Unified Mind 
‘It’s like being bathed in something wonderful’.
This (above) is a description of Yoga Nidra by someone who has come to class.
It is a wonderful practice, devised by Sw. Satyananda, a genius and Knower of the way things are, and can become.
It is a practice that does not discriminate, you just need to listen, be still, and know that you are doing what you are doing.
Some benefits of this practice
Yoga Nidra affords complete rest for your whole being, from gross to subtle. All that remains active is your conscious awareness. The ‘fight or flight’ aspect of the nervous system settles, the ‘rest and digest’ aspect of the nervous system becomes dominant. Systems within slow down, and the body sleeps. You awareness is still active, within a calm, still environment. Fully alert, you get to remember/feel your natural state, when truly consciously resting. How often do you become completely still while being fully conscious, aware of your awareness, diving deep within, and for how long? It is worth many tries.
Take the phone of the hook, let others know that you would like to be given a few minutes undisturbed. Lie down on your back on the floor ideally, cover with a blanket to stay warm, be still, listen and follow the instructions internally.
Below you can listen to a Yoga Nidra Practice (AUDIO button on the left) – or download to play when you have 13 minutes to yourself (right-click and save the mp3). It is a very basic Yoga Nidra. Soon a full version will be available from this site.
Download a 13-minute Yoga Nidra by Yogamanas, 2009
This post is tagged audio, guided meditation, relax, stress, yoga nidra
What are the most effective times for practising yoga nidra meditation in the later part of the day/evening?
Hi Jeannine, thanks for your question.
Good times for Yoga Nidra are before lunch, or upon arriving home after and work before dinner. While this practice can be done at any time, if you can manage it so that it is done at the same time each day, even better.
Keep in mind though, that if you eat right before Yoga Nidra, you are increasing the likelihood of falling asleep, rather than increasing your capacity for conscious awareness. Obviously one of the less effective times!
Yogamanas – it was wonderful to stumble across this and be able to do this little practice in the summer break. Thanks so much for making this available.
Hari om Yogamanas, just what I needed for an afternoon revive and pick me up Thanks