The Magic of Yoga Nidra
So what is Yoga Nidra exactly?
Yoga Nidra is a powerful technique for turning inwards, bringing gentle awareness to different parts of your body while staying present in the moment. Often called ‘Yogic Sleep’ or ‘Psychic Sleep’, it goes beyond deep relaxation. Practicing Yoga Nidra can help you feel more balanced, calm, and connected to your body and mind.
Although you appear to be asleep, your consciousness operates on a deeper level while remaining aware of your surroundings. Yoga Nidra is a Body Scan practice that encourages deep relaxation by gradually guiding your awareness throughout your body.
You notice sensations such as tightness, tension, or discomfort, which helps you stay present. This practice also allows you to connect your emotions with physical sensations. By guiding the mind through different states, Yoga Nidra can create a feeling of inner calm, balance, and refreshment.
Yoga can be translated as union and Nidra as sleep.
What is the difference between Yoga Nidra and Meditation?
Both meditation and Yoga Nidra aim to develop a heightened sense of awareness. The main difference is in how they are practiced:
Meditation: Typically practiced seated, focusing the mind, and observing thoughts as they come and go.
Yoga Nidra: Always practiced lying down, guiding the practitioner into a deep state of conscious relaxation.
While both practices encourage slowing down and tuning inward, Yoga Nidra emphasizes guided body awareness and conscious relaxation, while meditation focuses more on cultivating mindfulness and perspective.
How Yoga Nidra Can Support Your Well-Being
Yoga Nidra is known to support relaxation and well-being and may help with:
Reducing feelings of stress or anxiety
Promoting emotional balance
Supporting better sleep quality
Encouraging a sense of calm and inner harmony
Helping you connect more deeply with your body and mind
Supporting focus, clarity, and mental refreshment
While individual experiences may vary, practicing Yoga Nidra regularly can encourage a greater sense of balance and relaxation.
The 7 stages of Yoga Nidra
Prepare Yourself
Focus on Breathing
Body Awareness
Muscle Relaxation
Visualization
Sankalpa (Intention Setting)
Reawaken
Healju Hub’s Good to Know
Yoga Nidra is practiced lying down, making it gentle and relaxing. Our instructors guide you smoothly through the practice, making it perfect for winding down after a long day.
Regular practice can help you feel calm, centered, and rejuvenated. Remember, Yoga Nidra is a supportive wellness practice, if you have any health concerns, consult a medical professional before starting.