iRest® yoga nidra - what is it?

iRest® (short for integrative restoration) is a yoga nidra meditation practice based on ancient yogic teachings but adapted for modern day life. It’s an accessible practice suitable for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or completely new to meditation.

Yoga nidra is often translated as ‘yogic sleep but it can be more accurately described as ‘sleep of the yogi’, as a yogi is one who is awake to their true nature across the waking, dreaming and deep sleeping states.

iRest® yoga nidra can be used to help find restful sleep and reduce insomnia – amazing for overall health and wellbeing. However, what you might not know is that is can also be used to reduce anxiety, depression and chronic pain as well as to increase resilience, boost energy.

How?

During the practice you enter into a receptive state of deep relaxation where self-inquiry takes place and where you welcome everything just as it is. Through this self-inquiry, negative patterns of conditioning can be burnt away and obstacles which prevent you from feeling relaxed, safe and secure can be cleared revealing innate intelligence and clarity. The beauty is that you get to choose what you would like from each session by setting an intention at the start of every practice (more on intention setting in a future blog!) So if you’re feeling sluggish, you can set an intention revolving around enhanced energy and vitality; if you’re feeling tired, you can choose to find deep rest.

If you fall asleep during the practice of iRest®, don’t worry – that’s most likely what your mind and body need. With practice though you’ll find that you’re able to extend the state between wakefulness and sleep whilst feeling alert yet relaxed.

I hope you’re able to join me in this wonderful practice. All upcoming sessions are on my workshops and events page, with more to come in 2019!

#yoga #yoganidra #iRest #meditation