Yoga Nidra
By Chris Joscelyne
People often ask me what I recommend as the best form of deep
relaxation and the most effective meditation technique. Because I have
practised several forms of meditation since the late 1970's, there is an expectation that I
will respond with a comparative evaluation report and a single answer for
all.
Well, nothing could be further from the truth. Different personalities
have different meditation needs and so it is best not to rely solely on a
particular recommendation of another person, but try several techniques
and then choose the one that works best for you.
So, what did I choose as the technique that best meets my needs? For
me, a most effective and positive meditation technique is Yoga Nidra. The
words "Yoga Nidra" translate as "Sleep of the Yogi".
By rotating my mind around various parts of my body, a state of deep
relaxation and peaceful rest is created. It is a middle state between
sleep and wakefulness where my mind is open to positive affirmation. I
meditate using Yoga Nidra for 20 minutes once each day.
Yoga Nidra is not difficult and I didn't need any experience of yoga to
commence this practice. All I do is lie down with my eyes closed and take
my mind to various parts of my body. As this thought process increases in
speed and intensity my mind becomes open to positive suggestion. At this
point I concentrate on a resolve (something positive I want to achieve).
My mind accepts this positive affirmation and gives me boundless mental
energy to pursue my goal. I choose one simple thing as a resolve and I
keep the same words repeated in the practice over several weeks.
The benefits of Yoga Nidra to me have been clarity of positive vision
and a "can do" attitude to tasks and goals. Yoga Nidra gives me
mental energy, realistic optimism and a clear focus on material and
spiritual goals as I progress along my Positive Path.
By all means try Yoga Nidra, but remember, what is best for me may not
necessarily be the best meditation technique for you.
The easiest way to commence Yoga Nidra is with a tape or CD that
contains voice prompts that lead the mind to the various parts of the
body, increasing in speed as the practice progresses. There is usually a
quiet space on the recording to allow the mind to focus on the chosen
positive resolve at the appropriate time in the meditation. Yoga Nidra
voice prompts on CD are available from many natural therapy shops and
bookstores.
If you would prefer the convenience of purchasing via the Internet,
click HERE to go to the Positive Shop where you will find more information
about a Yoga Nidra CD.
If you would like some general tips and hints on meditation techniques,
click HERE to go to the Meditation section of
the Positive Path Network.
About the author: Chris Joscelyne trained as a
clinical hypnotherapist under the tutorage of Margaret Tomko. He was taught
grief counselling by Mal McKissock, and he learned meditation in a course sponsored by the Department of Health. He developed his personal awareness knowledge with
mentors Barbara and Terry Tebo of Lifespring.
For ten years Chris was a visiting lecturer at the
Australian Film, Television and Radio School where he taught personal
development, meditation and stress management skills. Now he shares his
knowledge with a wider community as a speaker, trainer and coach, teaching
people how to live "Life
by choice - not by chance".
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