Yoga Nidra for Sleep w | Cheryl

Categories: Course

About Course

Lack of sleep and fatigue affect more and more of us. The pace of life is so fast that we find it difficult, if not impossible, to relax enough at night to fall asleep – and stay asleep. Sleeping medications and alcohol might help, but that is not a habit we want to develop. Luckily, a path to deep sleep has been practiced for thousands of years. It is natural, easy to do, and offers many benefits beyond a good night’s sleep.

It is called Yoga Nidra, and it is essentially a method for falling asleep while remaining conscious. The state of mind you enter through Yoga Nidra has been called mind awake/body asleep, and in the East, it is known as the gateway to higher consciousness. The philosophical roots of this practice can be found in the Mandukya Upanishad and it has found contemporary expression as NSDR (non-sleep deep rest.)

In this three-part pre-recorded program, you will explore the traditional spiritual implications of this profound state of awareness and its modern application as a remedy for sleeplessness. Each session will blend insights from Swami Satyananda Saraswati with the findings of contemporary neuroscience and a guided Yoga Nidra practice specifically designed to address insomnia and improve sleep quality. Participants will receive recordings of the Yoga Nidra Programs for their personal use.

 

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What Will You Learn?

  • Benefits of Yoga Nidra for Sleep
  • The Four States of Consciousness
  • The Five Koshas
  • Samskaras, Vasanas + Karma
  • Non-Sleep Deep Rest Techniques

Course Content

Yoga Nidra for Sleep Module 1
In this first module, we will introduce the concepts of Yoga Nidra and its benefits for overall health and wellness. You will also learn about the Four States of Consciousness and the Five Koshas road maps to use as you navigate your internal experiences. You will also practice a 30-minute guided meditation for restful sleep.

  • Session 1 – Yoga Nidra for Sleep
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Yoga Nidra for Sleep Module 2
I'm excited to recap Session 2 of Yoga Nidra for Sleep, where we explored the profound connection between our past experiences and our current sleep patterns. During our session, we explored the concept of samskaras—deep-rooted mental impressions left on the subconscious mind by past experiences. These impressions often influence our subconscious patterns, manifesting as stress, anxiety, fear, or worry. Negative samskaras stemming from past traumas or failures can lead to overthinking, insomnia, and even nightmares, keeping our minds in a heightened state of alertness. How Yoga Nidra Helps: Yoga Nidra works on the subconscious level, helping to reprogram these samskaras. By bringing awareness to them in a safe and controlled environment, we can allow these impressions to surface and be released. Here are some key points we covered: 1. Sankalpa: The intention set at the beginning of Yoga Nidra is designed to override negative samskaras. For sleep, this intention could be as simple as “I sleep deeply and restfully.” Repeated practice of Sankalpa in a deeply relaxed state rewires the brain and nervous system, making positive behavioral changes more likely. 2. Witness Consciousness: By becoming aware of samskaras without reacting to them during Yoga Nidra, we cultivate a state of equanimity that allows us to process these impressions without creating additional mental disturbances. This leads to a calmer mind and deeper sleep. Disrupting the Samskara-Vasana-Karma Cycle: We discussed how Yoga Nidra breaks habitual cycles of stress, anxiety, and worry that disrupt sleep. Here's how it works: 1. Accessing the Subconscious: In the alpha and theta wave states induced by Yoga Nidra, samskaras can be accessed and reprogrammed. This helps address the root causes of stress or insomnia rather than just treating the symptoms. 2. Reprogramming Negative Patterns: By setting positive intentions (Sankalpa) in a relaxed state, practitioners can replace negative vasanas (habitual tendencies) with healthier ones. For instance, instead of ruminating before bed, you can set an intention to relax, trust, and sleep deeply. 3. Generating Positive Karma: As we address samskaras and transform vasanas, our actions in daily life become more conscious and aligned with relaxation and sleep. This promotes positive sleep hygiene practices, creating new samskaras supporting better sleep. As we navigate our thoughts and beliefs about sleep, consider the stories we tell ourselves. Each time we say we cannot sleep, we may be reinforcing existing samskaras or creating new ones. Over time, these patterns can become entrenched, leading to prolonged sleep disturbances. It's essential to explore the root causes of our thinking contributing to our current state of affairs. Thank you for being a part of this journey. I encourage you to reflect on these concepts and how they may influence your sleep. Your feedback is invaluable, so please share your experiences and any challenges you face.

Yoga Nidra for Sleep Session 3
As we conclude our three-part Yoga Nidra for Sleep series tonight, I want to express my deep gratitude for your participation. Over the past few weeks, we've explored how this transformative practice can enhance not only your sleep but also your overall well-being. I also want to take a moment to highlight the differences between Yoga Nidra and NSDR (Non-Sleep Deep Rest) so you can continue to incorporate these practices into your daily life moving forward: Yoga Nidra: A deeper, restorative practice designed for when you're feeling mentally, physically, or emotionally drained. It takes you into Delta brainwave states, mimicking deep sleep to help you recover and reset your nervous system. This practice goes beyond just relaxation—it touches on deeper layers of your consciousness, promoting healing and long-term stress relief. NSDR: This is ideal for a quick mental refresh, especially during the day when you need a short reset. NSDR sessions are shorter, usually around 10-15 minutes, and help you quickly regain focus and clarity without the grogginess of a nap. It's perfect for moments when you need a boost in energy and wakefulness. While Yoga Nidra offers profound rest and healing, NSDR can be your go-to for a quick recharge. Combining both practices allows you to find a balance between deep restoration and short bursts of relief.

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