Yoga nidra (usually translated as “yogic sleep”) is a guided practice that helps you access a deep state of awareness that lies between the waking and sleeping states. It’s a powerful meditation practice that creates a deep state of relaxation.
Yoga nidra helps the mind become progressively more settled. During the practice of yoga nidra, you’ll be guided to slowly bring your attention inward and to deepen your inner attention from the gross aspects of your experience to more subtle aspects. Oftentimes, this leads the body into deep sleep. Paradoxically, the body is asleep, yet awareness is thought to remain “awake”.
Although the practice can lead to sleep, the deeper purpose is to let go of patterns (“samskara”), while in the yoga nidra state. Try it for yourself with the recorded practice below.
Free Guided Yoga Nidra Meditation
Please find a comfortable position, preferably lying on your back, and enjoy this 30-minute free guided meditation audio. If you do fall asleep, that is completely ok! Let go and enjoy.
I hope you enjoyed this yoga nidra practice. If you’d like to check out more guided meditations, you might enjoy:
- Meditation for nourishing Kidney Qi
- Meditation on Kindness (metta)
- Pause and Relax Meditation
- Calm Abiding Meditation
Wishing you a peaceful day.
