iRest Yoga Nidra

What is iRest?

Integrative Restoration (iRest), or iRest Yoga Nidra is a modern-day, secular adaptation of the ancient meditative practice of Yoga Nidra. Nidra is a Sanskrit (ancient Indian language) word meaning sleep hence, Yoga Nidra is often called "Yogic Sleep”.

iRest was developed by Richard Miller, PhD. Richard is an a yogic scholar, Clinical Psychologist and researcher, who has combined traditional yogic practice with Western psychology and neuroscience. In addition to founding the iRest Institute (based in California) Richard was also the co-founder of The International Association of Yoga Therapy. Given Richard's experience as a Clinical Psychologist and Yoga Therapist, iRest is a trauma-sensitive, evidence-based, therapeutic practice.

What are the benefits of iRest?

iRest can be considered a form of mindfulness meditation that has been researched and shown to effectively reduce symptoms of various complaints including PTSD, depression, anxiety, insomnia, chronic/persistent pain and substance use issues, whilst increasing awareness, resilience and wellbeing.

iRest is not psychotherapy, we do not set goals, talk or even mentally work through our problems. iRest is a process of self-inquiry that focuses on our physical, psychological and spiritual health and wellbeing, in a secular manner that respects a person’s age, culture, religious and philosophical orientation, occupation, physical and mental health. iRest can be supportive as an addition/adjunctive to psychotherapy as it supports nervous system regulation and deep relaxation.

What can I expect in an iRest Class?

iRest can be practiced in a lying down, seated or standing position, with your eyes open or closed. During an iRest practice you are guided through various depths of self-inquiry. You have the opportunity to practice “being with” and being at ease whilst observing and welcoming sensations, breath, feelings and emotions, thoughts, images and memories that naturally arise.

iRest is often described in terms of a 10-step guided process. In the continuation of Beginners Course, we are moving on the the next three steps: Body Sensing, Breath Sensing and Welcoming Opposites of Feelings and Emotions.

The 10-steps of iRest are as follows:

1. Exploring your Intentions, including what you’d like to get out of the practice

2. Exploring your Heartfelt Desire, including what gives your life a sense of value, purpose and meaning

3. Exploring your Inner Resource, including what helps evoke a felt-sense of safety and wellbeing. You can return to this Inner Resource if you begin to feel unsettled at any point during the practice

4. Learning Body Sensing, welcoming the physical sensations in the body

5. Learning Breath Sensing, welcoming the more subtle movements of breath and energy

6. Learning Feeling and Emotion Sensing, welcoming feelings for example, heaviness and its opposite (lightness) and experiencing emotions for example, sadness and its opposite (joy)

7. Learning Cognition Sensing, welcoming thoughts, beliefs, images, memories and their opposite

8. Experiencing Joy, realising your innate wellbeing and inherent freedom from suffering

9. Witnessing Awareness, stepping back into witnessing presence and the interconnectedness of all life

10. Integration into Life, returning to the waking state and integrating the practice into your daily life

This process may sound intimidating at first, but as you learn how to welcome all that is, you may discover first-hand an experience of profound joy and wellbeing which can develop into an inner reservoir of resilience and self-knowledge that supports your daily life.

What is Meg's experience in teaching iRest?

I am a certified Trauma Sensitive Yoga Teacher (16 hours, 2019) and a Level 2 iRest Yoga Nidra Teacher (65 hours, 2021-22). I have extensive experience in teaching Trauma Sensitive Yoga, including iRest Yoga Nidra courses at Geelong Yoga Therapy, Yoga Dojo, Barwon Health Pain Management Unit and Breathe Psychology. I am currently researching the benefit of iRest for Pain through my role as a Clinical Psychologist at the Barwon Health Pain Management Unit in collaboration with the Deakin University School of Psychology.

When and where are the classes?

This short course will include three iRest Yoga Nidra classes on:

Saturday 17th of June, 10:30-11:30AM

Saturday 24th of June, 10:30-11:30AM

Saturday 1st of June, 10:30-11:30AM

All three classes will be offered at the Mindful Movement Hub.

What is the cost?

As with all my offerings, this three week course is available on a sliding scale:

Concession - $65

Standard - $75

Supporter - $85

*Prices include recordings of each class and iRest workbook handouts

*No formal concession needed to purchase course at the concession rate

*Please get in contact with me if even the concession cost is prohibitive for you 

Is it okay if I can’t make it one week?

This is a closed group so must RSVP to secure your place. You don’t have to attend every class but the purchase of a ticket to this course reserves your place in all three of the weekly classes. If you can’t make class one week, you are welcome to offer your place to someone else.

What should I bring?

You will need a mat, a bolster and blankets, you are welcome to bring all of these from home or borrow ours at the studio. As we are not practicing asana/postures, so you do not need to wear "yoga clothes" - just wear whatever you will be most comfortable and warm in. Warm socks are highly recommended!

Water and herbal tea is available at the studio, but please feel free to bring your own.

What if I can't meditate?

No prior experience with yoga or meditation is needed for participation in this course. I personally believe that iRest Yoga Nidra is one of the most accessible forms of meditation of the thousands available, so it's definitely beginner-friendly.

We need to feel physically, psychologically and spiritually safe to engage in a self-inquiry of this depth. 

So, in the spirit of trauma-sensitive yoga, great diligence is given to ensuring the safest possible environment:

· Classes start on time (so aim to arrive around 10 minutes early)

· The room is warm but not too hot or cold

· The room is naturally lit (the room is not dimmed or dark at any point)

· No music, incense, physical touch/assists are used

· The door will be locked from the inside (so no one can come into the studio but you can get out if you wish to leave early).

If there is ever anything I can change in the environment to that would help you to feel safer, I always welcome your feedback.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any other questions.

From my heart to yours,

Meg