Integrative Restoration Institute (IRI) ~ iRest Yoga Nidra ®
In April 2013 I attended the first level of iRest Yoga Nidra training with Richard Miller. The training was held at Kripalu Institute as a one week intensive. We learned the principles and practice of IRI's style of Yoga Nidra.
According to IRI,
iRest Yoga Nidra, one of the principal programs offered by IRI, is a research-based transformative practice of deep relaxation and meditative inquiry that:As I participated in the training I could feel the effects of the practice on both a subtle level (calm energy, clear headed, compassionate) and on a physical level (less pain, more at ease in my body, relaxed attitude). It was amazing to me how through this practice of guided, meditative self-inquiry, we (the training participants) were able to make connections between our emotions, beliefs, and thought patterns and the felt-sense in the body. By this I mean that with guidance we were able to continually check back in to our bodies and let our bodies, minds, emotions, beliefs and thoughts integrate into one whole being.
Research has shown that iRest Yoga Nidra effectively reduces:
- releases negative emotions and thought patterns
- calms the nervous system
- develops a deep capacity to meet any and all circumstances you may encounter in life
- PTSD
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Chronic pain
- Chemical dependency
I think it is this feeling of integration that leads to such a peaceful feeling and a reduction in pain, stress, depression, etc.
iRest Yoga Nidra can be practiced in groups or dyads (one-on-one practice). My feeling is that the group practice is better for relaxation and general well being, while the one-on-one practice is better for really getting to the root of an issue.
I am working on setting up a space to take private clients, but for now please visit me for my monthly group class at Yoga North. See my schedule for details.
For a more detailed description on how iRest works and for a free iRest practice with Richard Miller please visit the IRI website: www.irest.us.
Looking forward to working with you. Namaste ~ Sara