August 5, 2019 | 63 minutes, 40 seconds
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Podcast Show Notes
Yoga nidra has become a popular and effective relaxation tool common in many yoga studios. But it is not always practiced with an understanding of its original purpose.
Translated, yoga nidra combines yoga, union of mind, body, and consciousness, and nidra, sleep. Strictly translated, yoga nidra is the ability to sleep while maintaining a state of heightened awareness. But the true practice of yoga nidra is much more!
Yogarupa Rod Stryker has taught yoga nidra for 40 years and has a book coming out called Enlightened Sleep. I’m very excited to bring him onto the podcast, where we dive deep into yoga nidra.
Yogarupa Rod Stryker is a world-renowned yoga and meditation teacher, guiding and sharing his wisdom for 40 years. He is the founder of ParaYoga®, the author of The Four Desires: Creating a Life of Purpose, Happiness, Prosperity, and Freedom. He is the creator of the most comprehensive online yoga teacher training in the world and most recently, the app Sanctuary, a premier destination for all levels of those wanting to experience the life-changing practices of meditation and yoga nidra, also known as enlightened sleep. Rod has dedicated his life to improving lives through his lectures, writing, practice, teaching, leadership, service and family life.
Rod shares the gifts of his practice, discipleship and life with a wide spectrum of audiences: from those wanting practical ways to improve their wellbeing to individuals and corporations seeking to apply time-tested methods to successfully meet the ever-changing demands of modern life. A living link to a venerable lineage of sages and teachers, Rod is distinguished for his ability to make ancient wisdom and practices accessible to modern audiences. A thought-leader for how best to live with meaning, creativity, responsibility and freedom, he guides experienced students and teachers of yoga and meditation seeking to deepen and share their understanding of the ancient wisdom and timeless practices.
Background:
Raised in Los Angeles, CA., Rod attended Beverly Hills High School and the University of Denver, in addition to studying abroad. He began his study of yoga at the age of nineteen. Called to teach early in his studies, he taught his first class in 1980 and led his first teacher training in 1987.
Following nearly two decades of studentship, Rod became the first American disciple of Kavi Yogiraj Mani Finger and Yogiraj Alan Finger to be given the title Yogiraj––master of Yoga. Since 1999, Rod has been a student of Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Ph.D. in the tradition of Sri Vidya.
After decades of study, intensive practice and apprenticeship with these internationally renowned Yoga masters, Rod founded ParaYoga® as a resource for the time-tested wisdom of the yoga tradition. As part of ParaYoga’s Master Training program, he launched one of the most comprehensive online yoga teacher trainings in the world. Most recently, he launched his app Sanctuary to serve as a premier destination for all levels of those wanting to experience the life-changing practices of meditation and yoga nidra (aka “Enlightened Sleep”). The app’s mission is to provide tools and knowledge that elevate the lives of individuals and society as a whole.
Rod is mentor to hundreds of teachers and thousands of students worldwide. He currently lives in Colorado with his wife, Gina D’Orazio Stryker where together they’ve raised their four children Jaden, Theo, Asha and Atreya.
