FAQ: Should I always lay down when practicing Yoga Nidra?

FAQ: Should I always lay down when practicing Yoga Nidra?

Nope. The inaccuracy lies with the inclusion of always in this sentence. If it said: Should I lay down when practicing Yoga Nidra? The answer would be it depends.

Through the cumulative practice- of both being present in breath and movement (in asana & in the world)- added to cumulative mindfulness practices over time, you are better able to see yourself as you are and to see things as they are: The goal of Yoga Practice. Things are ever-changing; whatever your things are.

Living with Chronic Conditions poses many challenges in our lives. Nidra practice teaches you how to listen to your body, with loving-kindness, and give it what it needs. This is especially useful for those having to adapt often. Our conditions (illness or not) are always changing, making me feel like I'm finding my new normal again and again at times. Yoga Practice gives me tools I can use to ride these waves- good, bad or neutral waves.

Learning to meet yourself where you are – however you are-  is the training. By learning this, exercising this – you can do many things/Practices to bring yourself to a greater place of balance and ease. 

Let this be one of your goals in Yoga: 

To practice listening to your body and mind with loving kindness. 
Then, give yourself what you need to create a place of greater balance and ease. 

Since things are always changing, even in the tough times – you will begin to understand this and see pain and suffering completely different. Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.

First, ask yourself a few questions:  Why am I doing this Practice? 

                                                                         What is my Goal? 

                                                             What Practice can I do to bring me closer to that Goal?

Finding out why you're doing each Practice should begin with listening to your body. Find your beginning breath. Use a quick 6 sense mindfulness meditation to settle in.  Bring your awareness to the sounds around you, the four walls, the ceiling, the floor, to your body (seated, standing- where ever you are in that moment) and finally to the sensation of your breath. Take 5-30 minutes to do this.

Nidra practices help you begin to really hone in on dropping in. Dropping in, meaning, that transition from a mind/body caught up in and not being paid attention to type of awareness to a more focused inward place to be able to meditatively listen to your breath.  Often not so easily done, when we're caught up in what the outside world is always ready to tell us. Nervous systems feeling fried with too much information... but I digress.

Then, notice how your body feels (think more descriptive words- less story). Notice things that may set you off, upset you or maybe you're neutral at the moment. Notice how your mind feels (again, just descriptive). This must be done without judgement but with a curious and loving mind. By taking the time to listen- you can then decide what your goal is.

Finding out what your Goal is should begin with how your body/mind feel. Not how you feel. How your body feels right now. How your mind feels right now. They are separate. Listen and by listening you know now what your body/mind needs.  Then, create: Personal Yoga Practice is an Art form! Do you want to feel more energetic, balanced... what's the opposite of what your body/mind are feeling right now? How can I get there?

Learning what Practices you can do to get more towards where you'd like to be – is part of the Art of Personal Practice. Think of pianists, potters, painters, musicians, writers – they get better at their craft with practice. Learning Mozart doesn't happen overnight. Neither does Yoga. With practice, you begin to understand what Practices work best for you in certain times. With practice, they begin to become what you do and part of who you are – without a set design. There's a blueprint for Personal Practice but the design is all up to You!

So... should you always lay down when practicing Yoga Nidra? Nope. Only when it would serve your Practice in bringing you to a greater place of balance and ease.

Find a comfortable position at all times.

 a yoga practice extends beyond the mat. 

return to your breath. 

^o^

Suz

 

 

Let me know what questions you have about your Yoga Practice in the comments section below or directly at yogaempowered@live.com.