Yoga Nidra: For Bedtime Rest

For now, I'd invite you to get completely comfortable and ready to rest.

You'll find your way onto your back.

If that's available to you in your body.

and you'll settle into your bed.

This particular yoga nidra, or yogic sleep, invites you to prepare for an evening of rest.

There's nothing to do here.

This practice is simply conscious rest.

You don't have to stay awake for it and you don't have to fall asleep either.

Just allow my voice to be something that you rest on as you prepare for bedtime.

If you drift off before we're finished, that's okay too.

That means the practice is inviting you to rest.

It might be helpful to use a prop like pillows under your knees, a blanket under your neck, or an eye pillow over your eyes.

Wherever you are, let your eyes soften and closed if they're not already.

Notice your body lying down.

Notice the weight of your body sinking.

gently, slightly into the surface beneath you.

Take a breath in through your nose and let it go.

Lasting longer than it came in.

One more like that.

Inhale.

Exhale slowly.

Now let your breath find its own rhythm.

There's no need to force or manage anything tonight.

Now bring to mind a word or a phrase or how you'd like to feel as you drift off to sleep.

This is not a goal or a task, but a quiet intention.