Yoga nidra private session 30 minutes (in person or online) $30
Yoga nidra private session 45 minutes (in person or online) $45
Yoga nidra group session 30 minutes online $10/person
Yoga nidra group session 45 minutes online $15/person
I offer a 10% discount when you buy a package of 5 sessions
Yoga Nidra is a mindbody technique that brings you to a deeply relaxed state of being. It does not require adherence to any faith or religion to practice. Often referred to as "yogic sleep" , it stems from the yogic tradition and the body is in a state of deep sleep while the mind is aware and quiet...this brings about a feeling of sublime peace and calm. The sleep state is when the physical body focuses on repair and healing. It is said that 45 minutes of Yoga Nidra is equivalent to 3 hours of deep sleep. It is not necessary to know or practice yoga to practice Yoga Nidra.
Nowadays, the number of people with sleep difficulties is high and increasing exponentially compared to even ten years ago. Without enough sleep and dreamtime the body is challenged to be able to do its rebalancing and healing work. There are many contributing factors to these sleep difficulties including one's personal state of health and wellbeing. But difficulty sleeping can lead to sleep being a time of stress which exacerbates the problem. Yoga Nidra offers the opportunity to be in the deep sleep state outside of one's regular sleeptime.
Benefits:
Sleep is when our body's innate intelligence is able to work on bringing harmony and healing to the whole person as much as able in the time given. In Yoga Nidra we are taken out of our daily alertness and routines, out of our mind and body, and placed in a safe, sweet place of rest. The body and mind are able to integrate and regenerate while we float in complete relaxation.
What to Expect During a Yoga Nidra Session:
Yoga Nidra is most effective when your body can relax completely. To do so, it's important to feel fully supported and that's all about being as comfortable as possible. To this end, the person will lie down on a mat or a massage table, depending on whether this is a group session or an individual session in an office or home setting. Pillows and blankets are often used, as necessary, to support all parts of the body and to give a feeling of warmth and security; in this way the body does not need to stay awake and aware as all of its parts are being held. While lying down our body can fully relax, supported by the floor or whatever surface we are on. Wearing loose fitting, comfortable clothing is very helpful. Everything is about rest and relaxation. All you need to do is find your space, get comfortable, close your eyes (if you're comfortable doing so) and listen. Once you are comfortable, I will begin leading you through a series of queues, gentle instructions which, along with breathing suggestions, guide you to a deep state of rest. The session consists of my voice guiding you through a series of images and focused awareness. Once you are at a state of rest you will linger in silence for a few minutes and then, slowly, be brought back to a fully awakened state. Sessions can range in length from 15 minutes to an hour. In the longer sessions there is often a guided imagery exercise which helps connect with the mind and imagination in a positive, supportive way. After this exercise, you will take a few moments in silence and then be gently guided back to your waking state.
Yoga Nidra can also be practiced while seated. I have done a few sessions with groups seated and the effects seem to be equally as good and profound as while lying down.
Yoga Nidra and Meditation--the Same?
They are not the same and this is best described through frequency. As Einstein taught us, everything is energy. That means that everything is vibrating at its own particular frequency, including us, all the time. A frequency is the number of times a brainwave repeats itself within a second. Frequencies are determined by measuring our brainwaves, such as happens when we get an EEG (electroencephalograph). This can be likened to the frequencies that determine a radio station where you need to get the number right on your device to be able to tune in. In our daily lives, we usually operate at the beta state which is 12 hertz (hz) or above. In this state we are strongly engaged in something, an active conversation, a task, or a debate, for example. When we are processing ideas, thoughts, etc. we are in the alpha state (8-12hz); alert but relaxed...a great state in which to learn something new. This is the state that most meditators achieve in a regular meditation session. Next is theta at 3.5-8 hz. This is classified as 'slow' activity, usually seen during daydreaming, intuitive or highly creative states. It is between wakefulness and sleep. This state is often achieved during deep meditation or prayer or sometimes when we are doing something we have done so often it becomes automatic and our brain disengages from the task. Interestingly, theta is the normal state of being for children before the age of 13. Delta state operates at between 0.1 and 3.5 hz, the slowest brainwaves of all. This is the state achieved in yoga nidra and deep sleep. This is the source for empathy and healing and where we access information in our unconscious mind.
My Training:
I studied with Ladan Judge and was certified as a Yoga Nidra Facilitator through the East Meets West Yoga Center in Vienna, Virginia USA in 2014.