Practice: Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation that uses the Body Scan as one of the key elements of the practice. Yoga nidra, meaning ‘yogic sleep’ is a guided meditation, and is generally performed in the posture of Savasana, lying down, feet hip-width apart and with the eyes closed. 

Make yourself comfortable, perhaps cover yourself with a blanket and be open to the practice. You will be asked for a resolution or sankalpa (click here for an article),  so take a few moments beforehand to think about what this could be. I found that I had developed a very negative image of my body; it was ill and was letting me down. Instead of focussing on what it couldn't do, I wanted to be appreciative of the amazing things it could do, so I used "I am whole, healed and healthy". But it is very personal and can also change over time.

Yoga Nidra is great for anyone, but can be especially beneficial for people who have Crohn's or other stress-triggered illnesses and who need to reconnect with their bodies. There are many articles on the internet, click here for an example. Below some initial Yoga Nidra Sessions, just lie down, be comfortable and I hope it will leave you feeling relaxed and calm and might even trigger a healing process. The more you practice the more beneficial it becomes.