Yoga nidra is a meditative form of yogic sleep. The practitioner is led by a guide on an inner pilgrimage while in the delicate state of consciousness between wakeful mindfulness & slumber. This method of meditation is meant to induce 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; the ocean (of consciousness) transforms into the bed of the "lotus-naveled Vishnu, when at the termination of every Yuga that deity of immeasurable power enjoys yoga nidra, the deep sleep under the spell of spiritual meditation." In the 6th century CE, the Devīmāhātmya mentions yoga nidra when the god Brahma asks that Vishnu wake from his transcendent sleep because it is time to fight the demigods. Other sacred mentions include references to yoga nidra as "peace beyond words", 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 ancient 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 applied by the US Army to assist soldiers in their recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder, and it is often used in yoga studios and on retreats for deep relaxation and psycho-spiritual exploration. In my spiritual guidance practice, I also use yoga nidra as a hypnotic entryway to lead 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. Also, it's best to clear your schedule after your meditation, as you may wish to process the meditation during the hours that follow. 

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

Deep Relaxation & Peace
(the most traditional & non-linear option, follows Swami Satyananda Saraswati's teachings)
Meeting with a Guide
(a combination of traditional + intuitively crafted materials)
Calling in your Beloved
(follows a meditation channeled by Solara)
Feminine Empowerment or Inner Child Work
(inspired by Sarah Durham Wilson's "Maiden to Mother")
Past Life Regression
(follows a combination of the techniques of Dolores Cannon & Dr. Brian Weiss)

Yoga nidra meditations may be scheduled for an hour-long session, or if you'd like a deeper, longer exploration, you are welcome to schedule for 1.5 or 2 hours.