Advanced Yoga Nidra Yoga Teacher Clinic (also open to non yoga teachers)
This workshop is oriented for Yoga Teachers and Yoga/Meditation Teacher Trainees, but is suitable for anyone who has practiced Yoga and meditation and would like to deepen their practice. RYTs will be eligible for 3½ hours of YACEP continuing education credit. A digital certificate of completion that can be uploaded to Yoga Alliance will be provided on request.
Most Yoga teachers and students are familiar with ŚAVĀSANA, the deep relaxation that is usually offered at the end of most asana classes. YOGA NIDRA has many similarities to ŚAVĀSANA, but also has some unique differences.
This Yoga teacher clinic will include experiential sessions as well as thorough instruction on how to lead both YOGA NIDRA and ŚAVĀSANA. Yoga teachers will learn how to deepen their students' (and own) experience of ŚAVĀSANA and will also learn how to lead longer sessions of YOGA NIDRA.
YOGA NIDRA is (usually) a guided practice, sometimes described as a "super-deep ŚAVĀSANA" or "ŚAVĀSANA on steroids". It is also sometimes described as a "back door" to meditation. While there are many similarities, authentic YOGA NIDRA is actually quite different from both meditation or ŚAVĀSANA. The differences will be discussed and explored, and tools and scripts will be provided for both teaching and self-practice.
"YOGA NIDRA" literally means "Yogic Sleep", and is a focused, dynamic state where brain wave patterns resemble deep sleep. During the YOGA NIDRA session, you will lie comfortably on your back with your eyes closed. All that is required is that you focus on the instruction and stay aware!
Unfortunately, in the West, many traditional teachings of Yoga have been distorted and simplified in many ways. Many classes that teach simple relaxation or visualization are often called Yoga Nidra. These classes may have some benefit and are not necessarily "bad" classes, but they are not YOGA NIDRA. This will be an AUTHENTIC YOGA NIDRA practice, and for many people that have learned or practiced YOGA NIDRA before, this class can be considered Advanced YOGA NIDRA.
We have Yoga mats, bolsters, and blankets available, but you are welcome to bring your own blankets, pillows, sheets/shawls, blindfolds... Wear comfortable clothing. Because the session is scheduled during lunch time, you might want to bring a small snack or a light sandwich and water.
SCHEDULE (approx, with short breaks between segments)
► 11:15 am - Introductions and short overview followed by guided YOGA NIDRA practice.
► 12:45 Pm - Discussion and Q&A with detailed examination of YOGA NIDRA; comparison to typical ŚAVĀSANA and guided meditation practices; and instruction on leading YOGA NIDRA and ŚAVĀSANA.
► 2:00 pm - Practice: Guided ŚAVĀSANA or guided meditation (class choice) followed by Q&A.
► 2:45 - adjourn. The instructor will be available for additional Q&A.
► 3:00 to 4:00 pm - YOU ARE WELCOME TO REMAIN FOR AN ADDITIONAL YOGA NIDRA SESSION "COMMUNITY CLASS"
INSTRUCTOR
Led by MATT LERNER, ERYT-500.
Matt is the co-founder of MAIN STREET YOGA and is also director of Yoga Teacher Education at the Spiritual Life Society, Ohio's oldest Yoga/Meditation center. He has studied extensively with Swami Rama, Yogiraj Behramji, and many other teachers. He has been teaching Yoga, meditation, and related practices for over 45 years.