What this author has written, is often resisted by some, when the practice of Yoga Nidra is proposed.  A resistance – meaning that there is a sort of fear to “let oneself go” completely, as if one may lose the will and control of himself.

Far from this.

Indeed, the practice of Yoga Nidra leads us closer to the “center” of ourselves.

For those who don’t know about this practice, it’s good to know that Yoga Nidra is a systematic method of physical, emotional and mental relaxation. Even if during the practice of Yoga Nidra, a person appears to sleep, his consciousness functions to a far deeper degree than usual.

Through a process of “rotation of consciousness”, the “count of breaths” and the “visualizations”, awareness is gently guided to an interiorization without loss of psychophysical control or the will. In brief words, it’s not a hypnotic practice, but a practice in awareness.

Indeed, the main skill needed is the control of the will in order to control and to remain awake during this practice.

During the practice, the result is the control over the physical sensory mechanisms through a willful withdrawal of the senses (Pratyahara) and influences of the mind. A complete relaxation. The only sense which remains active is the hearing, which usually becomes more alert.

Through this practice, it is possible to release even long -standing tensions.

It is a quick mean that is close to meditation. One is able not only to relax, but also brings one to a condition of inner stillness and concentration.

In such a state, the practicing can’t be disturbed by the sensorial distractions and thoughts, so it’s easier to dive into  more lucid and rarefied states of awareness that are closer to our Essence, just because they release us momentarily, from conditionings and identifications.

That discomfort, that sense of losing oneself during this practice, is proportional to how much one is identified with the personality: indeed, the more we are identified, the more we’ll have problems with “letting go”.

What should be said is that it is also true that, during this practice, it is easier to fall asleep, but the cause for this is usually fatigue and also, has no side effects. So, at the worst, you can have a good rest.

If you remain alert, thus aware, the state achieved will be feeling the body, emotions, and mind sleeping and, in spite of that, you’ll feel to exist, to be awake. A marvelous experience.