Yoga Nidra

Question 1

Define:

the Preparation stage;

Answer 1

Initial relaxation of the body and mind.
Becoming comfortable and still.
Becoming aware of breath and sounds.
Taking on the attitude of an impartial witness.

Question 2

Define:

Sankalpa;

Answer 2

Resolve, intention, deepest desire.

Should be repeated 3x twice each practice, once after the Preparation phase and then before the ending of the practice.

Question 3

Define:

the Rotation of Consciousness stage;

Answer 3

External Rotation of Consciousness is when you do a body scan in a systematic and organized method starting with the Right side of the body beginning at the thumb moving through the whole right side of the body to the pinky toe, than repeating on the left. Then moving to the back of the body, than the front, than facial features to the legs.

Internal Rotation of Consciousness would be going through chakra awareness.

Question 4

Define:

the Breath Awareness stage;

Answer 4

Becoming aware of the natural breath without changing its flow.
Watch at the nostrils, throat, chest, and abdomen.

Start counting the breath either backwards or forwards, each breath cycle is a 1 count.
An inhale and exhale is 1 breath cycle.

Question 5

Define:

the Opposite Feelings and Sensations stage;

Answer 5

Physical or emotional sensations are recalled and experienced.

This is usually practiced with opposites/pairs of feelings and/or sensations;
heat / cold
heavy / light
tension / ease
sad / happy
angry / joy
hate / love

Question 6

Define:

the Visualization stage;

Answer 6

attention is brought to the Chidakasha (the dark space in front of the closed eyes).
A series of images, a story or situation is instructed to be visualized.

Question 7

Define:

the Ending of the Practice of Yoga Nidra;

Answer 7

Practitioner is made to return to their external surroundings in the present moment.
External sounds, air flow, temperature, location, textures, others.
Then they are prompted to take gentle movements and to stretch.

Question 8

What are the 8 stages of Yoga Nidra?

Answer 8

1. Preparation
2. Sankalpa
3. Rotation of Consciousness
4. Breath Awareness
5. Opposite Feelings and Sensations
6. Visualization
7. Sankalpa
8. Ending the Practice