“In an age of speed, nothing can be more invigorating than going slow. In an age of distraction, nothing can feel more luxurious than paying attention. In an age of constant movement, nothing is more urgent than sitting still.” Pico Iyer.
Yoga Nidra is a systematic guided meditation practice that effortlessly brings the practitioner into a state of deep rest. We can let go and experience complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation while remaining awake and aware.
Yoga Nidra, the ‘sleep of the Yogi’, was first described in ancient Vedic texts and it is also mentioned in the Buddhist Mahamayatantra. In contemporary therapy it is known as NSDR , Non Sleep Deep Rest. Physiologically, our heart rate slows, our blood pressure falls and our the brain waves slow down, mimicking what happens when we fall into deep non REM sleep. Our nervous system is calmed. We become more receptive, open hearted and tap into our inner reservoir of peace and clarity. Through accessing the deeper layers of our subconscious, we gain insight into the nature of our mind and being, our self limiting belief patterns and behaviours and can sow the seeds of transformation. The intention, or heart felt wish (Sankalpa), we make at the beginning of our practice, is like sowing a seed. In Yoga Nidra, when the mind is still and clear and the heart is open and receptive the seed can grow well.
Benefits of Yoga Nidra
- Increases direct experience with all the layers of the self known as the Maya Kosha’s (meaning layer or covering a treasure, in Sanskrit).
- Can help decrease anxiety and depression.
- Alleviate stress and gain clarity and focus.
- Can help with insomnia, hypertension, asthma, digestive disorders, migraine and ulcers.
- Enhances creativity and increases vitality.
- Gain a sense of trust in yourself and your life.
- It has been used with great effect with people suffering with PTSD, notably war veterans.
See Richard Miller https://www.irest.org/RichardBio
Please go to the classes page to find out when I will be leading my next Yoga Nidra workshop.
“Clare has been my yoga teacher for many years now and has taken me from a complete beginner to where I am now, a confident yogi. Clare’s calm, peaceful manner is wonderful, with the final savasana leaving me feeling relaxed and uplifted. The sessions have also given me empowerment to do yoga by myself at home knowing that I am doing the poses correctly without the risk of injury. But these sessions are never as good as the ones with Clare!”
Susie Clark
Clare Stephen Yoga 