Yoga Nidra means "Yoga Sleep". It is gaining in popularity as a deep meditation practice, a way to emotional healing, a remedy for insomnia, a relief from PTSD symptoms. Sounds like something we should all do!
I walked into the 4th Wednesday at 10:00 am class knowing I would experience Yoga Nidra -- again. I've tried it on two previous occasions with different instructors and didn't find it satisfying. But I trust Elizabeth, the Wednesday morning teacher, and her enthusiasm for this practice made me come back to give it another shot.
I told her I hadn't liked it before because I was uncomfortable and impatient. She said she'd help with the the comfort issue and that would likely help address the impatience. So, off I went to unroll my mat, skeptical, but willing.
We started with a regular asana practice before taking time to gather all the props we'd need to make our personal Nidra Nests. Of prime importance is to be comfortable. Elizabeth made a beeline to my mat, ready to fulfill her promise to help me be as comfortable as possible. She is aware of my scoliosis and explained that lying flat isn't really flat for most people and especially those with some physical issues, like mine. All the spots that are unsupported in that classic savasana (corpse) pose need to be filled in. She used three blankets, two blocks, two bolsters, and a whole basket-full of soft eye pillows to pad my mat so that my body was cradled in a soft supportive cocoon. Ahhh....better already. (I'm sorry to the rest of the class for using all the available props -- I hope you were able to muddle through.)
Then Elizabeth began to lead us in a guided meditation that had us focus on our bodies, breath, mind, emotions, connecting with the greater universe. I wish I could tell you exactly what she said. She talked us through every aspect with specific focus, mental images, feeling states, emotional access, divine connection. I have no idea how long this lasted -- maybe 40 minutes? I was "out"... In a good way, I think.
Even though this is Yoga "Sleep" the idea is to hover in that space between awareness and sleeping -- the twilight zone where the magic happens. We have access to our minds, but also transcend everyday thoughts. I know it sounds confusing. I think I might have crossed into real sleep a couple of times, since I'd rouse and realize she'd moved on to a different focus. It was a bit of a struggle to stay awake and not just start snoring. (I may have...sorry.) But I was also aware of being deeply relaxed and time seemed to shift, stop, start again. I lost track of what Elizabeth was saying several times and felt some pressure to pay attention. But when she began to "rouse" us it seemed like the time had flown by.
Putting away all my props, I made myself move more slowly than usual. I recall my meditation teacher years ago recommended taking one-quarter the amount of time to "return to the real world" as we had spent in meditation, so I did that. Otherwise, I think I'd have been a little spacey to drive and would have a hard time explaining to the police officer my driving deficiency was due to a Yoga Nidra hangover!
Did I like Yoga Nidra this time? Yes, at least more than my previous experiences. I think I still struggled a bit with impatience as the guided verbal instructions went on, but I also was very relaxed. I think as with anything, this will take practice. I'll be back for another session next month!©
Namaste, donnajurene
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