Though yoga could be the most comfortable method of mental and physical relaxation, it is a lot more than a mere relaxation technique. In fact, relaxation is just the first step in the whole process.
One of the easiest ways to relax is to practice Yoga Nidra where you lie still on your back and carefully follow the instructions. Effective for people who need a viable method for relaxation, there are many who use tapes or CDs of Yoga Nidra. These people have no other knowledge of yoga or meditation.
There are instances when people complain to me saying that they simply can not relax, no matter what they do. Inevitably, these people have tried methods of relaxation, where they have to constantly imagine that they have to relax. At the end of such an exercise, it is no wonder that the person is frustrated and irritated at not being able to derive any benefit from relaxation, having to spend so much effort and energy to achieve his goal.
Yoga Nidra is one yogic practice where you are never instructed to relax. My personal experience shows that people, who have had problems relaxing earlier, have derived quick benefits from this practice.
While it is an easy process for relaxation for beginners, it is equally popular with school children and the elderly. It is highly valued at work places.
There is nothing as good as Yoga Nidra to improve your concentration, revival of energy and resting the frayed nerves. You can practice Yoga Nidra any time you want. This has a very good effect on your sleep especially if you have problems with your sleep.
When you practice Yoga Nidra, listen to the instructions without making any overt effort or using any mental force to do what you are doing. Follow what you are told to do with ease, interest and awareness. The rest takes care of itself.
When you start to practice Yoga Nidra, chances are that you might go off to sleep, which is perfectly in order, though the intention is to remain awake and aware. For some time you just can not follow the instructions. You think you have fallen asleep, yet you remain conscious. While falling asleep is a transitional event, with practice you would gradually remain present and aware in a deep state of consciousness.
To get the best results from Yoga Nidra, it is recommended that you lie down with your head pointing towards the north. Wear loose fitting clothes and lie down on an even floor instead of a over-soft mattress, etc. In case you find that you are likely to go off to sleep, keep your hands and feet uncovered or better still, and lie down with out any cover on your body. If you still tend to fall asleep, you need to rest your elbows on the floor with your forearms pointing upwards. This will prevent you from falling asleep as every time you do so, your forearms will drop on the floor and you would wake up.
The objective of Yoga Nidra, as with every other form of real meditation is to achieve consciousness which rests in itself. Thoughts, dreams and events may surface during yoga nidra practice which takes you back in time with memories flooding your consciousness. When these things happen – do not stick to any thought, simply let them come and pass. Do not be judgmental about any thought, person or event also. When you let your thoughts and emotions come and go with ease and calmness, you are freeing your mind of all impressions and reaching a truly relaxed state. Imagine your mind to have many open windows from where thoughts come and can immediately disappear, gradually making space for inspiration.
