Riding the Wave with Yoga Nidra
“Riding the wave” isn’t just a term for surfers. Practicing Yoga Nidra activates the relaxation response and shifts the brain from its active beta-state to its more relaxed and balanced alpha-state. The more time we spend riding those alpha brain-waves, the better we are able to connect with and release our emotions, creating space for restoration. In a Yoga Nidra practice, you’re in a resting position and guided through a unique meditation that starts with developing an intention and evolves into breath awareness, bodily sensation and observation. Though it’s known as dynamic sleep, it’s not quite the same as dozing off in savasana 🙂 .
Yoga Nidra Teacher Training at YIY
Your Inner Yogi is excited to partner with Dr. Nick Atlas of Evolutionary Education to offer a 15-hour Yoga Nidra Teacher Training on August 24th-26th. This comprehensive retreat-style training will include breath work, Yoga Nidra practice and guidance. It will also include integrative discussion on the philosophy and evidence-base behind Yoga Nidra, including how it relates to dreaming, consciousness, healing trauma, releasing anxiety, and more.
We recently chatted with Dr. Nick about Yoga Nidra and how this practice can be transformative for yogis of all experience levels, from beginners to teachers. It’s also great for schoolteachers, therapists, health care professionals and others who want to integrate this technique into their wellness toolkits. Check out our interview with him below to learn more about this practice and the benefits of the training:
How does Yoga Nidra differ from seated meditation?
Yoga Nidra loosely translates as “dynamic sleep.” Traditionally, it’s the practice of meditation and realization of Yoga (union) within the sleep, dream and dreamless states of consciousness. While this comes from the Upanishads, the ancient texts don’t specify that this union must occur in any one posture, such as sitting, standing or lying down. The contemporary approach to Yoga Nidra has been around about 40 years and has become its “trademark.” It invites practitioners to lie down and receive a guided meditation. Obviously, this is appealing to a lot of people that find seated meditation uncomfortable and want to experience deep relaxation.
For me, Yoga Nidra is a holistic approach to meditation and psycho-spiritual transformation that may be practiced in any position. In other words, it’s the heart of Yoga and can become the background of your whole practice. In the training we do our best to honor both the ancient philosophy and it’s contemporary applications.
What can I expect in a Yoga Nidra class? Is it ok to fall asleep?!
Yes, it’s ok to fall asleep during a session! The idea is that only part of you is sleeping, but there are deeper parts that are still aware of what’s going on. These are the parts we’re attempting to tap into: your “higher self,” for lack of a better term. Now, as Yoga Nidra is a self-inquiry practice, sometimes difficult emotions can surface. This is an important part of the experience. In a sense, Yoga Nidra is specifically designed to dredge up our repressed feelings. It helps us process them, allowing us the time, space and freedom to enjoy the fruits of our labor.
Do you need to be an “experienced yogi” to practice Yoga Nidra?
Nope! This is one of the most beautiful aspects of the practice–it’s accessible to anyone, anywhere, anytime. “Yoga” in the West is pretty much synonymous with asanas, or yoga postures. In this case, the postures take a back seat. Then we’re able to explore embodiment, presence, healing and self-discovery with our mind. If you’re still breathing, you can practice Yoga Nidra.
Do you have to be a yoga teacher to teach Yoga Nidra?
Another nope 🙂 Again, depending on your perspective, Yoga Nidra may have everything to do with yoga postures or nothing at all. So, you definitely don’t have to have trained as a yoga teacher proper. There are amazing yogis that are school teachers, therapists, parents, artists—you name it. You don’t have to have ever set foot in a studio or even thought about yoga to take advantage of Yoga Nidra! Nor do you have to emerge a teacher. The course is designed to nourish your personal practice first. First and foremost, in my opinion, this is what makes great instructors and wise, compassionate people.
Ready to Sign Up?
Sign up by July 24 to receive the early bird discounted rate of $300! After July 24, the cost of this training will be $375. To learn more about the training, including the schedule and objectives, and to register, click here. For more information about Dr. Nick and future learning opportunities, head to www.evolutionaryeducation.org.
Check out Libby’s Mindfulness Meditation and Yoga Nidra Relaxation every Tuesday evening at 5:00 pm! Reserve your spot here.