My mother once told me that 20 minutes of yoga nidra, or yogic sleep (aka guided relaxation), is equivalent to a two-hour nap. I don’t know her source, but I can say that this recording is a godsend when I’m exhausted.
I love the sound of my mom’s voice in the 14-minute audio, but I’ve also memorized the sequence to do in my own mind when I wake up in the middle of the night and struggle to fall back to sleep.
For the first part of the practice, my mom guides your awareness through each part of your body. That is followed by a sequence of breathing patterns where you visualize the breath as a wave.
Your mind will inevitably wander, and that’s OK. Just come back to the sequence when you realize that is what’s happening.
Yoga nidra is meant to be done reclined with your eyes closed, maintaining a slight trace of awareness — though if it puts you to sleep, you won’t be the first! Lie on your back with your legs outstretched, palms by your sides facing up if that’s comfortable. It can feel really nice to put a blanket or towel roll under your knees for low back support.
Please let me know how it goes.
Share this post