The difference between meditation and Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra is a meditation technique from yoga. It is also known as yogic sleep. Unlike other forms of meditation, Yoga Nidra is usually practised lying down. You build yourself a proper nest so that you feel comfortable and can let go.

After some practice and guidance, you can practise other forms of meditation on your own in silence. With Yoga Nidra, however, you need a voice to guide you through. Because it is only the voice that keeps your awareness awake.

Your whole body is brought into a state of deep relaxation, and your brainwaves change too. Through a guided body scan or another form of active body awareness and relaxation, you can be led into deep physical relaxation. Your brainwaves shift from the beta waves typical of the waking state to alpha waves – a state of heightened awareness with a deeply relaxed body.

During Yoga Nidra you are in a physically completely relaxed, almost sleep-like state, yet with a wide-awake mind. This makes it possible to work specifically with beliefs and with a sankalpa (an intention, wish or resolution), which you plant in your subconscious like a seed.

Yoga Nidra can also work wonderfully as a substitute for sleep for exhausted parents. Afterwards you feel more rested and alert than after a few hours of sleep.