When our nervous system is unreglated, often we are disconnected from our body, even though we may experience physical symptoms. For those who are neurodivergent, something that often comes up is that we lack perioperception or the ability to notice where our body is in space. That’s why, anecdotally, a lot of those of us with ADHD will knock our wrists or hands into door frames as we pass through them or bang our shins on things. It’s because our brain often cannot tell where our body is in space. It also explains why I at least, really hated gym class.
Yoga Nidra is a type of “yogic sleep” where we turn our senses inward. As part of this process, before the actual sense withdrawl, awareness alternates between different body parts and a body scan is performed. This has the benefit of grounding us, rooting us into our body, as well as giving our brains something on which to focus to help keep them turning to the task of sense withdrawal.
Connecting with our bodies has a powerful relaxing effect. It reminds us that we are wholly embodied beings with this three-dimensional “suit” we’re existing in and porting around. Using yoga nidra as a gateway to more body awareness, allows us to open our experiences and begin to see where different emotions reside in our bodies and what those emotions may feel like. It helps us to craft our own body theology, our own “owner’s manual” for lack of a better term or “help guide” so that we can connect various feelings in our bodies with thoughts and emotions. We may not realize, for example, that we are experiencing anxiety, or be able to put a name to it, but we may begin to recognize the physical signs because we’ve gotten into the habit of connecting with our bodies.
Yoga nidra provides this opportunity in a calm, controlled environment. The focus is on connecting with each body part named (such as your right index finger) and then moving into the next one. You don’t stay in one place very long, just long enough to recognize it, and this not only removes the blocks that many people feel with meditation, but also, releases any expectation. It’s a moment of, “this is my arm”, not “this is my arm and it should feel like (fill in the blank)”. This also makes it a great modality to use with those who may have experienced traumatic events in their past or who experience times of anxiousness or racing minds. It gives you permission to slow down, connect with your body, and then continue with the practice.
I recommend yoga nidra to anyone who would like to bring more body awareness and relaxation into their practice, and because of this, I’m hosting a free yoga nidra retreat. You’re encouraged to check it out and sign up if you’re interested. I hope to see you there.
