53: Yoga Nidra Is Not What You Think | Indu Arora on the Ancient State of Conscious Sleep

Most people know Yoga Nidra as a relaxation tool that helps you fall asleep. But according to renowned yoga therapist and author Indu Arora, we've been missing the most important word in the practice... yoga. In this deeply illuminating conversation, Indu unpacks the true philosophy of Yoga Nidra, tracing it from ancient Vedic and Tantric texts all the way to the modern technique we practice today and we discuss why the difference matters more than you think.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why Yoga Nidra is a state of consciousness, not just a relaxation technique. And what the ancient texts actually say about it
• The real reason we fall asleep during Yoga Nidra (and what to do about it)
• How to prepare your body and nervous system before practice to stay present and aware
• Why reading a script is not the same as true transmission and how your personal practice changes everything
• The many pathways to Yoga Nidra beyond the Pancha Koshas, including through the three bodies, the five pranas, and more
• What "frequency following response" means and why the state you are in shapes the experience of every student in the room
• Why Indu believes we are "settling for fractions" of what Yoga Nidra can truly offer

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or a yoga teacher looking to deepen your transmission, this episode will completely shift the way you approach Yoga Nidra.

About Indu Arora:

Indu Arora is a Yoga and Ayurveda teacher, mentor, and author, based out of the USA. She considers herself a student for a lifetime. Indu has been sharing about Yoga philosophy, Yoga Therapy, and Ayurveda for the last two decades. Her unique gift is making Yoga and Ayurveda a practice, which is equally useful for a beginner as for a sincere seeker who has made Yoga a lifelong journey. She is inspired by and taught under Kriya Yoga, Himalayan Yoga, Kashmir Shiavism, and Sivananda Yoga lineages. She has studied in a traditional Guru-shishya parampara setting.

Her teaching style is rooted in empowering and inspiring students to awaken the inner Guru. Her core philosophy is 'Yoga is a Work-in and not a Work-out'.

She is the author of Mudra: The Sacred Secret (2015), Yoga: Ancient Heritage, Tomorrow's Vision (2005, 2019), and SOMA: 100 Heritage Recipes for Self-Care (e-book, 2020; updated hard copy, 2022).

Episode Links:

Check out Indu's Melbourne Tour: https://indu-arora.mykajabi.com/yoga-nidra-australia 

Visit Indu's website: https://yogsadhna.com/

Follow Indu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/induaroraofficial/ 

Want to support my work? Leave a tip: https://jerrettdigital.thrivecart.com/podcast-tip-jar/ 

Check out our top resources for building your yoga business: https://allmatstaken.com/resources

Connect with Adrianne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allmatstaken/ 

Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OD0cXYBQYkM 

Indu's Book Shop (Hard-copy and e-books): https://shop.yogsadhna.com/collections/book-and-audio 

Get SOMA - 100 Heritage Recipes for Self-Care in E-Book format on Amazon*: https://amzn.to/4cZpLsQ 

About The Show:

All Mats Taken is the yoga business podcast helping yoga teachers grow sustainable teaching practices. Host Adrianne Jerrett explores yoga marketing strategies, business growth tactics, and how to build a yoga business aligned with your values and yogic philosophy...without the burnout. Whether you're struggling to fill classes, price your offerings, or create a teaching lifestyle you actually love, this podcast gives you actionable insights from experts who've been there. New episodes fortnightly.

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