Over the course of our days, weeks, and months, we take on energies from the world around us via conversations, interactions, social media, thought loops, past baggage, future worries, etc. Sometimes these are positive and sometimes not so much, but either way, these energies don’t belong to us. We need an etheric shower, an aura cleanse, an energy bath on a regular basis to keep our space freed up for our authentic selves, to follow our bliss and to stay intuitively neutral in a chaotic world. In other words, we need a self-care practice for the spirit.

That’s why we are offering a monthly Yoga Nidra + Reiki practice for the Taos community. This will be an in-person two-hour session, combining the deep healing state of Yoga Nidra with the energy work of Reiki.

What is Yoga Nidra?

Yoga Nidra (or yogic sleep) is an ancient Indian practice in which you are led by a guide into a safe hypnagogic state of consciousness where you remain awake and aware. In Sanskrit, nidra means to draw forth a state of nothingness. Yoga Nidra is practiced entirely in savasana (corpse pose) and occurs between waking and dreaming, while remaining embodied and conscious. Johanna's Yoga Nidra meditations include guided narrative journeys using symbols and visual scenes that access the subconscious programming of the mind and can be used to change habits, release deep tensions, and heal inner wounds.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese technique of energy healing which uses minimal to no touch. Reiki means universal life force. The practitioner channels Reiki through their hands, and your body receives it to heal yourself. This healing modality moves blocked energy and balances chakras. Reiki is known to reduce stress and anxiety and sometimes symptom relief of physical ailments, which may have their source in the subtle body.

What to expect?

We will begin class with some gentle movements, followed by pranayama, breathing exercises. After, we will settle into Yoga Nidra, lying comfortably on our backs with props and remaining there for the remainder of the class. Modifications can be made for practitioners who are unable to lay on their back for a long period of time. Johanna will lead the class into a deep state of relaxation using guided imagery. (There is a traditional format used to move in and out of the hypnagogic state, but the main meditation and theme is different each month). Once in a theta state, Johanna will go around to each student and scan their body energetically to see where the most helpful place is for her to focus on. Then, depending on how many students are in the class, she will spend 5-10 minutes treating each individual before moving on to the next. After, she will guide everyone out of the hypnagogic state and back into their bodies. There will be time given for people to either journal their experience, share with a group or head home. Snacks and tea will be provided for a donation after class.