Total Yoga Nidra Teacher Training - what an experience

 I am back from Italy and going to be integrating the experience for a long time….the teacher training was a remarkable experience.  Uma embodies the wisdom of nidra shakti, the energy of sleep, and transmits so much. She does it all with humor, some F-bombs and a lifetime dedicated to nidra and yoga. We covered yoga philosophy, explored the many therapeutic benefits of nidra (there’s a whole chapter on this in her encyclopedia) and more.  We practiced nidra a few times a day, and then we went into teacher mode, teaching short 15 minute nidras.  As a nidra teacher I felt myself deepening my knowledge of nidra, as well as my personal practice.  I have been on this path of learning from Uma for about 6 years now.  She was a guest speaker at my first nidra teacher training, then I took her Total Yoga Nidra Immersion online a few years ago, all the while practicing many of her nidras on her website, so meeting her in person felt natural….like “about time you sit down and study with her IRL.” 

The 11 students came from the UK, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Italy, Switzerland, US and me, representing Latin America.  It was such a lovely group of people – all passionate about yoga and yoga nidra.  

The site of the retreat is at Tara Nature Retreat in the Umbria countryside, and it was so restful.  Our shala for the retreat.

No television, a beautiful outdoor platform for yoga, a fantastic pool where we did a watery aqua nidra, bringing together two of my favorite things - being in a pool and nidra! 

The food was prepared by Reena, a chef that accompanies Uma on some of her events and has done the nidra training. She has roots in India, so her menu was this amazing blend of Indian dishes, with sometimes some Italian ones.  All vegetarian.  

So now I am working on my case study, which will be offering 4  yoga nidras to a group of students, gathering their feedback, to create a report for submission to Uma.  Then I will be a certified Total Yoga Nidra teacher.  

Total Yoga Nidra Teacher Training!

During my Bhakti Yoga Movement Center Teacher training I remember asking one of our teachers Danielle Hanna about yoga nidra teacher trainings, and she pointed me to Uma Dinsmore-Tuli (as well as Tracee Stanlee).  That was about 6 years and a life time ago.  Since then I have immersed myself in Uma's free nidra library, contributed one of my own nidras to it, taken the online Total Yoga Nidra Immersion (fantastic!) and been scoping out when I can take her nidra teacher training.  

2026 was the year, and I decided that last year.  Nailing down dates and all the logistics for this amazing training, which is happening in Umbria, Italy.  Check out this lovely farm which hosts the retreat.  This experience is truly a bucket list trip in every way.  

If you are curious about Uma, her Instagram is a good place, and so is YouTube.  After the training wraps up I will be posting about the experience, including photos.  

Accessible Yoga community

Several years ago I took a wonderful Accessible Yoga training with Jivana Heyman and Amber Karnes, and I remain connected via their newsletter and Facebook group, which is a gathering place of amazing teachers asking questions and sharing wisdom.  Today I came across a post from a family member/yoga teacher wanting to offer support to a dying niece.  The answers were full of compassion, deep wisdom and experience, and of course, as I anticipated, several mentioned yoga nidra.  

One answer caught my eye because this yoga teacher Molly Lannon Kenny has devoted her life to accompanying the dying and also offered such gracious support to this person.   So I did a bit of research (because I am, after all, a researcher), and wow, I have found my next training.  She's even based in Mexico, in Nayarit.  

I am forever grateful to this community and teachings that offer support to so many, in so many ways.  

Yoga for grieving hearts and upcoming changes

 In June my only offering is a special nidra on grief on June 11th from 7-8 pm PST.  Register here. This nidra is very close to my heart.  I created it when my family and I were grieving the death of my mom. We still are. Every fresh grief can bring up earlier ones.  I think of grief like archaeology of the heart.  So come join me to hold your heart and its grief with tenderness and rest. There is much to grieve. Climate grief. The grief of oppressive systems that hurt living things. Our personal heartbreaks. Our collective ones. Often grief impacts our ability to rest and sleep, so nidra holds a particular support for grieving folks.  

Grief is letting go and saying goodbye.  This June offering will be my final one with the Bhakti Yoga Movement Center, which holds a special place in my heart.  I’ve been teaching at the studio for 5 years, as COVID unfolded and changed our lives. This is the studio where I did my first yoga teacher training, and where I found a yoga home with many truly special humans. We part ways with mutual respect and love of these remarkable teachings.   

I will continue to teach yoga nidra virtually.  You will continue to get these emails with updates on my offerings.  For me, teaching nidra is about service - to my students and the collective that benefits from rested humans. 

The payment process will remain the same - via Venmo and PayPal.  I am lowering my fees to make my classes more accessible.  I will be exploring different days and times of the day that will serve you best, and so expect a survey to come your way in the next few months. I will be using Google Meet, not Zoom.  Some things are changing, and some things are not.  

If you have questions, feel free to reach out.  

May nidra series open for registration

Next month I will be offering my short and sweet yoga nidra series, which is just like it sounds - a nourishing nidra class of 30 minutes.  No journaling prompts.  Just some sweet rest on a Thursday evening to ease you towards your weekend.  

I have intentionally not increased the price of this series because I want you (and the whole world) to rest and downregulate your nervous system.  So please join me in the Zoom studio. Register here, and payment is directly to me through Venmo or PayPal.  

On June 11 I will be offering a special yoga nidra class on grief, registration details will be coming in a future email update.  That will be my only offering in June.  

 

Yoga nidra in 2026 - new series starts on April 9

I am taking a couple of months off from teaching nidra, as I am in Arizona right now, and then Mexico City next month.  To tide you over until then, here’s a recording of a nidra of mine.  

I’m coming back to the BYMC studio with a sweet series in April. This series is all about nurturing yourself with the potent combination of yoga nidra and reiki.  To amplify that healing rest during class I will send distant reiki to students (either present at the Livestream or listening to the recording).  If you are curious about reiki, this would be a lovely introduction…

Register for the series here.

Here’s what one of my students shared about the reiki/nidra series experience:

“I am so grateful to be working with Rita to learn about and explore Nidra and Reiki. Rita is supportive and encouraging and her Nidra practices invite calm, non-judgmental rest and reflection. My dog loves it, too! She calms down alongside me and her whole body is relaxed. It's lovely. “

So mark your calendars, April 9, 16, 23, 30 from 7-8 pm PST. 

Solstice nidra class and starting 2026 with rest

 My winter solstice nidra offering is open for registration here, and I would love to see you.  December 21 at 7 pm PST in the Zoom studio.

Winter solstice is the beginning of winter for those of us in the northern hemisphere.  A time to hibernate, for deep rest, and slow down.  However the holidays can often create quite the opposite effect, which makes this nidra class one way to hit the pause button and care for yourself.  I will offer options to use crystals and essential oils during the practice, to make it extra nourishing.  As always, there will be some sweet poetry woven into the nidra.  

In January I will be offering a Thursday evening series to support setting your heart felt intention or sankalpa for 2026.  Here's the link for registration.  January 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 7 pm PST.  

I always record my classes, so you can practice at home or if you miss a livestream. 

I hope to see you in the Zoom studio for some rest in community.  

Dreaming of our ancestors - nidra on November 6

This time of the year the veil between the living and ancestors thins.  The darkness of winter deepens.  It is the perfect time to rest in the liminal space of yoga nidra, where the veils between the waking, sleep and dream states are also thin.  During yoga nidra the nervous system shifts to the parasympathetic state, where healing and deep inner knowing can unfold.   It is a time to slow down and care for yourself by doing literally nothing.  

This special class is a place to support your connection to ancestors through resting in yoga nidra. My nidra meditation will be infused with seasonal imagery to call in your ancestors and support, reflecting my culture as a woman of Mexican heritage, living in Oaxaca, a place that profoundly celebrates the ancestors at this time of year.  Before the class you will receive guidance to create an altar to nurture yourself and your connection to ancestors.  After the nidra meditation there will be time for journaling.   

Registration is open.

Beginners are welcome. I check in via email with students new to my offerings to support their experience.   If you are new to her offerings, please register early to allow time for connecting.   

What you receive:  

• 1 live nidra class on Zoom

• Recording of the class available for your personal practice or if the class date/time doesn’t work for your schedule.  Available until the end of November.

• Guidance on creating an ancestral altar prior to the class.  

• Email access to me for questions that might arise.  

Payment for the series is $25.  Students pay me directly via Venmo at  Rita-Jimenez-4 or PayPal [handle is @ritaj65].  

Learning more about yoga nidra, about me the yoga teacher...

I love yoga nidra and sharing this practice brings me joy.  So I was very grateful my friend and fellow yoga teacher Sarah Nelsen interviewed me on her podcast about nidra.  Click on the word podcast, and you will head to Spotify.  

If you are curious about what yoga nidra is and what I offer, please give it a listen.

There is a short nidra practice at the end too.  Don't practice nidra while driving or riding your bike please!  

My longer nidras generally include poetry and options to include essential oils and crystals.   Sometimes plant medicine too.   

I always post about upcoming yoga nidra series here on this blog, so follow me to keep up to date.  

Nidra and creativity - a new series is coming this September

I have experienced first hand the power of nidra to support creativity.  As the past 5 years have unfolded I have written over 20 picture book manuscripts, learned print making and participated in my first gallery show, as well as created so many yoga nidra experiences for my students.  All while resting nearly daily in my nidra practice.  

Whatever role(s) you play in the world, creativity is the joyful spark that transforms.  Activist, teacher, visual artist, writer, cook, gardener or parent.  All these roles and more are nourished by creativity.  This series is a place to support your creativity through resting in yoga nidra, a nourishing liminal space guided by yours truly.  My nidra meditations are infused with imagery to call in your muses and support.   Affirmations. Poetry. A chance to craft an intention to support your creative self.

What you receive:  

• 3 live nidra classes on Zoom

• Recordings of the classes available for your personal practice or if the class date/time doesn’t work for your schedule. 

• My document on creating a sankalpa or intention to support your creativity.  

• Email access to me during the series.  

The details:

Thursdays September 4, 11, 25 from 7:30-8:30  pm PST 

Registration closes on September 1.  Register here.

Payment for the series is $100.  Students pay me directly via Venmo at  Rita-Jimenez-4 or PayPal [handle is @ritaj65].  

Short and sweet yoga nidra: resting with plantitas - registration is open

My next yoga nidra series is coming up next month. It's one of my favorite offerings, combining my love of plants, herbal remedios and nidra. Join me.

I will offer a nourishing 30 minute yoga nidra to support your rest for 4 Thursday evenings.  My intention is to support you in aligning with the energy of spring and support sleep.  Feel free to practice in your pjs in bed.   I will not guide you out of nidra, i.e. you can remain resting and drift off to sleep….

Once again I am collaborating with my dear friend herbalist  Jennifer Serna of Wapato Island Farm, so that you can access some magical plant allies she’s  created to support resting and the nervous system.   Ordering plant medicine from her apothecary is optional.  If you live outside of the United States, I am happy to offer some insights on plants to seek out to support your rest.  

What will you receive:  

• 4 live nidra classes on Zoom

• Recordings of the classes available for your personal practice until my next series starts in the fall!  A whole summer’s worth of nidra practice.  

• Handout on Jennifer’s plant medicines with suggestions on using her remedios which support rest and relaxation. 

• Register early so you have time to order those before the series begins. 

• Email access to me during the series for any questions that arise.  

May 1, 8, 15, 22 (Thursday evenings) 8:30 pm Pacific Standard Time

Your investment is $60.  Pay me directly via Venmo [Rita-Jimenez-4 and last 4 telephone digits 5447] or PayPal [handle is @ritaj65]. 

Rest is Resistance yoga nidra series is coming in April

Registration is open for my Rest is Resistance Nidra series.

Each Thursday evening in April I will offer you nourishing time in the nidra state, the liminal space between sleep and wakefulness.  I have crafted nidras with quotes and affirmations from the amazing book by Tricia Hersey.  After the nidra you will also have some time to free write/journal/draw with some prompts connected to resting and resisting.  

As always, I will record the nidras, so if Thursday evenings don’t work for your schedule, you can still access my offerings at a time and day that works for you.  

I highly recommend reading this powerful book, but you don’t need to have read the book to enjoy this series.  

In a time where our resistance and love is so needed, it's so important to downregulate our nervous systems to think well and care for ourselves and our community.  I look at practicing nidra as putting your oxygen mask on first.  

Details on the series:

Dates / Times / Format

4-week series; Thursdays in April

April 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th

7:30 - 8:30pm PST

Livestream

Investment

$90 for series

** Please pay me directly through mt Venmo account: @Rita-Jimenez-4 OR PayPal: @ritaj65 **

What do my students say??

“Thank you for this series that has guided us into rest since October. It's been incredible and a big part of my third trimester journey. During labor at the hospital, I played your nidra recordings, I also listened to the one you made personalized to me during labor. I'm so grateful.”

I really appreciate Rita's soothing voice as she guides us into our Nidra practice. Infeel completely supported and nurtured in this space. I like that she pulls from other resources to teach us new things. Having an oracle card to connect with was really special and resonated with me a lot. Thank you Rita! I look forward to future series!!

Yoga Nidra has come into my life at the perfect time. I had only just heard of the practice when Rita's class fell into my lap. I am so grateful to be working with Rita to learn about and explore Nidra and Reiki. Rita is supportive and encouraging and her Nidra practices invite calm, non-judgmental rest and reflection. My dog loves it, too! She calms down alongside me and her whole body is relaxed. It's lovely.

Yoga nidra - what is it? A bit of me the nidra teacher and a short nidra practice!

A friend and fellow yoga teacher Sarah Nelsen interviewed me for her podcast to talk about all things yoga nidra.  So if you are curious about what yoga nidra is and my background as a yoga teacher, give this short podcast a listen.  

At the end I offer a short nidra practice, so you can actually experience one of my nidras.

Enjoy!  

Short and sweet yoga nidra starts on January 9

 My series offers a nourishing 30 minute yoga nidra on Thursday evenings.

Yoga nidra is a guided lying-down meditation that will support your nervous system as it shifts to the parasympathetic state, where rest and healing happens.  My intention is to support your relaxation and sleep.  Feel free to practice in your pjs in bed, as I will not guide students out of nidra, i.e. you can remain resting and drift off to sleep….

Beginners are always warmly welcome. 

The nuts and bolts:

Date/Time: January 9, 16, 23, 30 (Thursday evenings) 8:30 pm PST 

The nidra classes will be recorded, so you can practice on your own.

Cost  $40.  Pay me directly via Venmo [Rita-Jimenez-4 and last 4 telephone digits 5447] or PayPal [handle is @ritaj65]. 

Register at the Bhakti Yoga Movement Center’s website.  You should get an email with the Zoom link for the series. 

Questions?  Email me at ritaj65@gmail.com

Yoga Nidra Network and their dreamy nidra library -- including one of mine

I am a big fan of Uma Dinsmore-Tuli and Nirlipta Tuli --- their Network, class offerings, integrity and wisdom are apparent in all that they do and offer. 

Their website is rich with resources to deepen your nidra journey.  It includes a massive nidra library with nidras of all kinds, in different languages and nidra styles.  Nidra for COVID support, pregnant people, children, etc.  

Their library also includes one of my nidras!!!  Proud nidra teacher moment.   This English language nidra is 19 minutes and will take you off to sleep (and not guide you back to waking).

I hope you enjoy my nidra and others in the library....

Yoga Nidra for Dreams, Shadows, + The Dark

Nurture yourself with potent yoga nidra during this season of darkness. It's also a season which can become hectic and over-scheduled with holidays and cultural expectations that are not realistic.

So come and lie down....you can hit the pause button and nourish yourself with my nidra classes, full of poetry, crystals and optional journaling. Consider it your gift to yourself.

Yoga nidra is a guided meditation that takes you to the parasympathetic state, where deep rest and healing can happen.

My upcoming nidras can be taken as a series or you can drop-in. Choose your adventure. Register here.
Read on to learn about my varied offerings this season....

October 3rd & 10th offer nidras for dreaming.

These sessions will also come with suggestions for crystals that can support dreams and sleep.

November 21st offers a nidra for the shadows.

I will share a card from the gorgeous oracle deck Wisdom of the Shadow. The nidra will be unique, as students can co-create it by sharing words that resonate for them, as well as what the oracle card inspires. After the nidra there will be time to integrate with journaling or visual art of your choosing.

December 5th & 19th offer nidras for winter rest

Slow down and connect to your breath with beautiful seasonal imagery and optional distant reiki.

Full-series participants: Along with the 5 weekly livestream yoga nidra classes, you get access to nidra recordings for your home practice until January 1.

Drop-in students are welcome, please register for the specific session you wish to join. Drop-in students do not receive access to recordings.

These items are recommended for optimal comfort during the practice:

• A comfortable place to lie down

  • If on the floor, consider softening it with a blanket under you.

• A pillow to prop up your head and one for your under your knees if you're lying on your back

• Comfortable layers and have an extra blanket on hand in case you're cold

• Eye pillow or scarf to block out the light

• A warm herbal tea or bottle of water and a light snack to help ground after the class ends

• Journal or paper, pencil. Colored pencils if you would prefer to draw, instead of writing.

• Cell phone turned off

Dates / Times / Format

5 Thursdays sprinkled throughout Fall and Winter season

• Oct 3rd & 10th

• Nov 21st

• Dec 5th & 19th

7:00pm - 8:00pm PST

Livestream

Investment

$100 for series

** Please pay directly through myVenmo account: @Rita-Jimenez-4 or via PayPal: @ritaj65 **