Training For A Yoga Nidra Teacher

There is no centralized authority that governs certification for yoga teachers. Instead, qualified teachers give motivated students permission to teach once they demonstrate sufficient skill and understanding. This means that the training you need to conduct a Yoga Nidra won't follow a specialized curriculum, but it will involve training in specific areas.

What Yoga Nidra Is

Yoga Nidra, or "yoga sleep," is a process of deep relaxation that uses yoga breathing, visualization and biofeedback techniques. As a teacher, you will guide your students through a process of releasing individual muscles, breathing deeply and quieting the mind to bring a state of almost sleep-like relaxation. Basic Yoga Nidra is no more difficult to lead than other yoga routines, although advanced practices can be quite challenging to wrap your head around.

Which Styles

Not all styles of yoga practice the Yoga Nidra. Some commonly available yoga practices that practice nidra include Hatha, Anasura, Jivamukti, Kripalu and Sivanada. Even if you find a teacher who practices a style that traditionally practices nidra, you should ask the individual teacher. Not all teachers will teach all the practices in an individual style of yoga.

Training

Although it may feel presumptuous, you should let your instructor know you are interested in teaching Yoga Nidra as soon as you can. Most yoga teachers welcome the presence of other dedicated practitioners and will give you the special training and attention you need to become a good teacher. Your transition from student to lead student to teacher will be natural and organic, although it may take several years. For many yoga teachers, their first class as a teacher came when an instructor was ill or on vacation.

Outside Education

Yoga Nidra techniques are meditative and tied to the body's response to breathing. As a teacher, you may want to get additional education in physiology, sports psychology, meditation and even hypnosis. All these fields can give you context and understanding to teach Yoga Nidra better. It's also advisable to consider getting a group fitness instruction certificate from a qualified school. Many fitness programs won't hire you to teach any kind of yoga without that piece of paper.