

Gently,

Effortlessly,

Downward into the soft,

Welcoming depths of slumber.

With every breath,

Feel yourself becoming a part of the night's tapestry,

Woven with dreams and drenched in peace.

Here,

In this space,

You are adored beyond measure,

A cherished part of the universe,

Drifting into the deepest,

Most nourishing sleep.

As I leave you now in this blissful state,

Remember that this peace,

This love,

Is always here for you,

As a constant,

As stars above,

And as close as your own heart.

Good night,

Dear soul.

May your dreams be sweet and your rest complete.

Sleep with grace.