Yoga Nidra: The Art of Deep Rest
My yoga journey began nearly two decades ago, seeking relief from back pain. Over the years, I’ve taught yoga from Kyiv to Paris, and now in Sri Lanka, guiding students through the practice of Hatha, Flow, and Yin Yoga. But there’s one practice that never ceases to amaze me—Yoga Nidra, also known as yogic sleep.
What is Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation that brings you into a state between wakefulness and sleep. Unlike traditional meditation, which requires effort to stay focused, Yoga Nidra invites you to simply listen and allow yourself to drift into a deeply restful state. It’s where your body relaxes completely, but your mind stays aware—tapping into the subconscious and allowing you to release deep-seated stress and tension.
Why Practice Yoga Nidra?
There’s a reason my students love this practice—it works. Whether you’re struggling with stress, insomnia, anxiety, or just the exhaustion of daily life, Yoga Nidra provides an effortless way to reset. Science backs up what yogis have known for centuries:
It reduces stress and anxiety by calming the nervous system.
It improves sleep quality and helps with insomnia.
It enhances focus, creativity, and emotional well-being.
It releases deeply held tensions in the body and mind.
My Experience with Yoga Nidra
In my years of teaching, I’ve seen students walk into class weighed down by stress, only to emerge from a Yoga Nidra session looking lighter, more peaceful, more alive. I’ve felt it in my own body, too—those moments where everything seems to slow down, and I’m completely present, completely free.
When I guide a Yoga Nidra session, I know that I’m offering more than just rest—I’m helping people connect with themselves in a way that daily life often doesn’t allow.
How to Practice Yoga Nidra
Anyone can do Yoga Nidra, and you don’t need any experience. Just find a quiet space, lie down, and listen to a guided session. The practice typically follows this structure:
Get Comfortable – Lie down in a relaxed position.
Set an Intention (Sankalpa) – A simple, positive statement for transformation.
Body Scan – A journey through different body parts to release tension.
Breath Awareness – Observing and deepening the breath.
Visualization – Guided imagery to access the subconscious mind.
Return to Wakefulness – Gently coming back to awareness.
Yoga Nidra in a Fast-Paced World
In today’s world, where we’re always expected to do more, Yoga Nidra reminds us that rest is not a weakness—it’s essential. This practice teaches us that healing happens when we stop trying so hard and simply allow ourselves to be.
If you’ve never tried Yoga Nidra, I invite you to experience it with me. Let’s journey into stillness together—where the mind quiets, the body restores, and the spirit awakens.
