What is Yoga Nidra?

Yoga Nidra is an ancient spiritual practice, often referred to as yogic sleep, or the the sleep of the yogis. It is a guided meditation done lying down. Similar to walking the labyrinth, yoga nidra begins by moving from the outer world to the inner world. At the beginning of the practice, it’s an important to set a healing intention. Throughout the practice, there’s a focus on different aspects of the body - sensing the physical body, sensing the breath, becoming aware of emotions, visualizing yourself, resting in awareness, calling in wisdom, and returning to the outer world. During yoga nidra you experience a sleep like state with a hint of awareness. At the end of the practice, you may feel well rested, energized, and emerge with a greater sense of clarity.

Why Yoga Nidra?

Yoga Nidra is an invitation to slow down and prioritize your own health and healing. From the place of deep rest, you connect to that still, small voice within. Kamini Desai, author of Yoga Nidra: The Art of Transformational Sleep writes, “Yoga Nidra is a release of all doing, all effort to be anywhere but where you are. It is a subtraction of doing. In the absence of doing, you notice that you are already whole.” By practicing yoga nidra, you honor your body and your deepest wisdom. It stabilizes and supports the body and the nervous system. Research has shown yoga nidra to reduce anxiety, manage stress, improve sleep, promote physical healing, and reduce inflammation.

Why Daring to Rest?

In 2019, I discovered the founder of Daring to Rest, Karen Brody live streaming “say yes to rest” on Facebook. It was a quick fifteen minute meditation, but I immediately noticed the subtle, yet profound effects of the practice. Karen’s meditations were grounding, which was exactly what my body needed. When I added yoga nidra to my daily spiritual practice, I noticed that I felt less anxious and re-energized. The practice of yoga nidra moved me from my head into my heart and grounded me in my body. Daring to Rest, is a feminine approach to yoga nidra that focuses on three phases - rest, release, and rise. As a Daring to Rest trained facilitator, I’m excited to offer this nourishing practice in support of those on the spiritual path. “Daring to Rest is a movement helping people take back rest.”