Ahead of our upcoming Yin Nidra Special session, we sat down with yoga teacher and Nidra advocate Nadine, to find out all about this relaxation technique - dubbed the gateway to your subconscious.

1. What is Yoga Nidra and how did you discover it?

Yoga Nidra means yogic sleep. It is not sleep as you know it, but the state between being awake and being asleep. It’s an ancient technique from the tantric root of Yoga used to reset the nervous system, to reduce stress and anxiety and to bring mental clarity. I first discovered Yoga Nidra in London in 2011 during my teacher training with Quantum Yoga. Our meditation teacher introduced us to Yoga Nidra in one of his lessons. I’d never heard of it before. It was kind of creepy in the beginning because we were all placed laying down in a circle with our head towards the center of the circle. I didn’t know what to expect but after the practice I knew that I had never felt like this before. I couldn’t really tell whether I was present during the session or kind of ‘gone’. I guess I was simply somewhere else. That feeling got me hooked so I read and learned a lot about it during the last years and finally started teaching it myself.

2. What are the main benefits of Yoga Nidra?

Yoga Nidra relaxes the practitioner more than other relaxation techniques. Neuropsychology has revealed that yogic sleep has a positive effect on our brain, body and the entire physiology and psychology. It calms the thoughts and improves concentration. It also improves memory and learning ability. Quality of sleep can be improved and it is also said to have a positive effect on our creativity. Nidra is one of the ancient yogic antidotes to mental blockages and psychic scars. This is why we need to make time for this strong practice in our schedule. If we want to change our lives, we first need to change our mind and the perceptions we hold on to. Yoga Nidra does this in a very subtle way. It trains our un-conscious mind. And as a result, the conscious mind and the intellect will shift as well. During a Nidra meditation you get into a certain state of mind, the so called alpha state of mind which is an activity of the brain where alpha waves between 8 and 12 hertz are active. This is the particular edge between being awake and being asleep, which is also called the gateway to your subconscious. It is said that everything that you experience here, everything that your hear and say to yourself has a powerful effect on your life. That’s why we set a ‘Sankalpa’ or affirmation for the practice.

3. Is it normal/ok to fall asleep during the session?

It is totally normal and absolutely ok to fall asleep. I can’t really tell if I completely dose off during a Nidra session. But that is exactly what I love about it. You should allow yourself to fall asleep. Then you obviously need it. The subconscious will listen to the words of the teacher. Some of the students worry about falling asleep and starting to snore. They shouldn’t - it happens all the time. In that case my voice gets a little louder and I use my singing bowl or a gentle touch to bring the person back carefully.

4. Does Yoga Nidra have any similarities to hypnotism?

In Yoga Nidra you pull back the senses, that’s why one could think that Nidra is a form of hypnosis. But it isn’t. Nidra and hypnosis are two different methods. Each is applied to achieve a different set of goals. In Yoga Nidra your brain is awake and totally active, whereas in hypnosis the practitioner is put into a deep sleep.

5. What can people expect from your upcoming Yin/Yoga Nidra Special?

Our candlelit REFINE room will be cosy and warm and will function as a safe space to completely relax and let go. I will lead through a few very basic and pure Yin Yoga asanas to prepare the body and mind for the 45 minute long Nidra meditation which will deeply relax you by recalibrating your nervous system and allowing you to just be. As simple as that. I am looking forward to see you on the mat.

Book your spot here.

What is Yoga Nidra and How Does It Affect The Brain?