Yoga Nidra Introduction

Lesson Overview

In this lesson, we introduce yoga nidra.

Objective

Become knowledgeable about the theory, intent, research, and overall approach of yoga nidra.

Description

Describe yoga nidra. Explain, in a technical sense, how yoga nidra is different from more common states of relaxation. Describe two different perspectives of yoga nidra and list 12 stages in the full process. Explain what iRest is and why it was developed. Describe research studies documenting the effects of yoga nidra and list reported benefits of the practice. Note how yoga nidra and nyasa might be related and how yoga nidra is associated with Patanjali Yoga. Describe how the technique differs from persuasion, and its purpose and effect. Provide the theory or intent behind these elements of the technique: rotating consciousness throughout the body, opposite sensations and guided imagery.

1. CONSCIOUS SLEEP – Another name for Yoga Nidra
2. HYPNAGOGIA or HYPNAGOGIC STATE – “The drowsy, trancelike state between sleeping and waking” (Psychology Dictionary)
3. PSYCHIC SLEEP – Another name for Yoga Nidra
4. SLEEPLESS SLEEP – Another name for Yoga Nidra
5. “YOGA NIDRA” – Translates as “yogic sleep” meaning conscious deep sleep; a systematic method of turning the senses inward, leading to complete relaxation, spontaneous contact with the subconscious and unconscious dimensions, and great receptivity

Psychic or Conscious Sleep, Hypnagogia

The Sanskrit term “yoga nidra” means “yogic sleep” and is also called “sleepless sleep, “psychic sleep” or “conscious sleep.”

Yoga Nidra is a systematic method of turning the senses inward, away from outer experiences, leading to:

• Complete relaxation
• Spontaneous contact with the subconscious and unconscious dimensions, and
• Great receptivity

In Yoga Nidra, the practitioner feels deeply relaxed and yoga nidra is often described as deep relaxation with inner awareness.

Yoga Nidra is associated with slower brain wave states than is experienced in states of relaxation typically correlated with alpha and theta brain wave states.

Some describe yoga nidra as a state “between waking and sleeping” which matches the definition of “hypnagogic state.”

• “Hypnagogia” comes from the Greek words for “sleep” and “guide.”
• The hypnagogic state is described as a state when the mind is “fluid and hyperassociative,” giving rise to images and “making free and often distant associations between diverse concepts.” (source) Most people are familiar with experiencing this state just before falling asleep and just upon waking.

The typical western definition of sleep is that it is NOT a conscious state and therefore to make sense to the western mind, yoga nidra must be a state “between.” In yoga philosophy, however, there is not the same assumption that sleep must be without consciousness. Thus the name yoga nidra — conscious sleep.

Richard Miller speaks to this when he points out that the average person is asleep to her True Nature even when in a conscious waking brain state while the yogi (or awakened one) is aware in all states, even sleep.