© 2019 KinKou Yoga
Yoga Nidra is a powerful practice of non sleep deep rest.
There are numerous benefits from regularly practicing Yoga Nidra. The following are just a few…
Although many people confuse this aspect of Yoga Nidra with assuming it to be a good practice for before bed, ideally, Yoga Nidra should be practiced during the daytime. After a practice, participants are often energised and refreshed (not necessarily what you are wanting before bed!). There are guided meditations available that are Yoga Nidra inspired that can be more helpful before sleep. Insight Timer is a great way to find one to suit you (hopefully I’ll have one recorded for you here in the near future).
The practice of Yoga Nidra during the daytime IS associated with better sleep during the evening. Yoga Nidra can play an important role in a suite of daytime practices which are helpful for better sleep in the evening (such as viewing early morning sunlight, exercise, and eating rhythms).
Typically during a Nidra practice, participants lie down in a comfortable position (however, remaining seated for the practice is an option for those who prefer). The idea is for the body to remain still and relaxed while the mind is guided through a very specific practice of awareness. Some participants of Yoga Nidra feel like they may have drifted into sleep at different times during the practice, however this is usually a sign that you have moved into deeper brain wave states, which is part of why this practice feels so relaxing and why it is so effective. Some participants do actually fall asleep during the practice, and this is ok, this is usually a sign that sleep was desperately needed!
You don’t need any experience with meditation or with yoga to practice Yoga Nidra. My classes are conducted from a trauma-informed lens and are appropriate and can be helpful for those who have experienced trauma or other mental health challenges (if you are unsure, please get in touch to discuss your unique situation).
It is only when I’m leading experienced individuals or a group of Yoga Nidra practitioners that are interested in exploring a deeper Nidra practice, that the practice of image visualisation is used.
Yoga Nidra is typically practiced lying down. In my classes, you are encouraged to make yourself as comfortable as possible, using the props (mats, blankets, bolsters, cushions, eye pillows) I have available for your use, or you’re welcome to bring your own equipment for comfort. Alternatively, you are welcome to enjoy the practice in a seated position (I have limited chairs available for this option so please let me know in advance if this is your preference).
On his podcast “The Huberman Lab”, scientist Andrew Huberman lists non sleep deep rest protocols such as Yoga Nidra to be beneficial in allowing our brain to retain information after a study session.
Yoga Nidra is a unique practice in which participants can become completely relaxed, while at the same time having parts of the brain highly focused.
Yoga Nidra is for you if:
Yoga Nidra is NOT for you if:
An opportunity for Teens to Move. Breathe. Connect.
This class is held at the Old Courthouse, Wollongong during school terms.
Get in touch for more information
© 2019 KinKou Yoga