The secret weapon for the always fragmented, sleep starved souls is Be Well Academy yoga Nidra. Ever heard someone say, “I don’s remember the last time I relaxed?” They might have come onto Yoga Nidra, something well beyond a slumber or meditation. This is an uncommon but, to be honest, really enjoyable experience.
You lie down on a mat, limbs free, blanket tightly wrapped around you at first. The instructor’s soothing voice eventually breaks the quiet and makes one question whether there is any magical element about it. Encouragement to notice feelings in areas like the backs of your knees or the tips of your fingers, they walk you through a body scan from head to toe. Though odd ideas may surface, your mind listens and follows somehow.
Then follows the “Sankalpa,” a personal assertion or intention that permeates your core. It might be something basic like “I am serene” or “I am healing,” and indeed, “Cheese will always taste fantastic.” (Although maybe you could omit that). Repeating this intention acts as seedlings in your mind blossoming over time.
Then you glide between levels of consciousness, breathing, visualizations, and calm images. You’re drifting on clouds one second; the next you’re staring up a star-filled sky. Though the line separating wakefulness from sleep becomes hazy, you still know. Though your body is sleepy, your intellect is awake, coolly watching.
Speaking in soft, fluid language that enables participants sink further with each word, yoga Nidra teachers walk others through the experience. Though they talk about brain waves, you should not worry about learning neuroscience. The sensible advise is Plan a session far from a big meal, and make sure your phone is hidden. Tell your housemates, also gently, “No vacuuming until I return from my spiritual journey.”
After several sessions, the afternoon slump is simpler to control and uneasiness seems to pass past you instead of hanging around. For no apparent reason you may experience bursts of laughter, odd dreams, or unexpected clarity.
Yoga Nidra is a skill not only a break-through. Naps seem like a pale copy after you get it under control. The exercise helps you to find silence at your core, clearer as a mountain stream, on cold mornings. Who would have guessed that lying still on the floor could produce such transforming peace?