Incorporating Yoga Nidra Into Your Yoga Classes

Yoga Nidra, also known as "yogic sleep," is a powerful relaxation technique that can help yoga teachers guide their students to a deeper state of consciousness. This meditative practice is performed while lying down in savasana, and involves a body scan and/or guided visualization to help release tension and stress.

The benefits of Yoga Nidra include reducing anxiety and depression, improving sleep, and increasing overall well-being. It can also help to improve focus and concentration, making it a valuable tool for both students and teachers.

For yoga teachers, incorporating Yoga Nidra into their classes can provide an opportunity for students to connect with their inner selves and release any pent-up emotions. To guide a Yoga Nidra practice, start by having students lie down in savasana and cover themselves with a blanket for warmth if they would like. Encourage the use of props to maximize comfort and allow the body to fully rest.

Once your students are settled in invite them to close their eyes and connect with their sankalpa. The word Sankalpa (or intention statement) comes from the Sanskrit words "san," meaning "together," and "kalpa," meaning "vow" or "promise." It is a statement of purpose or goal that is repeated mentally or aloud, with the intention of aligning the mind and body towards that goal.

Sankalpas are often formulated in the present tense and are positive and specific, such as "I am peaceful" or "I am strong." They can also be related to a certain aspect of self-improvement, such as "I will be more patient" or "I will be more kind to others."

Sankalpas are believed to help focus the mind, align the body and mind with a specific intention, and help to manifest our deepest dreams and desires.

After the Sankalpa is set, guide them through a body scan, starting at the crown of the head and moving down to the toes, asking them to focus on each body part and release any tension they may be holding. You can add a guided visualization after this part if you want as a bonus.

Finally, end the practice with a few minutes of silence, allowing students to fully absorb the benefits of their Yoga Nidra experience. It's important to remind your students that yoga nidra is not about falling asleep, but about reaching a state of deep relaxation and awareness.

Incorporating Yoga Nidra into your classes can provide a valuable opportunity for students to release tension and stress, and to connect with their inner selves. It is a powerful tool for improving focus and concentration, and can help to reduce anxiety and depression. So, give it a try and see the benefits for yourself and your students.

An appropriate amount of time for yoga nidra is anywhere between 10-20 minutes, but could be longer or even a few minutes shorter if necessary.

Happy Nidra’ing

-Pedro