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Therese M. Pope |
April 29, 2008
The Sanskrit definition of yoga means to “unite.” Yoga has long been associated with the mind-body connection and in therapeutic yoga, students learn to connect and be aware of the sensations and emotions that arise within their bodies and minds. They learn techniques that give them a sense of empowerment that leads to positive healing and therapeutic benefits.
Yoga Nidra: Therapeutic Yoga
Karen Soltes, director of the therapeutic yoga program, at Circle Yoga in Washington, D.C., teaches students how to “meet, greet and welcome their experience.” With a background in psychotherapy and social work, Soltes has moved beyond traditional Western psychotherapy techniques to help people heal.
The Circle Yoga therapeutic yoga program’s mission is to bring the benefits of yoga to people who are suffering from physical, mental and developmental challenges. Soltes has worked with a range of children; including those who have been diagnosed with autism and neurofibromatosis (a genetic disorder in which tumors can grow anywhere on or in the body).
Awaken to One’s Own Experience
Soltes incorporates the yoga nidra practice in the program. She teaches students how to recognize and handle feelings and sensations as they arise. The Sanskrit definition of “yoga nidra” means “the sleep of the yogi.” This is a play on words as yoga nidra’s goal is to be wide awake to one’s own experiences.
“The real relaxation of yoga nidra is to be with your own experience,” comments Soltes.
Whereas Western practices have taught people to push away unpleasant feelings, yoga nidra guides people to be aware of what’s happening within their bodies, minds and psyche. It combines breath work and guided meditation to accomplish this “wide awake” feeling.
With a PhD in clinical psychology and co-founder of The International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), Dr. Richard Miller is one of the leading therapeutic yoga experts in the country.
Helping Vets with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Dr. Miller has studied yoga nidra’s positive effects on soldiers who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Dr. Miller conducted a feasibility study at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in which men and women were chosen to participate in yoga nidra based classes over a nine-month period. As a result of his research, Dr. Miller found that soldiers were sleeping better and experienced less stress and anxiety.
Dr. Miller redirected yoga nidra into more a widely accepted secular program, “Integrative Restoration (iRest).” He has introduced his iRest program into VA hospitals in Washington, DC and Palo Alto, CA, which has yielded positive, successful results for veterans. iRest is based upon relaxation framing and already draws upon basic skills people already possess.
Dr. Miller explains that as Westerners we are removed from life, and Eastern teachings have a more monastic approach. His Eastern-based influence was a result of his mentor, Laura Cummings, who took a Buddhist/Far East approach to clinical psychology during his training. He has also studied with Steven Chang who offered a Taoist perspective and studied yoga principles in both India and Europe.
Non-Dualistic Approach
His spiritual mentor, Jean Klein, introduced him to non-dualism which “emphasizes direct experience rather than mere intellectual understanding.” This non-dualistic influence is weaved throughout Dr. Miller’s Center of Timeless Being (http://www.nondual.com/index.html). He also utilized this non-dualistic approach during his years helping people as a psychotherapist.
Soltes, who is currently working with Dr. Miller and the iRest program, teaches yoga nidra to veterans at the VA Hospital in Washington, D.C. She has seen dramatic changes in soldiers who are suffering from PTSD. Vets are able to handle frustrations better, are less reactive, more balanced, and learn how to befriend their physical body.
Reducing Pain
“If they do feel pain, it’s less intense and they learn not to attach themselves to that physical pain. I’ve had vets tell me that they may feel better several days after a yoga nidra class,” says Soltes.
Soltes also mentions that vets also suffer from hypertension, heart problems, diabetes and substance abuse and find that yoga nidra helps them with their symptoms.
Breath work is another important aspect of the yoga nidra practice.
“I teach them to notice their sensations and be aware of their breath as energy moving through their body. There are a variety of breath practices I might use in class. For example, I might ask them to breathe on alternate sides of the body and focus on the exhale of each breath,” Soltes comments.
Getting Control
Dr. Miller mentioned that one of the soldiers who participated in the study noted that before he started Dr. Miller’s program that “he felt out of control and hopeless.” After going through the iRest program, he felt more relaxed and when things came up he couldn’t control, he was able to handle these issues better.
“He felt more empowered to know how to work with his thoughts and emotions,” remarked Dr. Miller.
Dr. Miller also adds that yoga nidra not only helps the veterans and soldiers, but it also helps their family and children. It helps them to handle their emotions and to be aware of their own feelings.
Soltes equates one hour of yoga nidra to approximately four hours of sleep in terms of the potential deep rest it can provide.
“They experience a deep sense of restoration as a result,” explains Soltes.
She teaches vets to return to a “safe place” during their practice (especially if they experience flashbacks, which are a common symptom for veterans suffering from PTSD).
“I have one soldier who likes to eat Snickers bars at his favorite fishing spot so he visualizes that image. It’s a safe place he can go to when he is experiencing uncomfortable sensations or feelings.”
Fall in Love with Yourself Again: Adding Yoga Nidra to Your Life
Dr. Miller’s book, Yoga Nidra: The Meditative Heart of Yoga focuses on ten steps through a series of guided meditation and breath work techniques.
Yoga nidra allows people to experience inner freedom. It’s a way set freeing their lives of judgment (about themselves or others) and to become part of an interactive community.
“People need to fall in love with themselves and to be kind and compassionate to themselves, ” explains Dr. Miller.
“Inner freedom is a paradox. In freedom, we feel responsible but as we step into freedom, we experience a greater freedom,” Dr. Miller reflects.
Yoga nidra also allows people to step out of reaction and experience a greater sensitivity to their wisdom. Thus, they don’t feel separate but part of a larger community.
“Yoga nidra is a radical understanding of pure consciousness and awareness.”
As a teacher and mentor, Dr. Miller doesn’t approach his students with a specific agenda or teaching philosophy.
“I don’t have a philosophy and that’s why I’m a happy man.”
Sources:
Interviews with Karen Soltes and Dr. Richard Miller
Dr. Richard Miller’s website (see URL above)
Circle of Yoga website (see URL above)
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