Na'aleh Yoga Podcast: Yoga Nidra Journeys for Deep Rest+

By Ruthie Ayzenberg

Close your eyes and stay awake... (or fall asleep for this episode) 

During times of unrest, sleep may be elusive. If you would like to relax and drift off to sleep, this guided journey is for you. By slowly brining your awareness inward and moving through the layers of consciousness, you can begin to let go of the worries and tensions that may be keeping you awake, thus allowing sleep to arrive. 

During waking hours, your brain and body are like a busy market. The hours of sleep is when all the debris from the day can be cleaned up, all the inventory sorted, and restocked for the next day. By activating deeper brainwaves during Yoga Nidra practice, you are creating an island in time for your body, mind, and soul to release debris, repair, and restore your resources for the next day. 

Episode summary:

Intro

Preparation: Lie down on your back in a quiet, darkened room where you would like to rest

Senses Wide Open: Bring attention to your senses……

Intention Setting: Bring to mind your Intention for today’s practice...

Inner Resource: Now think of your inner resource…… it could be an image, a memory, an object, a person, or a place where you feel safe…

Rotation of Consciousness: A journey through the different parts of the body, promoting body awareness and relaxation.

Breath Awareness: Breathing exercises and counting down to deepen relaxation

Awareness of Opposites: Shifting awareness between contrasting sensations for integration opposite experiences

Visualization: A series of vivid images to be visualized in detail and experienced on multiple levels

Heartfelt Desire & Intention: Returning to the intention set earlier in the practice

Externalization: Transition back to external surroundings

Closing: The practice of yoga nidra is now complete

Outro

Music by Pixaby

Do Something GoodIf your heart feels compelled to help out families and communities in Israel who are impacted by the war, but you're not sure where to donate, here are some links to vetted reliable charity resources, where your contribution will go directly to those in need. 

Donating for Israel (giveisrael.org)

Emergency Campaign Swords of Iron 2023 | Lema'an Achai (lemaanachai.org)

 May you rest safely, peacefully, and soundly.