Federica Torri
I had asked myself perfection in absolutely anything I did. Growing up in a culture that glorified achievement and hard work, where rest was rarely valued, until recently I couldn’t conceive the idea of what it meant to slow down.
I was playing hard and fast game. Along with the fact that I am naturally a ‘fixer’, as well as highly biased for action. If there is ever a problem, I take it on and solve it. And trust me I didn’t stop until every task was completed, and all issues resolved, which was draining me.
On top of it all I am a very creative and highly sensitive person, thus I have always felt a lot, and many times felt totally overwhelmed. I struggled for a long time with what felt like the impossible task of regulating my nervous system. I longed to understand myself more deeply to bring a shift into my habits and outlook.
I moved to the USA from Italy and built my career in the tech industry. For over ten years, I did a great job and learnt so much, but also experienced burnout. My health suffered. For more than 15 years I was in constant pain with other symptoms no one knew why. I had to make adjustments to my career and take time to rest. During this time of recovery I became a yoga teacher and this has led me to so many great things, including Jennifer and her teachings.
In the last couple of years it has been quite difficult for me as I was finally diagnosed with a chronic condition that has ‘no cure’. Overall things seemed to pile up in my life. I felt it was impossible for me to slow down. I was absolutely unable to rest. So I tried but really struggled with traditional sitting meditation.
And then I met Divine Sleep® Yoga Nidra! A yoga teacher recommended Jennifer Reis and I looked into her online work and offerings. I plunged in and started attending her 6-week Yoga Series as well as deep rest with weekly Yoga Nidra Thursdays. And I noticed how healing and nurturing this time that I carved our for myself in yoga nidra has just wonderful for my nervous system.
I even started finding joy in life again! I could feel my nervous system began to have more tolerance for the stresses in life. Although I’m still in not optimal situation as the chronic disease challenges me every day, yoga nidra has become a tender nest! I especially rest deeply when I am overwhelmed–and being an highly sensitive person I can be overwhelmed a lot.
The effects of yoga nidra on my pain has been nothing short of amazing! Far less pain now. Other incredible effects is that I digest and receive nourishment more fully, and I can now fully rest as well as sleep better. It has helped me teach yoga in new ways, allowing them to become more relaxed and present. I see they are able to land in the moment now.
Overall yoga nidra has been life changing for me, and I can’t wait to offer it now that I am a recent graduate of Divine Sleep® Yoga Nidra Teacher Training. I love the training as it was truly such an amazing content and experience. I can’t wait to offer this gift to my students!
I can’t say enough about the impact that Jennifer’s teaching is having in my life. I am still new as a yoga teacher, and her 6 weeks Series courses (that I attend religiously) have been key in shaping the teacher I am becoming. From her words, mudras, pranayama, yoga postures and incorporating the Elements, I receive so much.
Jennifer’s knowledge of the body both physical and energetic is so evident in the very original way she brings everything together. And I love her Workbooks and Manuals, as they’re just so well written and designed that I use them all the time.
I love Divine Sleep® Yoga Nidra every Thursday on zoom with Jennifer and it is a true treat for me. She comes up with creative imagery that she builds for every journey.
My life has changed because of yoga nidra and I am forever in gratitude!
