Yoga Nidra
12:15 - 12:45 pm, Thursday, February 2
Yoga nidra or yogic sleep is a state of consciousness between waking 
and sleeping, like the "going-to-sleep" stage. It is a state in which 
the body is completely relaxed, and the practitioner becomes 
systematically and increasingly aware of the inner world by following a 
set of verbal instructions. This state of consciousness (yoga nidra) is 
different from meditation in which concentration on a single focus is 
required. In yoga nidra the practitioner remains in a state of light 
pratyahara with four of his senses internalised, that is, withdrawn, and
 only the hearing still connects to the instructions. The yogic goal of 
both paths, deep relaxation (yoga nidra) and meditation are the same, a 
state called samadhi. 
Yoga nidra is among the deepest possible states of relaxation while 
still maintaining full consciousness. In lucid dreaming, one is only, or
 mainly, cognizant of the dream environment, and has little or no 
awareness of one's actual environment. 
The practice of yoga relaxation has been found to reduce tension and 
anxiety. The autonomic symptoms of high anxiety such as headache, 
giddiness, chest pain, palpitations, sweating and abdominal pain respond
 well. It has been used to help soldiers from war cope with 
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 
Yoga nidra refers to the conscious awareness of the deep sleep state, referred to as prajna in Mandukya Upanishad. 
Theresa Bernhardt will guide people in this practice.  Please bring a
 yoga mat if possible (some will be available.)  This is timed to be 
able to do on a lunch hour.
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