Yoga Nidra, often referred to as "yogic sleep," is a guided meditation practice that induces deep relaxation and awareness while keeping the mind conscious. It involves lying down in a comfortable position, usually in **Savasana** (corpse pose), while a teacher or guide takes the practitioner through a series of steps designed to relax the body, quiet the mind, and bring awareness to different layers of consciousness.

The process typically includes:

1. **Setting an intention (Sankalpa)**: A positive affirmation or resolve that the practitioner wishes to cultivate.

2. **Body scan**: Bringing attention to various parts of the body, promoting deep physical relaxation.

3. **Breath awareness**: Focusing on the breath to calm the mind and nervous system.

4. **Sense awareness**: Observing sensory impressions without attachment.

5. **Visualizations and guided imagery**: Creating mental images or scenarios to further relax and explore deeper states of awareness.

6. **Journey through consciousness**: Moving through different levels of awareness, often leading to a state of deep relaxation and mental clarity.

Yoga Nidra is known for its ability to reduce stress, improve sleep, enhance focus, and promote a sense of inner peace. It can be used as a tool for self-healing, emotional balance, and spiritual growth. Despite its deeply restorative effects, it differs from sleep in that the practitioner remains awake and aware, experiencing a profound state of consciousness.

This meditation is ideal for when the world feels like it’s “closing in on you”, which is what happens when feeling a sense of overwhelmed and chronic stress or illness.