The Gift of Deep Rest: An Hour of Yoga Nidra Meditation
What comes to mind when you see the word “yoga?” Downward Dogs? Sun Salutations? Sitting on the floor with your legs in a pretzel? Well, think again! Yoga Nidra means “yogic sleep” and the only movement involved is whatever it takes for you to recline in a comfy chair or lie down on a bed, sofa, or mat on the floor. This is a guided mindfulness meditation practice that helps to relax the mind and body by simply listening to the teacher’s prompts and resting in stillness. One hour of yoga nidra is said to be as restorative as four hours of sleep. The yoga wisdom teachers of the past knew the importance of rest and relaxation for health and wellbeing and passed this practice down through the ages to us. As the mind slows down, the whirlwind of thoughts holding our attention begin to move away from us as we float in the space between waking and sleeping. As you disengage from stress-producing thoughts, the body, mind, and spirit begin to rest and heal naturally. Modern research continues to affirm the benefits of Yoga Nidra, showing significant reductions in anxiety, stress, and depression after guided mediation. Many participants report improved sleep, a deep sense of calm, and renewed energy. Rather than driving to a yoga studio, lying on the floor, and driving back home again, the Well invites you to rest comfortably in your own home (in your PJs with your camera off, if you wish!). Suggestions for your comfort include:
The Well is delighted to continue offering this deeply healing and restorative practice in collaboration with certified Kripalu Mindful Outdoor Guide, Yoga Instructor, and I Am Yoga Nidra Facilitator, Jamila Keita. If you are new to meditation, have never tried or been successful at meditation, or are just curious about yoga without any yoga poses, we encourage you to give Yoga Nidra a try. You will be amazed at how easily you will achieve a meditative state with Jamila’s gentle guidance and soothing voice.
Plus - Never Miss A Session! Each Yoga Nidra session will be recorded. The sessions are being offered twice a month on a Monday and Tuesday evening. A link to the recording will be emailed to registered participants the following day and will be available for three (3) days. You can listen as often as you like until the link expires after 3 days. Give yourself (and maybe a loved one!) the gift of deep rest and relaxation. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you!
DATES: Mondays - 1/12, 2/9, 3/9, 4/6, 5/4, 6/8/26 and Tuesdays - 1/27, 2/24, 3/24, 4/21, 5/26, 6/30/26
TIME: 7:30 - 8:30 PM ET
COST: $20
LOCATION: ZOOM
IMPORTANT: You will receive an email from programming@wellforthejourney.org at least 24 hours in advance of the start of your program. If you are unable to find the email, please check your SPAM or JUNK email folders. This email will include details to help you prepare for your program including any pertinent handouts, location information, and the ZOOM link for online programs. Please be sure you have received and read this email a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the start of the program. Thank you!
FACILITATOR: Jamila Keita
FACILITATOR BIO: Hi! My name is Evangeline “Jamila” Keita. I’ve been practicing yoga for almost 25 years and decided to teach yoga as my “retirement job.” It was during my yoga training (YT200) that I was introduced to Yoga Nidra. Immediately after completing YT200 in 2014, I took my first Yoga Nidra training. Since that time, I’ve taken subsequent trainings in Yoga Nidra in 2017 and 2021. I love this practice. During the shutdown, I found “nature therapy.” This led me to complete a course through “The Kripalu School of Outdoor Leadership” and become a KMOG (Kripalu Mindful Outdoor Guide). I currently teach two yoga classes per week on Zoom. Each class includes poses and a short Yoga Nidra session. Since 2022, I have provided weekly Yoga Nidra sessions for Hopewell Cancer Support Center and occasional Mindful Outdoor Experiences (MOEs). Additionally, I work for Nature Worx, a non-profit that provides MOEs to persons in recovery and the general public. I never imagined this second career as it is, but it seems like a natural evolution to me. I hope you enjoy my offerings.