iRest / Yoga Nidra

Integrative Restoration (iRest) is an ancient transformative meditative practice that is derived from the ancient teachings of Yoga Nidra (yoga = embodying what is timeless + nidra = across all states of consciousness) that leads to psychological, physical and spiritual healing. The ultimate design of iRest is to help us live contented lives free of conflict, anxiety, fear and suffering by revealing our inherent ground of health and wholeness.

The protocol is:

  1. Integrative, in that it heals the various splits that are present in the body, mind and senses
  2. Restorative, in that it aids practitioners in recognizing their underlying nondual ground of Being.

iRest accomplishes its goal via two basic steps:

  • The embodiment of pure awareness
  • The release of negative body sensations, emotions and beliefs and stress that give rise to self-destructive patterns.

iRest is a non-dogmatic, non-religious, secular practice consisting of a series of guided 30-40 minute sessions which cover:

  • Body-sensing training
  • Breath and energy awareness
  • Systematic desensitization and disidentification to neutralize:
    • Negative body sensations and stress
    • Negative feelings and emotions
    • Negative beliefs, images and memories
  • The experience of joy and well-being
  • Freedom from the sense of separation generated by the senses, mind and ego-I thought
  • The ability to experience equanimity with the realization that everything in life is constantly changing
  • Embodiment of pure awareness during each life circumstance

    • iRest teaches us how to embody skills that we can use throughout our lifetime, that provide us with a sense of mastery when encountering difficult situations and aid us in embodying joy and equanimity throughout our daily life.

    iRest participants report that they...

  • Sleep better
  • Decrease insomnia
  • Feel happier
  • Reduce depression, anxiety and fear
  • Feel greater comfort and ease in their body
  • Decrease perception of chronic and acute pain
  • Feel happier in their interpersonal relationships
  • Improve interpersonal relations
  • Feel more comfortable when encountering circumstances they cannot control
  • Increase ease of Being
  • Experience an increased sense of control in their lives
  • Sense of mastery during everyday events (from www.irest.us)

In July 2007 Dearbhla completed level I iRest/Yoga Nidra training with master teacher Dr Richard Miller, who has spent over 26 years developing iRest to make it uniquely suitable for Westerners. Dr Miller continues to mentor Dearbhla in her growth as an iRest/Yoga Nidra teacher, as well as her ongoing project to bring the protocol to veterans suffering with PTSD.

Dearbhla plans to complete level II training September 2009 and attain full certification.


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