Systematic steps of yoga nidra
The practice of yoga nidra generally lasts 15-40mins. Lying in shavasana (corpse pose) one listens & follows the instructions mentally. First & foremost it’s important to prevent oneself from sleeping, as once we drift into the unconscious realms we lose our awareness which we are aiming to maintain throughout the practice.
- one practises pratyahara (sensory withdrawal) & one’s awareness are internalised
- a firm resolve can then be planted in the conscious mind (sankalpa)
- rotation of consciousness induces physical relaxation & clears nerve pathways to the brain
- awareness of breath continues & promotes relaxation as well as concentration
- higher energies are awakened & directed to every cell throughout the body
- feelings (physical & emotional) are recalled / awakened, experienced fully & then removed
- contrasting feelings are used to balance between opposite brain hemispheres
- willpower & emotional relaxation is enhanced as memories are relived / expelled
- images & visualization empty the hidden contents of the deep unconscious mind
- visualization eliminates the traumatic / disturbing impressions promoting self-awareness
- enforcing our resolve at the end of the practice of yoga nidra promotes positivity & strength of mind.
The practice of yoga nidra concludes as we gently tease the mind back from the realms of psychic sleep & gradually back to the waking state. Throughout time deep states of relaxation combined with these techniques of auto suggestion, allow subtle changes in the psyche to manifest & transformation to begin.
“The practice of yoga nidra enables one to receive intuitions from the unconscious mind. This state is the fount of artistic & poetic inspiration. It is also the source of the most creative scientific discoveries.” – Swami Satyananda