If you clicked on this blog post, you're likely a writer. And perhaps you've heard of Yoga Nidra. What you may not know is, combining the two can aid in creating much deeper abstract connections in your writing, leading to fuller, juicier metaphors and imagery.
I've used Yoga Nidra and NSDR (Non-Sleep Deep Rest) meditations for almost a year now to enrich and prep my mind before I write. This has lead to, but not limited to, poetry with deeper metaphors and connections, and more thoughtful word choice. I'll show you how.
What is Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra is a practice that involves deep relaxation and meditation. It is also known as "yogic sleep," as it induces a state of conscious deep sleep while the body remains in a state of complete relaxation.
During a Yoga Nidra session, the practitioner lies down comfortably in a relaxed position and follows a guided meditation. The instructor leads the practitioner through a series of visualizations, body awareness exercises, and breathing techniques, all designed to help the practitioner reach a state of deep relaxation and inner awareness.
Yoga Nidra is believed to have numerous benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep, increasing creativity and focus, and enhancing overall well-being. It can also be used as a tool for spiritual growth and self-realization.
How does it help with creative writing?
Yoga Nidra can help with abstract thinking by promoting a state of deep relaxation and inner awareness that can enhance creativity, focus, and intuition. When the mind is in a relaxed state, it is better able to process information and make connections between seemingly unrelated ideas.
Yoga Nidra also helps to quiet the analytical mind, which can sometimes interfere with abstract thinking. By calming the mind and creating a sense of inner stillness, the practitioner can access deeper levels of awareness and tap into their intuition, allowing for more fluid and creative thinking.
In addition, Yoga Nidra can help to release physical and mental tension, which can inhibit the free flow of ideas. As the body and mind become more relaxed and open, it becomes easier to think outside of the box and explore new ideas and perspectives. This is where those unique metaphors and images are born.
Overall, the practice of Yoga Nidra can help to cultivate a more open, receptive, and creative state of mind, which can support abstract thinking and encourage innovation and originality.
How to do it?
I like to practice Yoga Nidra in the bathtub before a writing session. Draw the water. Warm and bubbles. Light a candle. Dim the lights if you can. If you're not a bath person, a warm, cozy spot you can relax is perfectly fine too.
Then, set an intention for the session. What do you want to get out of it?
Begin the meditation.There are multiple online scripts available to practice. Google a few and try out some that you like. Find one that resonates.
I like these:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lQiw5Zjd1E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lQiw5Zjd1E
Once the practice has come to a close, open your eyes and slowly make your way to your writing space. Allow the state of relaxation to fill you with inhibition.
Write.
A little side note
Whether you are new to Yoga Nidra or poetry, or are seasoned practitioners of both, the combination of these two practices can help us unlock new levels of creativity, meaning, and purpose in your lives.
Don't stress if you didn't "feel" any different the first time. It takes a bit to get used to letting your brain enter into deep relaxtion.
Let me know if you try Yoga Nidra and how it impacts your creative writing.
Best,
Maria
xx