18. Yoga Nidra + Brainspotting: Gaze Healing (45 mins)

Na'aleh Yoga Podcast: Yoga Nidra Journeys for Deep Rest+

By Ruthie Ayzenberg

Close your eyes and stay awake...

This is a special episode, we integrate elements of Brainspotting into the traditional Yoga Nidra practice, exploring the profound connections between inner experiences, gaze awareness, and the natural healing capacities of the brain. Weaving together mindfulness, visualization, and Brainspotting techniques we set the stage for organic, non-invasive nervous system repair and self-healing.

What is Brainspotting, you may be wondering?

It is a method developed by psychologist David Grand that involves the identification of brainspots, points in the visual field that are linked to specific emotions or topics of distress, which are used as portals to unlock and process unresolved distress. To quote David Grand, “Where you look affects how you feel.” During the process you are invited to explore the connection between your gaze and inner experiences, allowing the brain's natural healing capacities to emerge.

Please keep in mind that this meditative journey is not a replacement for a standard Brainspotting session with a therapist who is attuned to your moment-to-moment cues and the nuances of your unique situation. Yes, this session is designed to be therapeutic, but it is NOT therapy. Rather, this is a Brainspotting-inspired Yoga Nidra session. To experience traditional Brainspotting therapy, you are encouraged to seek out a therapist trained in this modality.

So find a quiet space, lie down, and let's dive into the healing synergy of Yoga Nidra and Brainspotting!

Episode summary:

Intro

Preparation: Lie down on your back in a quiet, darkened room where you would like to rest

Intention Setting: Bring to mind your Intention for today’s practice...

Inner Resource: Resource brainspot

Rotation of Consciousness: A journey through the different parts of the body, promoting body awareness and relaxation.

Gaze Awareness: Gaze exploration for increased connection

Visualization: A series of vivid images to be visualized in detail and experienced on multiple levels

Brainspot engagement: Connecting gaze to emotion to support organic self-healing

Heartfelt Desire & Intention: Returning to the intention set earlier in the practice

Externalization: Transition back to external surroundings

Closing: The practice of yoga nidra is now complete

Outro

Music from Pixaby: "Deep Binaural Meditation" by MapaMusic

Please take a moment to leave a rating, comment, subscribe, or share this episode. Your feedback and support will help this podcast evolve and will help me continue creating more Yoga Nidra journeys for you and others.

Do Something Good If your heart feels compelled to help out families and communities in Israel who are impacted by the war, but you're not sure where to donate, here are some links to vetted reliable charity resources, where your contribution will go directly to those in need.

Free mental health support for people affected by the war:

Mental Healthcare for Israel - Empowermh (causematch.com)

Equipment for first responders:

United Hatzalah: Israel is at War | The Chesed Fund

Donating for Israel (giveisrael.org)

May you be safe and feel good,