Let your act of self-healing support those in need; September 8th marks one month since the start of the fires on Maui. It has been a colossal tragedy on every level. The traumatic experiences for the residents is far from over. Spread Aloha and let your participation in this event of self-healing practices send our support across the ocean.

• • Space is limited, please sign up in advance.
  • To give more please donate directly to Maui Strong Fund and pass it on.
  • If you cannot attend or the event sells out please consider giving anyway. Thank you.

In this workshop you receive a brief introduction to the origin and practice of Yoga Nidra. You  will be guided through centering, pranayama and gentle movement. Finally we will relax into a guided Yoga Nidra practice accompanied by healing sound vibrations.

Yoga Nidra is a deeply relaxed state of awareness. The profound practice of Yoga Nidra  accompanied by the healing sounds of various instruments provides an incredible opportunity to deeply rest, recalibrate the nervous system and supports our entire being: Yoga Nidra literally means “Yogic Sleep” and is a state of consciousness where the body appears to be asleep while the mind remains awake and aware. In this conscious state of deeply relaxed awareness the “witness” emerges and we experience the true Self. This state allows us to access our own self-healing process and connect with our higher truth, also known in ancient texts as Sankalpa. Yoga Nidra supports the body in doing what it is wired to do: rejuvenate, repair, and restore at a cellular and energetic level.

Sound vibrations are both heard and felt and have physiological effects on our being. Since our bodies are densely packed fields of energy, sound vibration can support us in recalibrating our own vibrational frequency. Stress hormones can depress every aspect of the immune system and sound bathing can break stress cycles in a safe, relaxing and noninvasive way. Sound bathing is a means to support overall health and wellbeing. With regular sound experiences one can lower heart rate and blood pressure, relax brain wave patterns, reduce respiratory rates and boost natural opiates in the  physical body.

Please wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes. We will be lying down on our backs for approximately 40 minutes. If coming to the floor is not available to you props and folding chairs are available. No experience is necessary.

If you would like to support an individual who has been impacted by the fire through loss of home & livelihood by donating to a legitimate, personal Venmo account please contact: sevika@integralyogasf.org.

Heather Sevika Ford, C-IAYT, MFA Design, became a certified Yoga teacher in 2008 and a certified Yoga Therapist in 2017. Her classical yoga training and approach to teaching guides individuals towards experiencing the essence of Yoga; a contemplative, mindful practice intended to remove obstacles and restore peace. Accessibly and collaboratively she supports her clients towards optimal health and wellness through mindful movement and postures, subtle practices such as Yoga Nidra, Pranayama and meditation, as well as Reiki, sound vibration and aromatherapy. These practices are intended to strengthen the body, increase flexibility, optimize and soothe the immune and nervous systems. Her training and experience enables her to work safely and mindfully with a range of clients with a variety of conditions including addiction recovery, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, stroke, pre and post-op, arthritis, cancer, post-polio syndrome, PTS, asthma, emphysema, nerve damage, joint replacements, and those experiencing limited physical mobility. She offers individual Yoga Therapy and teaches classes and workshops for Integral Yoga Institute San Francisco, Stanford University and Alta Mira Recovery Center. Learn more at sevikayoga.com