This transformative moment happened during a retreat in the serene landscapes of Holland. It was a dive into my subconsciousness that allowed me to confront some of the inner struggles I had been carrying for a long time.
Before the first Yoga Nidra session with my beautiful teachers, Luca Bellucci and Joanne, I set a clear intention: “Clear my mind and take me back to my carefree life.”
With a heavy heart and a whirlpool of destructive thoughts, I lay down and allowed myself to enter a deep, meditative state. I started traveling inward, deeper and deeper. My thoughts began to dissolve. The conscious mind gave way to the subconscious.
I visualised my husband and my kids riding towards me on a white horse.
They were coming to save me from drowning in a lake, as if I was in the emotional depths where I had been struggling. It was a profoundly moving and surreal moment. The people whom I loved the most embraced me and lifted me from complete darkness. This moment struck me: I was not alone; I had a support system. This healing moment with Yoga Nidra resonates with me to this day.
Stress often manifests in my body as pain.
During my second Yoga Nidra encounter, every muscle in my body ached, making daily activities almost unbearable. When I arrived at Luca Belucchi’s studio, I wasn’t sure if the practice would offer me any relief, but I decided to trust the process.
We started with an hour of dynamic yoga to get the body moving, followed by an hour of Yoga Nidra. As I surrendered to the guided meditation, my body slowly sank into the mat, and I could feel the tension unraveling with every breath.
I went into such a deep state of relaxation that I lost all sense of time.
When I woke up, I had been given a new body—light, free, and completely renewed.
There was no pain anymore, only ease and comfort. I left the studio feeling like I had just emerged from a long, restorative sleep, ready to face the world again.
Yoga Nidra is sometimes described as a state between wakefulness and sleep—a place where the conscious mind steps back, allowing the subconscious to take over. The science behind it shows that during this state, the body can achieve a level of relaxation that is deeper than regular sleep, stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system and promoting healing and balance. This practice allows the mind to rest deeply while accessing a place where old patterns and thoughts can be released.
For me, it has been life-changing. Instead of turning to a glass of wine or mindlessly scrolling through streaming shows, I find solace in Yoga Nidra. It is part of my routine whenever I feel overwhelmed, especially during those hectic evenings when I need to reset my mind and body after a long day with the kids.
After tucking my children into bed, I head upstairs, lay down, and listen to a session on Spotify. As the soothing voice guides me, I let go of the day’s stress and drift into a space of quiet calm, eventually slipping into sleep.
On particularly challenging days, I add an extra layer of relaxation by lying down on my Shakti mat before starting my session. The gentle pressure from the mat helps release tension in my muscles, amplifying the effects of the meditation. This small ritual brings me back to a state of balance, reminding me that I can find peace within myself, even in the midst of chaos.
Yoga Nidra has become my safe space, helping me reconnect with myself and let go of my worries. It’s a great way to heal physical pain and calm a busy mind.
If you need to unwind, I highly recommend it—just close your eyes, set an intention, and let the practice guide you into relaxation.