Aspire Magazine: Inspiration for a Woman's Soul.(TM) June/July 2020 Aspire Magazine FULL Issue | Page 55

Awake & Aware:
5 Healing Benefits of
Yoga Nidra
HEALTH & WELLNESS
BY PEGGY NOLAN
I remember discovering the practice of
yoga nidra quite by accident. It was 2009
and I was at the Kripalu Center for Yoga
and Health for a much deserved rest and
relaxation weekend. Up at the crack of
dawn, I made my way to a 6am gentle yoga
class. Little did I know the last 20 minutes
would transform not only how I taught yoga
but also how I approached my own self care.
The instructor, master Kripalu teacher Jennifer
Reis, sprinkled yoga nidra on the entire class
as we laid in shavasana. I don’t remember
much of the practice but I do remember how
I felt when I left the great hall. I felt at peace.
I felt lighter, as if the weight of the world lifted
off my shoulders. I felt amazingly calm and
55