Yoga nidra retreats in Canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden

Yoga nidra is a guided practice done lying down, in which a facilitator's voice leads your attention through the body, the breath and images while you stay still. The name is Sanskrit for yogic sleep: the aim is to rest deeply while staying faintly aware. You do nothing except listen.

You get to lie down, get warm and let someone else do the steering. Many people sink into a state somewhere between awake and asleep and come out feeling as if they have had a long nap. It suits evenings, tired weeks, and anyone who finds sitting meditation hard. Plenty of people say they feel calmer and more rested afterward.

Classes usually last 30 to 75 minutes, sometimes as the closing part of a yin or restorative class. You lie on your back with a bolster under your knees, a blanket over you and maybe an eye pillow, and you stay there the whole time. The facilitator speaks slowly through stages: settling, a short intention, moving your attention around the body, breath awareness, contrasting sensations like heavy and light, and images, before bringing you back. You don't move or talk, and there is often soft music or bowls in the background. Falling asleep happens and is fine.