Yoga Nidra: Conscious Sleep

Yoga Nidra, or yogic sleep, is a guided practice that takes you to the edge of sleep while maintaining conscious awareness. This practice is not a substitute for sleep.

How to practice:

1. Lie down in a comfortable position. Cover yourself with a blanket if needed.

2. Set a sankalpa, or intention. A short, positive statement such as "I am at peace" or "I embrace my full potential."

3. Bring attention to different parts of your body in sequence, relaxing each part completely.

4. Visualize calming images: a sunset, a still lake, a starry sky. Let the images flow naturally.

5. Return to your sankalpa. Repeat it three times with feeling.

6. Slowly bring awareness back to the room. Wiggle fingers and toes. Open your eyes.

You may feel awake, drowsy or distracted. There is no required state to reach.