Stemming from the ancient origins of traditional yoga, yoga nidra is a deep sleep-like state that allows for complete relaxation and meditation. When performed correctly, yoga nidra is thought to open the mind to new subsconscious powers and ideas. Although the practice is popular among yoga enthusiasts and stressed-out adults, it can also be very beneficial for children. Yoga nidra for kids is beneficial in focusing the mind and overcoming obstacles.
Identification
As explained by the Yoga Journal website, yoga nidra is an ancient form of yogic meditation. Occasionally referred to as yogic sleep, yoga nidra is performed over an extended period of time. Often lasting 20 to 45 minutes, the meditation session focuses on achieving complete body and mind relaxation. On the Yoga Journal website, yoga instructor Rod Stryker explains yoga nidra as "a systematic method of complete relaxation, holistically addressing our physiological, neurological and subsconsicous needs." At the beginning of the session, yoga students focus on simply quieting the mind. Eventually, students move into a deep meditative state. Although the body seems to be asleep during yoga nidra, the subconscious mind remains awake and becomes open to new thoughts and ideas.
Benefits
Most adults deal with heavy stress in their daily lives. From supporting a family to maintaining the home, achieving success in a career and building solid relationships, an adult's mind can easily become filled with anxiety and tension. Children, though, seem to have relatively easy and carefree lives in comparison. In fact, many adults might think that kids do not need meditation. However, many kids have hectic schedules with school, extracurricular activities and family obligations. At home, relaxation often comes in the form of video games, television or movies. For these reasons, regular meditative yoga nidra sessions can actually help children unwind from daily distractions and responsibilities. Yoga nidra can be especially beneficial for children.
Teaching Tips
When teaching yoga nidra to children, you will need to modify the meditative process to match the children's ages. Typically, a deep state of relaxation is achieved by asking children to focus on individually contracting and relaxing each muscle in the body. However, this technique may be inappropriate for younger children who cannot yet grasp the concept of contraction and relaxation. In this case, you might simply ask the child to move individual parts of the body working from the toes to the head. Once the child has relaxed, use verbal cues to encourage healthy thoughts from entering the subconscious mind. For example, you might repeat "I love myself," "I am valued and appreciated" or "I can achieve any goal I set my mind to." Encourage relaxation by performing the session in a dark, quiet room. Children should be resting on their backs in Corpse yoga pose and breathing slowly.
Fun Fact
According to the Gaiam Life website, Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps could potentially attribute some of his swimming success to a form of meditation very similar to yoga nidra. When Phelps was still a child, his swim coach initiated a daily relaxation program. Every night, Phelps' mother would sit near his bed and ask him to relax different parts of the body. Once he learned to achieve this deep sense of relaxation on his own, Phelps then visualized himself swimming --and winning -- his races. Although it is impossible to determine whether these deep meditative sessions actually contributed to Phelps' success, it could never hurt to try the technique when you are trying to achieve a goal.
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