My experience with yoga nidra
This simple 15 minute daily practice changed my life.
Big claim!
It's a fancy word for what looks like a midday nap. But for me it's far more.
It’s bliss, in just 15 minutes.
Lying down on your back laying completely still with your eyes closed does look like you're napingp. But what's happening inside is magical.
The best way I can describe it is reaching state that’s just on the edge of sleep… but not quite.
If you've ever taken a yoga class, you've probably felt a bit of this. Most practices end by laying on your mat in Shavashana (corpse pose). This is a yogic meditation; Shavashana and NSDR are examples of Yoga Nidra, a technique practiced for over 2,500 years.
“When awareness is separate and distinct from mental activity, when waking, dream and deep sleep pass like clouds, yet awareness of Self remains, this is the experience of total relaxation… That is why, in tantra, yoga nidra is said to be the doorway to Samadhi.”
- Swami Satyananda
Physically, you feel completely relaxed. You become aware of the weight of your body pressing down. Mentally, you're somewhere between day dreaming, reliving memories, and lucid dreaming. That's the magic.
What it feels like
This part is hard to describe, but it's where you feel your inner intuitions come to life. As your mind floats, you'll feel drawn to certain ideas or thoughts. You might see a great idea for a work-related project, or you might think of an old friend, or you might just feel what it's like to be a cloud.
On a spiritual level, during these breaks I think your true nature is revealed to you. (Note: research Samadhi)
On a more practical level, though, you get up feeling completely awake. Ready to take on any challenge - and all without any caffeine (!)
This practice was a godsend after I stopped caffeine at 12PM. If I ever have a 'productivity hack', it’s either this or intermittent fasting.
How to
- Lie down somewhere comfy on your back
- I’d avoid getting fully into bed, you don’t want to be too comfortable
- If it’s noisy outside, pop in some ear plugs
- Set a timer for about 15-30 minutes
- The first few minutes will be 'settling in'
- Put on an eye mask (this is key, for me)
- Remain as still as possible
- And just breathe
Tips
- Practice stillness, intentionally. Avoid shuffling and moving around because it'll knock you out of the calm.
- Let your body sink into the surface, feel the weight of your legs, arms, and back pressing into the ground.
- Become aware of all the different sensations over your body...
- ... so you can spot any tension and let go, relax your muscles. Pay more attention your eyelids/neck/head/face. I find releasing these areas helps you get deeper sooner and they have a tendency to tighten up unconsciously.
- This one is weird, but feel the front of brain being ‘pulled’ out of your head. It’s a mental cue that helps me get to the promised land sooner.
That's it
I can't emphasize how much this practice helps me refocus. After writing this, I realize practice is worth the effort at least once a day, just for the clarity it brings me.