Yoga nidrā is a guided practice of deep rest that offers an effortless respite from our thinking minds and the challenges of our world and our lives.
Yogic philosophy teaches that there is a place within each of us, that is always there, where there is stillness and clarity and peace – a place where we are whole and complete, just as we are. From a yogic viewpoint, yoga nidrā facilitates access to this nourishing state which, even if touched only briefly, can, over time, alter our sense of self and transform our lives.
Viewed through the lens of neuroscience, a practice of yoga nidrā can enable a state of profoundly deep relaxation or rest, which can lead to a drifting or hovering in the liminal state between waking and sleeping – an experience that is particularly nourishing to the nervous system, replenishing to our physiology, creativity-promoting and pleasurable.
During a practice of yoga nidrā one may experience relaxation, sleep if exhausted or tired, or the liminal state referred to, in yoga, as the state of yoga nidrā. Each of these experiences, when accessed through the pathway of yoga nidrā, are highly beneficial to us.
I have been passionate about health and well-being since my teens, my background is in the arts and social sciences and I have practised meditation and yoga for over 45 years. At university, I have researched a cultural history of yoga nidrā and, more recently, a comparative study of meditative practices in the Ancient West and the Ancient East.
Drawing upon my background in the arts, social sciences and contemplative practices, the yoga nidrā I offer employs a gentle nurture-based methodology integrating Ancient world culture, cutting-edge neuroscience research and practices of self-compassion.
I hold group yoga nidrā classes and individual yoga nidrā sessions that support the building of resilience, self-compassion, a renewal of trust in one’s self and an increased access to peace and calm in one’s life.