Yoga Nidra to Supplement Therapy for Individuals in Denver, CO

“There is no greater feeling than finding yourself again.” 
-Dhiman-

Yoga Nidra is an ancient type of meditation that is commonly defined as the return to the self. “Nidra” means sleep in Sanskrit, so Yoga Nidra literally means “yogic sleep” or to sleep consciously.

Yoga Nidra guided meditation is not like other forms of yoga. It does not involve moving through physical poses yoga. Instead, individuals practice it either by lying, reclining, or sitting down. The goal is to reach a state of profound relaxation. As a result, Yoga Nidra can be a powerful supplement to other forms of therapy at Heart Bloom Therapy in Denver, Colorado, and can help with insomnia, depression, and anxiety.

Ways Yoga Nidra Can Help With Therapy

Yoga Nidra is rooted in similar concepts as many modern-day therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Internal Family Systems Therapy. The idea is to step back to see our thoughts and stories without reacting to them.

Practicing Yoga Nidra is intended to induce physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. It brings you into a state of deep relaxation, verging on sleep, where the senses, intellect, and mind can completely let go and rest.

In this state, the subconscious mind changes accumulated patterns or "grooves." These mental grooves, called "samskaras," are individual impressions, ideas, or actions. Over our lifetimes, repeating samskaras reinforces them, creating deeper grooves.

Yoga Nidra can remove these samskaras and create new neuropathways in our minds and bodies to provide deep healing. This, in turn, helps to turn off the brain’s “fight or flight” (sympathetic nervous system) response and turn on the “rest and relaxation” (parasympathetic nervous system) response. The result is less suffering and more inner peace.

"Return to Self" With Therapy and Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra meditation peels away layers of our being called “The Koshas” in Sanskrit. Koshas are like sheaths or layers of our being. They are essentially veils that get denser and separate us from ourselves. This practice of Yoga Nidra, moving through the koshas, layer by layer, helps us to return to our normal, natural selves.

In Yoga Nidra, "witness awareness” is practiced. To witness is the ability to observe our thoughts, emotions, body sensations, and deep relaxation states without reacting. In doing so, this practice helps to witness your true self more.

There five Koshas are:

Annamaya Kosha (The Physical Layer)

This outermost layer represents the physical body, including body sensations. In Yoga Nidra, practitioners initially relax this layer through progressive muscle relaxation. People cultivate a deeper connection with their physical form, laying the foundation for relaxation and restoration.

Pranamaya Kosha (The Energy Layer)

Beyond the physical body lies the energetic layer, which encompasses the vital life force of breath or “prana.” Through breath awareness techniques, Yoga Nidra practitioners harmonize and balance the flow of prana through the body. By attuning to prana, people awaken to the interconnectedness of breath, vitality, and relaxation.

Manomaya Kosha (The Mental/Thinking Layer)

This layer corresponds to the mind, emotions, and thoughts. In Yoga Nidra, practitioners explore the landscape of the mind by observing thoughts without attachment or judgment. This helps us to become less reactive to our thoughts as we can see them as mental energy and let them pass by.

Vijnanamaya Kosha (The Wisdom Layer)

This layer has to do with the power of judgment or discernment. This is the higher self that can make decisions not based on reactions. This is the higher mind that operates as discriminating intellect. In this practice, individuals learn to navigate the realm of the subconscious, releasing mental chatter and cultivating a state of inner calmness and clarity.

Anandamaya Kosha (The Bliss Layer)

At the core of our being resides the bliss body, the essence of our self, or “Atman.” In Yoga Nidra, the practice involves journeying though the outer layers towards this innermost layer by letting go of identification with our stories, thoughts, and physical reactions.

Get Therapy and Support With Yoga Nidra

At Heart Bloom Therapy, led by Dr. Pamela Brody, we can help you to explore the benefits of Yoga Nidra, as well as provide more traditional therapy services, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to help you heal and regain peace sand balance in your life. Contact us today for a consultation at our office in Denver, CO.