Integrate – Yoga Nidra

Peace requires us to surrender our illusions of control.

Jack Kornfield

The past week’s events have been heavy, and my heart goes out to the people of Ukraine and everyone in the region that is in harm’s way.

Answers are hard to find during such times, and I tend to shut down as fear, helplessness, and sadness overwhelm me. Bouncing between doomscrolling and numbing out, I’ve spent the afternoon contemplating how our practices serve us when processing devastating, tragic events.

We practice not to bypass difficult emotions but to learn to stay present with ourselves as we integrate, process, and respond to the world around us. We cultivate the qualities of compassion for ourselves and others during tumultuous times through our practice. Through our practice, we garner equanimity, not to numb ourselves, but to allow thoughtful awareness to guide our thoughts, words, and actions, so we are less reactive and more responsive moment to moment.

This past week I have dropped into the practice of Yoga Nidra as I integrate troubling news. I want to share this Yoga Nidra guided by Jan Wheeler with you and hope it serves you in your practice.

with metta,
Susan

About The Author

Susan Mathis, M.Ed., E-RYT 500, RCYT, YACEP

Susan is deeply committed to the practice of yoga, pranayama, and conscious living. A Professional Level, Kripalu Yoga Teacher, she offers steady guidance, practical knowledge and infuses the deep wisdom of yoga philosophy into her teaching. A lover of the natural world, adventure, and travel, Susan engages with nature through hiking, biking, and scuba diving. She is the owner and director of alleyCat Yoga and Yoga to Grow.