Back in 2005 when I had already been teaching Yoga for a couple of years but was scouting around for further studies and looking for potent teachers, I came across Donna Farhi’s books and was immediately hooked in to her approach … mindful, detailed, precise and heartful. A great combination of being grounded in the tradition yet also evolutionary – like a true Yogini!
Donna of course remains a primary teacher for me. In her her books she mentions a close colleague, Dr Richard Miller, so I began to check out his offerings also, online interviews, audio recordings and more.
I’ve been following Richard ever since and I consider him really to be my meditation teacher. Richard has founded the Integrative Restoration Institute and formulated a brilliant contemporary approach to the ancient practice of Yoga Nidra – iRest®.
From Richard’s website …
What is iRest Yoga Nidra and How Does It Work?
iRest Yoga Nidra meditation supports psychological, physical and spiritual health, healing and awakening.
iRest is an accessible meditation protocol that is integrative, as it heals unresolved issues and traumas, and restorative, as it aids practitioners in recognizing the underlying peace of mind that is always present amidst all changing circumstances in life.
Due to its effectiveness and ease of use, iRest has proven to effectively support the healing process across a broad range of populations, including those with PTSD, chronic pain, sleep issues, high stress, depression, and anxiety.
My iRest Journey
While I first came across Yoga Nidra back in 2003, it is iRest with it’s intelligent 10 stage protocol and meaningful modern approach that has become my regular meditation practice. While experiencing profound states of relaxation, iRest has helped me navigate the challenges in my life emotionally and mentally as well as helping me understand and experience subtler states of meditation.
In 2013 and 2014 I attended Level 1 and 2 iRest Yoga Nidra training and I’m currently on the certification program.
The exciting news is that my colleague and friend Una Hubbard (Una’s website) and myself are hosting New Zealand’s first iRest Level 1 training here in Auckland in February 2017.
This training is highly recommended. The training manual itself is an amazing resource that will serve participants for many years to come. The trainers, Fuyuko Toyota and Jennifer Cabanero, as well as being close friends, are absolutely exceptional teachers.