Yoga Nidra 

The person is guided towards meditation and relaxation exercises that are done mentally (concentrating on a part of the body, on breathing, repeating a mantra, visualisation...).

Improves the quality of sleep

Regeneration improves health

Better management of stress and emotions

Gradually leads to letting go

Before listening and practicing with the audio files below 

What is Yoga Nidra?

Not well known because it is rarely taught in studios, Yoga Nidra is often called the "yoga of sleep". It is most often practised lying on the floor in "Savasana". The teacher guides the student towards meditation and relaxation exercises that are done mentally (concentrating on a part of the body, on breathing, repeating a mantra, visualisation...).

The aim is to remain conscious (but you will be forgiven if you fall asleep) and above all, immobile to encourage concentration. During the exercise, the mind gradually sinks into a state of semi-awakening. And you come out of it in great shape. It's true!

So what are the benefits?

1/ Improving sleep

Yoga Nidra brings the practitioner into a state of deep relaxation, which then makes it easier to relax at bedtime. For people who have trouble falling asleep at night, this form of meditation is surely the solution.

2/ Taking care of your health

Lack of sleep can lead to symptoms such as depression, weight gain/loss and certain chronic diseases. Nothing good happens as a result of bad sleep! Forget the adage "I'll sleep when I'm dead"! Your body needs to recharge its batteries to prepare for a new day! If you don't get enough sleep, your immune system is weakened. When you know that a thirty-minute Yoga Nidra session is equivalent to a two-hour sleep cycle, you won't hesitate!

3/ Better management of stress and emotions

Meditation exercises - especially those that direct the mind to body awareness and breath awareness - allow you to connect with yourself. By bringing attention to these points, we leave behind the small worries of everyday life.

4/ Letting go

When we are awake, we constantly seek to position ourselves in a state of control. We make decisions, we sometimes make efforts. As soon as something uncontrollable happens, impatience and sometimes anger sets in. In Yoga Nidra, we no longer try to control what happens, but let the teacher's voice guide us. We are drawn into a half-sleep, at peace with ourselves. For a few moments, we no longer try to control everything: we let ourselves go, we let go.

5/ Regeneration

Practised in the middle of the day (or at the end of the afternoon), yoga Nidra allows us to regenerate physically and mentally. This way, you avoid the tiredness of the end of the afternoon. In better shape for the day's activities, we are more serene and more rested  

Personally, I noticed that I worked much better after a session of yoga Nidra!

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Trataka

Trataka is a meditation technique that involves focusing the eyes (and in turn the mind) through an intentional but relaxed gaze. Initially, this practice is done with the eyes open on an external object. It then progresses to internal practice (eyes closed) and emptiness. Sometimes it is called tratak or tratika. In all forms of trataka, you can incorporate awareness of the breath or repetition of a mantra if you find it useful, although it is not usually taught in this way. 

 Trataka is said to have the following benefits:

    Improves concentration, memory and willpower

    Improves visualisation skills

    Improves cognitive function

    Cures eye diseases

    Makes eyes stronger, clearer and brighter

    Helps with insomnia

    Clears accumulated mental/emotional complexes

    Brings suppressed thoughts to the surface

    Increases nervous stability

    Calms the restless mind

    Balances activity in both hemispheres of the brain

    Improves vision in the dark (if practiced over a candle flame)

    Calming effect on the central nervous system

    Increases self-confidence and patience