What is Yoga Nidra?
The first thing you need to know about Yoga Nidra is you don’t need to be able to practice Yoga or be bendy to do it … Nidra means sleep and a Yoga Nidra is a guided relaxation. The process takes you through various states of consciousness drifting softly between being awake and asleep.
What are the Benefits?
- Better Sleep
- Creativity
- Self Compassion
- Stress Relief
I believe perhaps one of the biggest benefits of Yoga Nidra is its ability to calm and soothe our nervous system. This soothing has a knock on effect elsewhere in the body/mind. Our heart rate and blood pressure lowers, our production of Cortisol lowers, it is when these levels are high that we can get inflammation in the body, and a reduced immune system.
There is a lot of ongoing research into the benefits of Yoga Nidra, many of which are based around the change of brainwaves entering into both Alpha and Theta states.
What to expect during a Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra is generally practised lying down on a Yoga Mat with any cushions or bolsters you wish to help make yourself more comfortable, although can also be practised seated in a chair, usually with the eyes closed. You may drift into various states of sleep and awake, entering that liminal space which can allow your creative juices to flow. You will feel your mind and body relax, enjoying a sense of calm and peace.
Caroline teaches these sessions as part of her regular Yin Yoga classes, her Yoga Nidra and Sound Bath Workshops held at ShaktiDen once a month, and also combines it into her Intuitive Body Therapy sessions, finding it especially helpful for those struggling to relax.
What is a SoundBath?
A SoundBath is the use of Sound and Vibration around the body to promote physical and emotional healing and/or spiritual awakening. In Caroline’s SoundBaths she uses a combination of Tibetan Singing Bowls, Drums, rattles, shakers, chimes, voice and gong. You never know what sound will be flowing to you next!
Primordial sound as used in a SoundBath is a proven way to relax the brain, melding left and right brain function so one is no longer dominant over the other. This means there is no room for thoughts of the day or the problems that may have been in the forefront of your mind just a short time ago. The mind has dropped into a Theta state.
What to expect during a SoundBath…
Many people choose to lie on a Yoga mat with blankets, cushions or bolsters to make themselves comfortable or you can choose to be seated. You will be introduced to a variety of sounds, which will waft around you as the SoundBath progresses. The sounds will transport you into a state of calm and relaxation as you feel the vibrations pass through your body, while you drift in and out of various states of sleep. Afterwards you will feel more grounded and connected to the world around you.
Caroline runs monthly Yoga Nidra and SoundBaths at ShaktiDen, and other regular workshops