How do you define Yoga?
Yoga is an ocean of practices for Self discovery, truth and connection. A technology pulling from a collection of wisdom based teachings that help one harness their inherent power, as well as provide guidance for life’s twist, turns, challenges and triumphs.
What does Yoga mean to you and how has it integrated in your life?
Yoga has been my friend, teacher, mirror and guide. I am in a constant state of learning. Now, more than ever, as my life is taking a major shift, I find my practice is essential. The practice of Yoga is, first and foremost, becoming aware. I find that that is very much a practice I integrate into all of my relationships. I am constantly learning about myself and becoming aware of my thoughts and impulses, both the constructive ones and the destructive ones. It is hard to break old habits, so when I find myself stuck in a destructive pattern, the first thing I do is Become Aware - (Pratyahara), get curious- (Svadyaya), practice self compassion- (Daya or Ahimsa) and then, instill some discipline/ restraint - (Tapas).
How were you introduced to Yoga Nidra? Do you practice it in a regular basis yourself?
I was introduced to Yoga Nidra 6 years ago. It was taught at the first studio that hired me. When the teacher leading the class left the studio, I was asked if I wanted to teach it. I practice Yoga Nidra, yes. It is a very powerful act. I wish I could say I did it more frequently. Even so, the practice I have maintained has shifted my life dramatically, I am experience a reality my heart had been yearning for and Yoga Nidra I believe is what made the unconscious conscious.
At some point this year I’d like to do it for 30 days straight and see what happens.
How is this kind of Yoga different to the rest of most common mainstream yoga styles like vinyasa and yoga flow?
This type of yoga is extremely different in that, you lay in Savasana the whole time, there is ideally no movement with your body. You drift in and out of consciousness and are treading in the territory of your subconscious, accessing your Theta, Alpha, and in some cases, Delta brain wave states. Where as in other forms of Asana or body based yoga, you traverse between Beta and Alpha.
Where can you find Yoga Nidra? Do you think its practice is growing across yoga studios in the US?
You can find free yoga Nidra through You tube and an app, called Insight Timer.
You also can find specific people’s websites that teach is. My favorites are:
Rod Stryker - parayoga.com
Jana Roemer - JanaRoemer.com
Jennifer Piercy - SacredSleepYoga.com
What is the subconscious?
The subconscious is the part of the brain that is holding all of our collected wisdom and subliminal downloads. It is where we tend to impulsively act from and the foundation from which we tend to form our beliefs and dispositions. I tend to describe it as the man behind the curtain or the crystal ball that can see far beyond our naked eye’s limiting scope.
Would you say there is an easy "3 step" procedure to go deep into it?
I think it is really hard to lead yourself into a deep practice. But a 3 step practice could be:
1) Focus on breath for 2 min
2) Body Scan
3) Explore opposite sensations and emotions via memory and imagination. Observe what they simply feel like and how they effect you.
4) working with Sankalpa (your personal mantra) and visualize what that reality would feel like, taste like, look like as it was your reality in that very moment.
Is it something easily accessible by simple meditation? How does meditation defer from Yoga Nidra?
It is not the same as Meditation. In general, mediation is more stimulating and activating, you are being purposeful and driven to some extent. Yoga Nidra is all bout letting go and allowing. The way they are similar is they are asking you to tune into your inner observer or witness the whole time. My teacher has described Yoga Nidra as the “back door” approach to Meditation.
