what is yoga nidra

Yoga Nidra: The Gateway to Deep Relaxation and Restoration

Yoga Nidra, often referred to as "yogic sleep," is a transformative practice that takes one on a journey toward profound relaxation and inner awareness. Originating from ancient yogic traditions, Yoga Nidra has gained immense popularity in recent years as a powerful tool for stress reduction, emotional healing, and personal growth.

Derived from the Sanskrit words "yoga" meaning union and "nidra" meaning sleep, Yoga Nidra bridges the gap between wakefulness and sleep. It is a state where the body is completely relaxed, yet the mind remains conscious and receptive. Although it imitates sleep, the practitioner is encouraged to remain awake and aware throughout the practice, allowing for a deep exploration of the inner landscape. Often confused for a movement type of asana yoga practise, during Yoga Nidra the receiver is to lay motionless throughout the practise.

The purpose of Yoga Nidra is not to fall asleep, but to achieve a state of conscious relaxation that enables physical, mental, and emotional rejuvenation. It is a systematic approach that moves beyond the usual state of relaxation experienced in savasana (the resting corpse pose at the end of a yoga class), guiding practitioners to unwind deeply and tap into the limitless potential of their subconscious mind.

What happens during Yoga Nidra?

During a typical Yoga Nidra session, a facilitator or teacher skillfully guides participants through various stages.

• The practice often begins with settling, getting comfortable in a laying position & prepared for the practise ahead

• Your attention is brought to your senses such as feeling the temperature of your skin & the surface you are laying on

• A guided a body scan, where attention is brought to different parts of the body, consciously releasing tension and promoting a sense of deep ease.

• Following this, guided visualisations, breath awareness, and gentle movement of awareness through different sensations and emotions are employed to cultivate a state of heightened awareness.

The primary intention of Yoga Nidra is to elicit the relaxation response, which allows the body to activate its intrinsic healing abilities. As the mind enters a deeply relaxed state, brainwave patterns shift from the beta state (normal waking consciousness) to the alpha and theta states associated with meditation and relaxation. This encourages the release of stress, recharges the nervous system, and promotes overall well-being.

Regular practice of Yoga Nidra offers numerous benefits.

• It reduces anxiety, depression, and insomnia by calming the overactive mind and balancing emotional states.

• It improves concentration, creativity, and memory as the subconscious mind is accessed and positive suggestions are effortlessly absorbed.

• Additionally, it strengthens the immune system, enhances self-awareness, and nurtures a deep sense of inner peace.

One hour of Yoga Nidra is supposed to be the equivalent of 4 hours sleep for the body.

Yoga Nidra is accessible to practitioners of all ages and abilities. It requires no prior experience, physical agility, or flexibility. Whether practiced for twenty minutes or an hour, it serves as a powerful tool for self-discovery, stress reduction, and personal transformation.

In a fast-paced world filled with constant hustle and bustle, Yoga Nidra offers a sanctuary for deep relaxation and restoration. By surrendering to the guided journey within, one can experience the profound benefits of this ancient practice, awakening a sense of wholeness, peace, and harmony within oneself.

Experience Yoga Nidra for yourself

Attend a Sound Sanctuary Session with Casey or enjoy this free Yoga Nidra Download & experience the healing benefits now.

Unlocking the healing power of sound healing - How to get the most of your session

In this blog, we will delve into the captivating world of sound healing and uncover the secrets to maximizing its incredible therapeutic potential. Whether you are new to this ancient practice or have already experienced its wonders, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to get the most from the experience & help you enjoy the benefits long after it has finished. 

Attending a sound healing can be a magic experience for many, but for those who suffer with anxiety going into a new environment can add to those anxieties & concerns.

Before your sound healing experience

Commit to the session

Switch off from work & stressful things before your session.

Eat a light meal

The heavier the meal the more likely you are to fall asleep. That’s ok is that is what you want, the sound healing will still work even if you are asleep. But to make the most of the session, follow along and be aware of the experience a light meal is best.

No drugs or alcohol

Sound Healing is a way to go inward & explore yourself & allow deep healing & transformation. Drugs & alcohol can interfere with this process. Many people describe sound healing experiences to be quite trippy and psychedelic anyway so adding substances to this can increase this feeling and be unsettling for both the user and other participants. Prescription drugs are the exception.

Dress for comfort & warmth

Your body temperature will drop once you are lying down. It is best if you dress in layers and if it isn’t provided in the session have something to cover you over like a blanket.

Have an intention for the session

Be that deep rest, to enjoy the experience or to gain clarity. Having an intention will help sculpt the experience & if the session includes crystal singing bowls the crystals help with manifesting amplification.

During the sound healing 

Try not to compare your experience

Some people may fall asleep instantly or share their wonderful relaxing experience. You always get what you need from a sound healing, even if that means a busy monkey mind throughout. Try to approach the session with an open heart & mind. Setting an intention for the session can be a great way to help shape the experience but also know that if you want & expect to fall asleep & don’t, that it is ok, the sound vibrations are still working on you in so many other ways.

Accept all sounds as part of the sound scape

That could be someone snoring or a belly grumbling as they move into ‘rest & digest’ the calm state of the nervous system. Or a dog may be barking in the background. All sounds are exactly where they are supposed to be and if your mind if wandering during the session, use these sounds & noises to anchor you back into the moment. Bring your attention back to your breathing, back to your intention & back to the sounds. 

After the sound healing 

The effects can continue to work for 24-48 hours after the session

Which means you could feel a little ‘floaty’, lighter, more relaxed afterwards. Often clients will message me the next dy to tell me about the wonderful sleep they have had or the wild dreams. Some may feel more sensitive afterwards so go easy on yourself, take the rest of the day/evening to engage in peaceful relaxing activities and remember that the rest of the world hasn’t had a sound healing so give yourself space from triggering situations & places.

Stay off technology

This is helpful both before, during & after a sound healing. Technology is constantly sending signals that unbalance our nervous system and make our body feel it is in a stressed state, this in turn affects our sleep, mood, digestion & overall wellbeing.

Try grounding techniques

Often some of the more ethereal sounds like crystal singing bowls & chimes can take the energy upwards & almost out of our bodies. This can leave a person feeling floaty & ungrounded. A way to solve this problem is to practise grounding techniques such as:

• Walking barefoot in nature

• Giving the feet a massage

• Taking some deep breaths

• Eating whole some natural foods 

• Having a bath or shower

• Going to sleep

Integrate your experience

Some things may not make sense or you may have downloads & creative ideas. A great way for you to gain a deeper understanding, bring your learnings into your everyday life and to benefit from these experiences are to journal, share & discuss and reflect. No sound healings are the same but if you want to explore your experience further, try to attend another sound healing experience soon after and set your intention to delve deeper and learn more. 

Expand your practises

Wellbeing isn’t linear and it is about finding the practises that work well for you. Sound Healing compliments:

• Breathwork

• Meditation

• Yoga Nidra

• Tai chi

• Qi Gong

• Yoga 

• Massage

Regular practice of well-being makes it easier to drop into them. Not only will you have a better understanding of what to expect and can relax easier you’ll have less build up of stress and anxiety etc which can slow you down getting into the deeper relaxation states. Work with me regularly by attending my public sound healings. Book a private 121 session. Request a personal Sound Healing recording or purchase my sound healing recordings. 

Effective Workplace Strategies for Enhancing Team Well-being: Small Changes with Big Impact

Effective Workplace Strategies for Enhancing Team Well-being: Small Changes with Big Impact

Top 10 things you can start doing today to support your teams wellbeing

In today's fast-paced and demanding work environments, prioritising employee well-being is paramount to ensure a thriving and motivated workforce. While major overhauls may seem overwhelming, implementing small changes can have a significant positive impact on the overall well-being of your team. This blog will explore effective workplace strategies that can be easily incorporated to enhance team well-being, fostering a healthier and more productive work environment.

1 - Embrace Fresh Air in the Mornings

Boost vitality and alertness by opening windows to allow invigorating fresh air to permeate the workspace. Increased oxygen levels can enhance mental and physical well-being.

2 - Encourage Stand-Up Breaks

Normalize the practice of taking short breaks to stand up and stretch. By promoting these breaks, individuals benefit both physically and mentally, while reducing time spent idling near the coffee machine or photocopier.

3 - Incorporate Non-Allergenic Plants

Enhance the aesthetics and air quality of the workplace by selecting low-allergen plants. These not only beautify the environment but also cleanse the air, infusing it with oxygen.

4 - Harness the Benefits of Salt Lamps

Consider incorporating salt lamps, as they have been praised for their ability to draw out negative electric energy from the surroundings. Moreover, they are believed to support lung health.

5 - Mitigate Electromagnetic Frequencies

Given the omnipresence of technology in our lives, employ electromagnetic frequency blockers to provide reprieve from harmful blue light emissions, radiations, and vibrations emitted by digital devices. These measures help alleviate the stress imposed on the body.

6 - Mood-Enhancing Music

While not everyone may work effectively with music playing constantly, consider playing soothing tunes during specific times, such as lunch breaks or at the end of the day, to gently signal the passage of time. For instance, when implementing standing breaks, a soft song such as some sound healing could be played every hour as a reminder to take a break.

7 - Foster Group Activities for Wellness

Introduce activities like sound healing sessions, which can contribute to a sense of well-being and cohesion among team members.

8 - Engage in Well-being Challenges

Encourage participation in well-being challenges, such as walking to and from work, substituting coffee with non-caffeinated alternatives, quitting smoking, or adopting healthy habits. These challenges promote personal growth and a healthier lifestyle.

9 - Organise Group Exercises

Arrange group exercises like sponsored swims, fun runs or bike rides such as the London to Brighton. These activities foster team spirit while promoting physical fitness and boosting team morale.

10 - Provide Health Incentives

Motivate healthy choices by offering incentives, such as providing nutritious lunches or rewards for engaging in wellness-related behaviors. This cultivates a supportive environment for making positive health decisions.

By implementing these 10 essential strategies your workplace can create a formal and motivating environment where team wellbeing is prioritised and thrives, resulting in increased productivity & performance, higher job satisfaction, and decreased turnover rates.

Transform & support your teams mind and body with the power of sound – book your corporate sound healing session today and embark on a journey of deep relaxation and rejuvenation.