Although I was registered for another workshop at Kripalu, I saw a Gentle Yoga class taught by Jennifer Reis, and chose to attend. It was a packed class. Info postcards for Jennifer’s weekly Divine Sleep® Yoga Nidra online classes were at the entrance of the studio and my inner guide had me take a card.

On the ride home from Kripalu, my husband and I took a break at a rest stop. As I walked on the crosswalk to the restroom, I was hit by a vehicle-apparently coming off the parkway. I do not have conscious memory of the event or subsequent care.

Thankfully very quickly my husband heard the sound and found me. I was ambulanced to a trauma center in the area. I sustained injuries to head, neck and lower spine.

Life is a journey. I believe and trust synchronicity, which was reinforced through a recent life challenge that began my Divine Sleep® Yoga Nidra journey.

Once home, the recovery and rehabilitation issues were multiple and confusing. I didn’t understand care, as I didn’t remember the accident. Although neck, back, facial fracture and injuries initially were dominant, neurological symptoms became apparent, because I sustained head injury.

Flashbacks began, with anxiety and fears, from a bicycle injury from decades ago, in which I was hospitalized for months in several hospitals with ’traumatic brain injury’. I had worn a helmet, and that gave me the chance to rehab brain trauma.

But now after this traffic accident, the panic, anxiety, fear of not feeling safe, confusion with neurologic issues, misunderstanding in communication, and not remembering - were more frustrating than some of the physical limitations. Learning and re-learning over and over… Learning things in different ways that I knew I was so easily able to do previously. It has been a long journey.  

At home with a little mobility, I sat and was able to practice modified chair yoga. Then I saw that postcard of Jennifer’s and I felt like I was receiving guidance from inner Spirit. I began joining her weekly Yoga Nidras online. I listened to her guided, calm voice of the journeys and felt whole and hopeful again.

Yoga Nidra practice gave my mind and body a chance to rest, and the anxiety calmed. I realized I finally found relief! My nervous system was soothed, and feeling comfort even for an hour, helped me to sleep more restfully.

I began to accept this healing experience as a challenge in ‘life lesson’: this was an opportunity to listen to spirit within. The fear, anxiety, anger, pity, ‘not good enough’ thinking slowly began to lessen as I realized inner resources of will, strength, love.

I became more patient, gentler, and more accepting of myself with kindness. I opened to simply be with what is. Yoga Nidra with Jennifer became a necessary and anticipated practice daily for my self-care nourishment for restoration. Yoga Nidra became my anchor. My husband is continually understanding, supporting, and encouraging about my ‘Yoga Nidra’ time. He and I both understand this is an on-going journey still in progress.

Soon after I began to take Jennifer’s weekly Yoga Series courses. Each Series has a unique gift and focus. I became more comfortable practicing gentle postures with modifications, practicing mudras, and generally learning from her teachings, wisdom and guidance.

This led to interest to pursue Divine Sleep® Yoga Nidra Teacher Training with Jennifer. Again, I felt this inner nudge to take a risk to open and dare to do something new!

Yoga Nidra became another resource for my own ‘ABCs’: acceptance, breathe & be here now, calmly let go. I re-learned it through Jennifer’s practices.

Although I took the training for myself, to learn more of the how, why, and origins of Yoga Nidra practice, I do lead prayer meditations with a congregation of mostly seniors. I incorporate elements of Divine Sleep® Yoga Nidra like the kosha layers and the visualization journey which becomes the prayer. Often based in nature, I’ve been asked for more nature themes. I love this because being in nature is prayer for me.

The teacher training was a wonderful growth experience. The wealth of information in the Manual is a gift. The ease, comfort and support while learning something new in a group was enjoyable for me, even as I struggled with memory and learning. I am proud of myself for doing it.

The sessions were online, yet it seemed as though in person, with caring and sharing of our group circle. Jennifer offers herself, sharing information and experience with humor, honesty, gentleness, and openness. I experienced ease, increased confidence, and kindness in the training group. It gave me strength to keep on going, trying, and doing - with feeling. Even with memory gaps that happened – I know all is well and that I am enough.

Currently I maintain ongoing medical therapies and follow-up. The body is truly amazing at healing! The love and support I have received from my husband, family, friends, various groups, and also medical personnel, and through Divine Sleep® Yoga Nidra I value immeasurably.

And here I am, living life as I am. Blessed and grateful to be here, with ability to think, do and learn. ‘Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.’