In his authoritative text on all things yoga, B.K.S. Iyengar defines yoga-nidra as:
The sleep of yoga, where the body is at rest as if in sleep while the body remains fully conscious, though all its movements are still.
If it doesn't sound like your usual idea of relaxation, that's because it's not. Unlike other forms of relaxation, such as swimming, spending time in nature or listening to our favourite music, yoga-nidra has the ability to bring your body into a state of deep relaxation - a state where the mind quietens, physical tension drains away and even your heart beat and breathing slow down.
Using a technique called 'rotating awareness', a yoga-nidra guide will lead students though a series of awareness exercises, alternating between the breath and the body. The theory behind yoga-nidra is that it works with our prana (sometimes called 'lifeforce' or 'chi') helping to bring balance and harmony to our lives, in the same way that acupuncture or martial arts does. Sometimes the practice will include a technique for achieving goals or resolving problems in your life, such as the internal repetition of a mantra or a specific aim. With such a well-rounded focus, it's no wonder that with regular practice, yoga-nidra has profound mental, physical and spiritual effects.
Practicing yoga-nidra can also be very useful for those who find it difficult to meditate. By practicing the withdrawal of the senses, yoga-nidra cultivates the necessary mental state required to meditate effectively.
If you'd like to give it a try, there are plenty of guided yoga-nidra recordings out there. I've included one below, but there are literally thousands, so make sure you keep looking until you find one that suits you!
Wishing you a deeply relaxing Monday,
*Little Lotus*
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