Yoga Nidra
The practice of Yoga Nidra invites both a deep, holistic relaxation and an expansive meditative state of awareness. Yoga Nidra means “yogic sleep”. However, this isn’t sleep as we generally think of or experience it, unconscious and unaware. Rather, nidra is like a conscious, intentional sleep (Desai, 2017), mindfully resting deeply in awareness, cultivating the ability to bring that deeper state of awareness and its healing benefits back into everyday living.
Yoga Nidra has significant stress relief and healing potential for body, mind, and spirit. Physical benefits of nidra as supported by research include improved immunity, increased energy, reduced pain, and stress relief (Lusk, 2015). Regular nidra practice helps increase the nervous system’s relaxation response and inhibit the stress response and has been noted to help lower blood pressure and cortisol (stress hormone) levels (Lusk, 2015).
Nidra has not only a physical but also a psychological therapeutic value. The practice encourages development of emotional awareness and control, creating access to your inner peace and calm. In the deep space of relaxed awareness arises the capacity to reframe perspectives, let go of self-limiting beliefs, and experience deeper connection to yourself and others. Mentally, nidra promotes increased clarity of thought, focus, and enhances creativity (Lusk, 2017). Nidra also helps teach and support mindfulness.
As a spiritual practice, Yoga Nidra carries the potential of enriching spiritual awakening and formation.
Overall, Yoga Nidra offers a powerful resource and transformative tool on your journey into wholeness and healing! Nidra Yoga will be offered at Wholeness Healing Center on Mondays at 10:00 and Wednesdays at 2:00. It will be a 45-minute session for $10/session. Please call 308-382-5297 ext. 110 to reserve a spot for that day.