Gong Nidra
What is Gong Nidra?
Gong Nidra is a new and innovative method to provide a deep form of relaxation using a guided meditation along with low, deep sounding gongs played in a gentle and sensitve manner to act as a perfect compliment to the meditation.
Yoga Nidra is derived from meditation teachings in ancient sanskrit texts. The term nidra means sleep but the paradox of the session is that although the body is completely still, the mind is very aware and awake providing a powerful therapeutic experience. The awareness of the mind and body covers many levels during the session, from the physical body to the unconcious mind, the higher sense of self. Yoga Nidra is normally done without sound but this new method combines the sound of low gongs to enhance the effects, creating a powerful soundscape.
What are the benefits of Gong Nidra?
The session can have deep and far reaching effects. It can help with stress, anxiety and insomnia. By training the mind into full awareness during the session it helps create an inner peace that can reduce the effects of these common symptoms in the modern world. Many physical conditions and illnessess are a result of stress and anxiety, their effects cannot be underestimated. By controlling the mind through greater awareness during the session the participant can work towards reducing and removing stress and reducing the long term problems this can cause. The process helps to quieten the mind and bring about a greater sense of presence in the current moment, this can have huge and profound therapeutic effects on the mind and body. The process can also be used to develop greater spiritual connection or awareness. The beauty of the session is that it is not prescriptive or limited to one outcome, the participant is in complete control of how the session is used and received.
The voice occupies the practical and logical left side of the brain whilst the sound of the gongs focus on the creative right side of the brain. This sonic combination provides an amazing and immersive experience.
What to expect at a Gong Nidra Session
The session is different from a soundbath in that there are no other instruments other than the gongs. You will relax and make yourself comfortable. The guided meditation and gongs then create a peaceful and calm state from which to experience yoga nidra. In the next stage of the meditation you will develop a greater awareness of the body. The mind is in full awareness and yet the body is completely still. You will then be taken on a visual journey as the final part of the session. All along you will focus on an intention, something which you wish to resolve during the session.
A deeply relaxing and therapeutic experience!
Copyright: Jez Smith and Ancient Sacred Sounds
