Yoga Nidra
(Guided Meditation)
The term Yoga Nidra is derived from two Sanskrit words - yoga meaning yoke or union, or one-
pointed awareness, and nidra which means sleep. This is a guided meditation practice that
when done consistently has the ability to heal the various unresolved issues, traumas, and wounds
that are present in the body and mind.
Yoga Nidra or yogic sleep is a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping, like the “going-to-
sleep” stage. It is a state in which the body is completely relaxed, and the practitioner becomes
systematically and increasingly aware of the inner world by following a set of verbal instructions.
This state of consciousness (Yoga Nidra) is different from meditation in which concentration on a single focus
is required. Yoga Nidra is among the deepest possible states of relaxation while still maintaining full
consciousness.
The practice of Yoga Nidra has been found to greatly reduce tension and anxiety. The autonomic
symptoms of high anxiety such as a headache, chest pain, palpitations, sweating, and abdominal pain respond well. It has been used with great success to help veterans from war cope with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as others diagnosed with the same condition, regardless of origin. In this practice we start with defining a Sankalpa.
The Sanskrit word means: San-An idea that is formed in the heart, Kalpa-this is the rule I will follow above all else.
During the practice you will be guided through focusing on your breath, body sensing, feelings, and emotions – all while staying present with your Heartfelt Desire, Your Intention, and Your Grounding Word.
The more consistent one is with this practice, which can be done sitting, laying, or even walking, is one
of the best techniques to help to rewire the brain in understanding that past events can be acknowledged without making them a present experience. This is very important for people who are
triggered by certain sounds, thoughts, or environments. Or for individuals who have memories that have been locked away. This practice helps to unlock our past in a safe manner and allows us to live a much more emotionally free life.
This practice starts with focusing on our Heartfelt Desire, or our purpose in life. This is what we built our
ARC on. So, when we bring our attention back to our Purpose before we begin our practice, we have the ability to let go of all other thoughts, feelings, and emotions that are not in alignment.
Then we set our Intention for this practice. Maybe it’s Inner Peace, or Calm, or Acceptance. Whatever
feels right in that moment.
Lastly, we go back to the “Word” that centers us. The word that brings us a sense of grounding, security,
and peace.
The following comes from an article in Social Work Today magazine on the efficacy of Yoga Nidra,
specifically iRest, which is the protocol followed for at the Inner North Star PTSD Retreat Center.
