Yoga nidra is a meditative form of yogic sleep. The practitioner is led on an inner pilgrimage while in the delicate state of consciousness between wakeful mindfulness & slumber. This method of meditation is meant to create physical, mental, and emotional relaxation, while simultaneously allowing the practitioner to explore the subconscious & unconscious dimensions. 

Yoga nidra dates back to the 3rd century CE where it is mentioned in multiple, sacred Hindu texts. In the Mahabharata, yoga nidra is associated with the great Lord Vishnu and is described as "the deep sleep under the spell of spiritual meditation." In the 6th century CE, the Devīmāhātmya mentions yoga nidra in the context of the god Brahma asking Vishnu wake from his "transcendent sleep" because it is time to fight the demigods. Other ancient mentions include references to yoga nidra as a state in which "perfected Buddhas may access secret knowledge," and a place in which the practitioner works to "uproot his network of Karma." 

In spite of many age-old references, the formal structure for yoga nidra wasn't developed until the 1970s when Swami Satyananda Saraswati popularized it in the West. Since then, yoga nidra has been adapted for a variety of purposes including: being applied by the US Army to assist soldiers in their recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder, used in yoga studios for deep relaxation, and integrated into healing retreats for psycho-spiritual exploration. In addition to those purposes, in my practice I also use yoga nidra as a hypnotic entryway that leads clients into past lives regressions. 

You don't need to do much to prepare for a yoga nidra meditation. Wear comfy clothes, as you will be laying down for the duration of the session -and it's best to clear your schedule after your meditation, as you may wish to journal or otherwise process the meditation during the hours that follow. 

When signing up for a session, you may choose between the following themes:

Meeting with a Guide; Meeting with Self
(the most traditional option, follows Swami Satyananda Saraswati's teachings + intuitively crafted meditations)
Inner Child Work & Trauma Reconciliation
(a somatic healing)
Past Life Regression
(follows a combination of the techniques of Dolores Cannon & Dr. Brian Weiss)