Today was Yoga Nidra day at Elizabeth's Zoom class. I forgot again. I think it's a trick my brain plays on me. My first few experiences with Yoga Nidra were not positive, so I decided (consciously) that I don't like it; it's not for me. Since that time I've actually had some very pleasant experiences, but that early declaration is stuck in my head, so when I know it's coming up (4th Wednesday of the month), I tend to avoid that class. Except....
A few times, including recently when we are meeting online, I forget. I show up and Elizabeth announces it's Yoga Nidra day and I am surprised, even though I can read a calendar as well as anyone. I think my UNconscious mind is looking out for me. That mind knows I'll benefit even if I don't know it!
Yoga Nidra is a practice often called "Yoga Sleep Meditation". Elizabeth starts with a 45 minute gentle asana practice to stretch and strengthen the large muscles of our bodies to prepare us for a 30+ minute lying or sitting meditation. During that meditation, after we gather extra props to ensure maximum comfort and relaxation, she guides us through the 5 koshas (you don't have to know what this is to benefit!) beginning with a detailed body scan, then suggesting images of disparate objects to bring to mind...and then other stuff, because frankly I'm so deeply in a state of relaxation by then that I hear her voice and follow along, but afterwards I'm not entirely sure where she took me. I just know how quiet, calm, and at peace I feel in that state.
I am NOT asleep in the traditional sense -- this is a wakeful sleep. That makes no sense, right? It will. Eventually. Like I said, it didn't work for me at first. Lying on my mat I was physically uncomfortable, distracted, agitated. Then Elizabeth suggested sitting on a chair. That was better for me. But what has been BEST is to do this practice at home, via Elizabeth's Zoom class, sitting in an upholstered chair in my bedroom, feet on a bolster, blanket over my lap, eye shade covering my eyes. I feel myself sink into the moment almost immediately.
This morning I started on Day 3 of grieving all the losses of this Covid Summer -- concerts, ballgames, fairs and festivals, trips, friends, grandkid sleepovers...just the ease of the pre-Covid life where distancing and masks and hand sanitizer were unheard of. As summer nears its end, I am already anticipating even more restrictions as the cold and rain drives us indoors again. So, my emotions have been volatile and there have been lots of tears. I want to hug my grandkids!!!
So, I switched on my computer for class rather reluctantly. I wanted to just skip it and wallow in sorrow some more. But my husband urged me to show up for the class, reminding me that Yoga always helps. He's right of course, and when the first words I heard were: "Good Morning! It's Yoga Nidra Day." I didn't feel a sinking sensation of reluctant acceptance. I felt relieved. I felt nurtured. I knew it was exactly what I needed.
I write this now, 2 hours post-class time, still floating on the cloud of renewal. I know there are sorrows, but they do not consume me. The sun is shining. There is a cool breeze blowing across the back deck where I write. I'm looking forward to a long walk with my husband at the waterfront later this afternoon and a simple summer supper on the deck tonight. I feel gratitude.
Sorrows come and go. We watch them. Happiness comes and goes. We watch it. Life happens to us and around us. We watch it. The Watcher, the Seat of our Soul, remains constant. And when we forget what's best for us, we are reminded. Over and over and over again.
Namaste, donnajurene
(Link to an article about Yoga Nidra and the 5 Koshas: https://yogainternational.com/article/view/yoga-nidra-and-the-five-koshas
Photo Credit: www.pixabay.com
