What Is Yoga Nidra? (Brief Overview)

A brief intro to the powerful "yogic sleep" practice. If you're new to Yoga Nidra, you’ll find it’’s accessible to all, as you effortlessly rest between sleep and awareness.

I hope you enjoy Yoga Nidra as much as I do! You're welcome to dive a little deeper on my “Yoga Nidra : Your Sleep Solution” course that so many have enjoyed here on Insight Timer. Please do join me in the classroom where I’m delighted to hear about your insights, as you discover the wisdom of this beautiful practice.

There are hundreds of different Yoga Nidra meditations on Insight Timer—happy exploring!

(Music and production: Richard Brookens of Yellow Bell Music)

Transcript

Welcome to the practice of Yoga Nidra,

The state of conscious deep sleep.

Yoga Nidra relaxes the body,

The mind,

The nervous systems and the subconscious mind through specific techniques for guided relaxation.

For the Yoga Nidra,

You lie on your back and remain still with your eyes closed for the entire practice.

As you follow the guided relaxation,

Your body relaxes fully while your mind stays awake,

Calm and focused.

You will enter a deep sleep state and yet remain fully awake and alert.

There is minimal effort or concentration involved.

This is simply a time to listen and feel,

To sense as you hover between the thresholds of sleep and awareness.

For the most benefit,

I'd recommend staying awake as you follow the words guiding you,

But don't be discouraged if you fall asleep or if you don't hear everything.

It is natural to drift in and out of consciously listening.

Whatever your experience today,

Remember you cannot do this wrong.

Simply listen,

Just listen.

At the beginning and end of the Yoga Nidra practice,

You will silently state a positive intention or sankalpa,

The Sanskrit word for resolve,

Based on your heart's deepest longing.

What do you truly desire deep within your heart space?

Create your sankalpa as a positive statement,

An affirmation stated in the present tense as if it were already happening.

For example,

I am calm and content and filled with grace.

It could be something as simple as,

I am love.

Take a moment now to create your sankalpa,

A clear and precise statement,

Which you will use during the Yoga Nidra practice.