I’m a Ph.D. student in systems engineering and I live in Washington D.C. Four years ago I was working as a program manager for an aerospace/ defense company supporting NASA and doing my Ph.D. coursework at night. At the same time as juggling work and school, my younger sister who is my best friend, was diagnosed with cancer.
I was having a horrible time balancing life, work, and school. I spent many anxious, sleepless nights running through many thoughts, and seemingly unable to calm myself down enough to fall asleep. I was drinking three or four cappuccinos a day to keep me going. Needless to say – my life was extremely stressful. Then I found Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra!
While I was attending Karen Arp-Sandel’s Vibrant Visionary Collage program at Kripalu, she played Jennifer Reis’ Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra during a morning session. As I listened, I fell fast asleep for the first time in ages! I felt an overwhelming sense of joy as I realized that this could be the solution to many of my problems – primarily addressing stress and sleep issues in one easy and enjoyable solution – just laying down and listening to Jennifer!
I got Jennifer’s CD and took it home with me and began practicing almost every night. I went from not being able to calm my thoughts to being able to sleep night after night! I can’t imagine going back to how it was before, and can’t imagine life without my regular yoga nidra meditation practice!
Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra has also helped me get through stressful times in my Ph.D program. As well as being a place to retreat to and connected me with my inner knowing as I have dealt with issues in my personal life, including my sister’s illness.
My yoga nidra practice has given me a sense of peace that has aided me in doing things I never thought I would do – including recently riding my bike from Baltimore, MD to Key West, FL with the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults! The benefits keep spreading into my life and to those around me. In fact, my husband says that listening to Jennifer’s Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra has helped him to fall asleep faster too!
When I saw that Jennifer was teaching a yoga class at Kripalu during my most recent visit, I had to take the class so I could walk up and tell her how much peace she has brought into my life. Sure, it’s awkward walking up to a stranger saying “Hi, I listen to your voice almost every night and it’s helped me get through my Ph.D.,” but I’m sure glad that I did. Thanks, Jennifer!
