Yogaschitta vritti nirodhah
-Patanjali, Yoga Sutras 1:2
As translated in Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali by Mukunda Stiles,
I find the asanas (physical postures of yoga) to be challenging, exhilarating, and profoundly beautiful. I love the physical practice of yoga, but the heart of why I practice yoga is that search for the experience where I will cease to identify with the waves of my perception.
The practice of yoga has been my truest guide on how to let go and move with the natural flow and rhythms of life. If I wish to create a more peaceful world, I must first do my work to harmonize and relax my own body and mind.
Yoga Nidra
Yoga nidra is an ancient practice offering a liberating meditative experience of self-discovery and powerful transformation through deep relaxation.
The term yoga nidra is derived from two sanscrit terms yoga meaning union and nidra meaning sleep. By entering a state of deep sleep, while retaining awareness and consciousness, great transformations may occur. Through conscious relaxation, our muscular, mental, and emotional tensions are released, while old habits and tendencies are destroyed leaving the participant renewed and transformed.
Yoga nidra is best done under the supervision of a trained teacher, or by listening to an audio recording. A typical yoga nidra session can range from 20 minutes to an hour. Yoga nidra is done in shavasana with the eyes closed.
Through research and books, I studied the practice of Yoga Nidra during the Yoga Teacher Training program I completed with Sandra Carden at Union Yoga. Much of my experience of Yoga Nidra comes from a book by Swami Satyananda Saraswati.
I invite you to try this ancient technique of relaxation.
Audio File: Practice of Yoga Nidra (coming soon)
Yoga Classes Offered
Currently, I am teaching gentle and gentle vinyasa yoga classes at Lakeshore Yoga Center in Grand Haven. I am also available for private or semi-privates classes in your home or place of business.
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