Yoga Nidra

For a yoga teacher and student, it is a constant learning curve. There is so much you can learn and endless courses, trainings, classes and workshops to experience focusing on the many, many aspects of yoga that it can be overwhelming when considering which path to follow next. 

Choosing my next level of training comes from a place within me that asks what I would like to experience as a yoga student. I completed my Pre and Postnatal Yoga training when I was pregnant with my daughter, as I wanted to know how to adapt my own practice and get a true sense of the benefits of Pregnancy Yoga. In doing this I was then able to share the joys of pregnancy yoga as a teacher to local women at a weekly class. 

I am now ready to embark on my next training; all of my classes will end with Savasana (Corpse pose) and when time allows, I love to use a guided meditation to help keep my students present as well as ease them into a deeper relaxation. Yoga Nidra seems like the natural progression from this and so that is where my learning is now headed. 

What is Yoga Nidra?

Yoga Nidra is often referred to as "yogic sleep" - it is a practice that draws our attention inwards and takes us to the state between wakefulness and sleep, where our body finds its natural state of equilibrium. The breath balances and becomes quiet, unconscious and conscious aspects of the mind reveal themselves and we fall into an innate state of deep, blissful stillness. 

As a culture, we are always connected, often stressed, and our nervous systems are in an almost constant fight-or-flight, sympathetic state. Yoga Nidra is an effective way to access the "rest and digest" parasympathetic state, which is where healing happens. 

Yoga Nidra has many benefits; it can ease insomnia, decrease anxiety, alleviate stress, reduce chronic pain, alter negative habits and behaviours and bring about feelings of peace, calm and clarity. 

It is described by the Yoga Nidra Network as "a great treasure; a potent meditative resource for healing, insight and empowerment. It provides us with the opportunity to experience deep freedom. It welcomes us all home to ourselves".

 Sounds pretty wonderful, right?

With an abundance of courses on offer and such a range of different methods, lineages and levels of Yoga Nidra it can be a minefield choosing the right course. Thankfully I was able to take recommendation from a fellow teacher who trained with Uma Dinsmore-Tuli and Nirlipta Tuli. My course starts soon - I'll keep you posted on how I find the training and where you can find my Yoga Nidra classes!

I currently teacher Vinyasa Flow classes (Candlelight & Beginners) at Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga on Wednesdays and Saturdays. 

You can see the full list of classes & workshops on offer at the studio online www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk or follow us on Facebook or Instagram @hummingbirdpilatesyoga.