By Carly Baumann, Yoga Instructor (RYT 200) and Certified Yoga Nidra Facilitator
“Problems cannot be solved by the same level of awareness that created them.” – Albert Einstein
And yet – this is how we attempt to cure what ails us all the time. Overwhelmed with family, work, health concerns, we force solutions, thinking “If only I try a little harder,” or “I just need to figure it out.” It’s all the thinking that keeps us on the hamster wheel. Instead, we need to manage stress at the root, and rebalance the excess tension that has been built up in our bodies and minds by detaching from our thoughts.
We’ve all heard about, and perhaps experimented with meditation and its benefits. However, classic mediation can also be difficult. From physical pains while trying to sit up straight, to finding a quiet space with reduced distractions – we often get so caught up in the process, we never reach the point of experiencing those benefits.
Yoga Nidra, or yogic sleep, is an ancient sleep-based meditation. We know that in order to fall asleep, we have to let go of our thoughts. We don’t “will” ourselves to sleep; our bodies naturally know how to do it. By progressively emptying the mind through a guided Yoga Nidra experience of body, breath, and awareness techniques, we go through brain wave states to enter the deepest levels of meditation, effortlessly.
So why not just curl up and take a nap?
Unlike ordinary sleep, in Yoga Nidra we enter this sleep state while awake and conscious, in the deep experience of being released from the grip of our thoughts and resting in awareness itself. Beyond having a relaxing and rejuvenating meditation, when you return to the waking state you walk away more able to notice the thoughts and reactions that continue to emerge in your awareness, rather than being automatically, unconsciously held hostage by them.
It is said by yogis that 45 minutes of Yoga Nidra is as restorative as 3 hours of sleep. An ongoing practice is effective for managing and healing:
- Insomnia & stress
- Habits & addictions
- Trauma & PTSD
- Depression & anxiety
This November and December, join me to experience this profound technique and replenish your own well as the holidays approach. In this six-week series (or drop in as you’re able), we’ll first balance energy in the body with gentle, meditative yoga postures. Then coming into a comfortable, supported position lying down or seated, you simply follow the guided instructions. No experience with yoga or meditation is necessary.
You can register by clicking here.
