Yoga Nidra – the Jewel in the Crown of the Satyananda Style of Yoga

A favourite practise for so many, Yoga Nidra systematically brings about a profound release of physical, mental and emotional tension through the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system - increasing receptivity and laying the groundwork for enabling lasting change. 

So deep and profound is the level of rest, it is said that 30 minutes of Yoga Nidra is the equivalent of 2 hours of really good sleep!

Sometimes referred to as “psychic sleep”, a person appears to be asleep during the practice of Yoga Nidra but the consciousness is working at a deeper level of awareness.

Yoga Nidra works principally with the first stage of meditation – “pratyahara” – the withdrawal of the awareness from the senses. This takes the awareness from the external to the internal environment—preparing it for meditation.

What is a “Sankalpa”

There is a short period at the beginning and end of Yoga Nidra dedicated to the mental repetition of a “sankalpa”. A Sanskrit word that is often translated as resolve or resolution, a “sankalpa” is: 

.........a powerful tool for re-shaping the personality and direction in life along positive lines;                             

.........not designed to be used to fulfil desires but to create strength in the structure of the mind to:

• transform your life pattern

• achieve a therapeutic goal

• correct a negative tendency or habit in your life

A Sankalpa repeated at the beginning of the practice is like sowing a seed for change and the repetition of that same Sankalpa at the end of the practice is like watering that seed… encouraging it to grow and flourish.

Sankalpa takes the form of a short, positive statement, expressed in the present or future tense, which is impressed upon the subconscious mind when it is at its most receptive ie. calm and quiet. It should always be positive otherwise the mind may rebel. If the mind is told NOT to do something, like a naughty child, it does the exact opposite. You are then left with a sense of failure.

To maximise success, the Sankalpa needs to be planted with strong willpower, feeling and a firm belief that it will come true. Repeated when the mind and intentions are clear, the Sankalpa can grow very well.

Sources:
Swami Satyananda Saraswati, “Yoga Nidra” Yoga Publications Trust, Munger, Bihar, India. 1998.