Yoga Nidra at Greens Health and Fitness

The next workshop at Greens Health and Fitness - E4

Yoga Nidra (derived from Tantric tradition) is a powerful technique in which you will learn to relax consciously through a systematic method that induces complete physical, mental, and emotional relaxation.

DATE: Sunday 28 June 2008
TIME: 1pm - 2.30pm,
COST: £10

With a vegetarian buffet served at 2.45
Limited space, 25 people maximum.


Yoga Nidra describes the state where everything rests in itself, where you are neither carried away by outer influences nor occupied by thoughts, emotions or states.

Another name for Yoga Nidra is “Inner conscious relaxation” or “Conscious sleep” a state that you reach which is as deep as sleep, yet you still remain present, every part of you is made conscious and that is what makes relaxation complete.

Even if you do drift into a sleepy state, the experience of the instructions will raise your consciousness for a beneficial effect that you will notice afterwards

It is strongly advised that you wear warm loose comfortable clothing and bring a blanket/shawl for relaxation

A CD will be available to purchase for anyone wanting to develop a regular practise. On the Yoga Nidra CD you will hear the Bija mantras (seed sounds) that are associated with the main chakras/energy centers located at various points along the spine. The flute, chimes and ocean sounds used deepen the experience of Yoga Nidra.


Note: Yoga Nidra is essentially based on the teachings of Paramahansa Satyananda and the Tantric tradition.

The Effects of Lunar Energy

Despite being 238,900 miles from Earth, the Moon affects us and our planet in many ways. Tides, for example, are known to be affected by the gravitational pull of the Moon. Water that faces the Moon is pulled towards it strongly; water which faces away from the Moon is pulled significantly less. Even the water beneath the Earth’s surface (groundwater that constitutes the water table) as well as water in plants and trees is affected by its position on Earth relative to the Moon.

Humans are three-quarters water. And like oceans and plants, we are affected by Lunar cycles. In addition to being watery, we are energetic beings. And since Full Moons are thought to be times of great energy, our vital energy (what is referred to as prana, or life force, in Yoga) is especially strong.

Full Moon is a time of upward movement, of feeling energetic, headstrong and even invincible. In contrast, apanic energy (the downward, grounding energy within the body) dominates at the other end of the Lunar cycle. As such, we feel more connected to the Earth during a New Moon. We’re more grounded, passive, and even lethargic.

Traditional asana sequences in Hatha Yoga are designed to balance apanic and pranic forces/movements within our bodies. In fact, each individual pose seeks similar balance by containing different degrees opposition — inward and outward rotation; inhalation and exhalation; grounding and reaching. During Full and New moons, however, prana and apana dominate respectively and can throw off such carefully crafted balances. Many yogis say, the more we practice and become sensitive to the energy within and around our bodies, the more important observing these cycles becomes.