From Thinking to Sensing: The Benefits and Similarities of Yoga Nidra, Hypnotherapy, and Mindfulness

In our fast-paced modern world, it's easy to get caught in the relentless current of our thoughts. We often live in our heads, planning, replaying, and analysing, sometimes losing touch with the rich tapestry of the present moment and the wisdom held within our own bodies. But what if I told you there are powerful practices, ancient and modern, that offer a direct pathway out of the 'thinking mind' and into the profound realm of 'sensing'?

As a staff counsellor in the NHS, working alongside psychologists and recently delving into ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) principles whilst facilitating some training courses for staff, I've been struck by how many paths lead to similar truths. My personal journey has also reinforced this. Having been grappling with chronic colds earlier this year, and consequently exploring immune system function, potential adrenal fatigue, and the recalibration of my nervous system out of fight-flight-freeze, I've deepened my regular Yoga Nidra practice and explored its nuances. This, coupled with my work in private practice utilising hypnotherapy, where the induction process itself often sparks a sense of déjà vu with Yoga Nidra, has brought these connections into sharp focus.

These practices – Yoga Nidra, hypnotherapy, and mindfulness – while distinct in their origins and applications, share a remarkable ability to connect us more deeply to our bodies, to the present moment, and to a state where intention and thought can become incredibly potent. They don't just facilitate relaxation; they open doors to healing, effective intention setting, and a more profound engagement with our unconscious minds.

Let's break down each one and then weave together their fascinating similarities.

Yoga Nidra: The Conscious Sleep

Yoga Nidra, often translated as "yogic sleep," is a systematic method of inducing complete physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. It's a state of conscious deep sleep, where you hover between wakefulness and dreaming, maintaining awareness while the body rests profoundly. During a Yoga Nidra practice, you are guided through various stages, including body awareness, breath awareness, and visualisations, all while lying still.

The magic of Yoga Nidra lies in its ability to take you to the liminal space between conscious and unconscious, often facilitating a drop into slower brainwave states such as alpha and theta, where the mind is incredibly receptive. It’s here that the 'sankalpa' – a heartfelt intention or resolve – is planted, bypassing the critical conscious mind and sinking deep into the unconscious, where it can manifest more readily. It's a powerful tool for nervous system regulation, helping to shift the body out of stress responses and into a state of rest and digest.

Hypnotherapy: Guiding the Unconscious Mind

Hypnotherapy involves guiding an individual into a deeply relaxed, trance-like state, often referred to as a hypnotic state. This isn't sleep; rather, it's a heightened state of focused attention and suggestibility, where the critical faculty of the conscious mind is bypassed, allowing direct access to the subconscious. The process typically involves an "induction" – a series of suggestions to relax the body and mind, often focusing on breath, bodily sensations, or a calming scene.

Once in this altered state, the hypnotherapist uses therapeutic suggestions to address specific issues, modify behaviours, or promote healing. Like Yoga Nidra, it leverages the unconscious mind's immense capacity for change and healing. The power of intention and positive suggestion, when delivered directly to the subconscious, can be incredibly transformative.

Mindfulness Practice: Anchoring in the Present

Mindfulness is the practice of purposely bringing one's attention to the present moment, without judgment. It involves observing thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment with an attitude of open curiosity. This can be done formally through meditation, focusing on the breath, or informally, by bringing mindful awareness to everyday activities.

Unlike Yoga Nidra or hypnotherapy, mindfulness doesn't necessarily aim for an altered state of consciousness. Its power lies in training the mind to return repeatedly to the 'here and now', fostering a greater awareness of internal and external experiences as they unfold. By simply observing, we create a space between ourselves and our thoughts, lessening their grip and enabling a deeper connection to sensory experience.

The Converging Paths: From Thinking to Sensing

Here’s where the fascinating similarities truly emerge:

• Bridging Mind and Body: All three practices are master classes in connecting us back to our physical selves. They all gently guide us away from the incessant chatter of the 'thinking mind' and into the direct, felt experience of 'sensing' the body.

  
  

• Accessing the Present Moment: The primary goal in each practice is to bring us fully into the 'now'. This present-moment awareness is crucial for reducing rumination and anxiety.

  
  

• Working with the Unconscious: This is a particularly powerful shared thread. In Yoga Nidra, the sankalpa bypasses the conscious filter. In hypnotherapy, direct access to the subconscious is the very mechanism of change. They all create a fertile ground where the deeper aspects of our being can be more readily accessed and influenced.

  
  

• Facilitating Relaxation and Healing: The profound relaxation induced by these methods directly supports the body's natural healing mechanisms. Your own journey with recalibrating your nervous system confirms how vital these practices are in shifting out of chronic fight-flight-freeze.

  
  

• Empowering Intention: Whether through a sankalpa or therapeutic suggestion, we learn to harness the power of focused thought and desire in an altered, receptive state.

  
  

In essence, Yoga Nidra, hypnotherapy, and mindfulness, each in their unique way, guide us to a similar, profound destination: a state of deep inner presence where we can move beyond the relentless noise of our thoughts and reconnect with the quiet intelligence of our bodies and the vast potential of our unconscious minds. Whether you're seeking to manage stress, foster healing, or simply live more consciously, exploring these practices offers a rich and rewarding path to truly sensing, rather than just thinking, your way through life.

I share as I have found great values in using all of these modalities and hope they inspire you to try one too. Which of these practices resonates most with you, and what shifts have you noticed in your own journey from thinking to sensing? Share your insights in the comments below!

Or if you want to work with me to help you be more mindful and connected to your body to listen for answers on your healing journey, mind, body and soul, get in touch. I’m happy to report I haven’t had a cold in months which is such a relief after a period of no more than two weeks !