Temple of Healing Guided Meditation

In today's fast-paced world, deep relaxation and good sleep is essential. Yoga nidra, or yogic sleep, is an excellent way to rejuvenate a tired mind and body.

I learned this first hand while  in California (working on an organic farm/property for free room/board) at the  in 2008. While there, I met with the Lotus Center's owner and we ended up chatting about my difficulty sleeping.

I've always had trouble falling asleep and it worsened when my father passed away in 2005. His death exasperated my anxiety. Whenever my anxiety is bad, I have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep once I do drift off.

We've all had sleepless nights from time to time and for me they can really take a toll causing moodiness and even worsening my anxiety (a vicious cycle). The owner of the Lotus Center recommended that I try listening to a yoga nidra recording before bed.

I had never heard of the practice but she gave me a recording to listen to that night.

Yoga nidra relaxed my mind and body so I could fall asleep more easily and provided deep relaxation, which my body desperately needed at the time.

I think many of us can use more relaxation in our lives—time to unwind, unplug, and de-stress. Yoga nidra does just that. And doing yoga nidra before bed can lead to longer and more restful sleep.

What is yoga nidra

Have you ever finished a yoga class with savasana and found that you were in a blissful place in between being awake and asleep? That place of deep relaxation is what you will find through yoga nidra.

Yoga nidra, according to Swami Satyananda, who wrote "the book" on yoga nidra, is "a systematic method of inducing complete physical, mental, and emotional relaxation."

The practitioner sits or lays in a comfortable position and is led through methodical guided imagery and body scanning, a meditation, with the aim of deep relaxation or yogic sleep. The practice can last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour.

Why you should practice yoga nidra

• Yoga Journal's website
•  (even one in Spanish, one in German, and one for new mothers!) on the Yoga Nidra Network website
• with Richard Miller

Another great resource on yoga nidra is the book  by Swami Satyananda Saraswati. Considered the definitive guide to yoga nidra, this book is easy to read and packed with guidance on the practice and science on why yoga nidra works.

I hope yoga nidra helps you find peace amid the chaos, stillness within, and a more joyful life.