.png)
JOY YOGA AND WELLNESS
Yoga Studio • Retreats • Training
Based in Dorset
.png)
A Journey to Yoga Nidra & Meditative Deep Rest
This training offers a profound understanding of the transformative practices of deep relaxation, meditation, and restorative awareness. Drawing on the wisdom of yoga, traditional relaxation techniques, and mindful awareness, this immersive programme is designed for teachers and dedicated practitioners who wish to deepen their personal practice, develop their teaching skills, and learn how to guide others into states of profound rest, stillness, and inner awareness.
This training is Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP) eligible, allowing you to count these hours towards your continuing education as a certified yoga teacher.
What You’ll Learn:
-
The Foundations of Yoga Nidra & Conscious Deep Rest: Explore the origins, philosophy, principles, and practices of Yoga Nidra. Understand how conscious relaxation differs from ordinary sleep and how the practice supports deep physical, mental, and emotional rest.
-
The Art of Guiding Deep Relaxation: Learn how to use voice, language, visualisation, breath awareness, body scanning, and sensory awareness to guide students safely and effectively into deeply relaxed and meditative states.
-
Holding Space with Presence: Develop the skills to create a calm, safe, and nurturing environment where students can surrender, soften, and fully experience the practice. Explore the importance of voice, pacing, presence, and compassionate language when teaching deep rest.
-
Guiding Meditative & Restorative States: Learn how to guide students beyond physical relaxation into deeper states of awareness, stillness, and inner connection, supporting a profound sense of rest and wellbeing.
-
Yoga Nidra, the Subtle Body & Sankalpa: Explore concepts such as the koshas, prana, consciousness, and sankalpa to understand the deeper dimensions of Yoga Nidra and how these can be woven into a meaningful practice.
-
Creating & Teaching Yoga Nidra Sessions: Learn how to structure and deliver your own Yoga Nidra and Conscious Deep Rest sessions, adapting practices for different groups, themes, and levels of experience.
Why Train With Us?
We have lived in the tradition of yoga for many years, carrying its profound teachings and values close to our hearts. Yoga is not just a practice but a way of life for us—deeply woven into the fabric of our daily existence. Our holistic approach to health stems from our heritage, rooted in the rich traditions of Asia. This heritage instils in us a deep respect for the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit, nurturing harmony and balance in all aspects of life. Our team comprises skilled experts who specialise in unique areas of health, wellness, and yoga. Anna, an accomplished acupuncturist with a background in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Kundalini Yoga, leads our Anatomy and Physiology module. With 15 years of teaching experience at Brockenhurst College, she integrates ancient wisdom with modern science. Dr. Rich Gold, lifelong practitioner in East Asian medicine and acupuncture since 1978, co-founded the Pacific College of Health and Science, where he taught and served for over two decades. Author of Thai Massage and Seitai (Lymphatic) Shiatsu and Cupping and Gua Sha, he later co-created Metta Mindfulness Music with composer Yuval Ron, blending ancient healing traditions with modern science to worldwide acclaim and multiple Grammy nominations. Together, our team offers timeless wisdom and transformative learning experiences that empower participants on their wellness journeys.
Course Content
In this Yoga Nidra Teacher Training, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the essential techniques needed to effectively teach and practise Yoga Nidra. The programme will explore the foundations of Yoga Nidra, the art of conscious deep rest, the relationship between the body, breath, mind and subtle energy, and the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment. Participants will learn how to guide students into deep states of relaxation, meditation and restorative awareness, while cultivating mindfulness and presence throughout each session.
Yoga Nidra Foundations & Practice
In this training, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the foundations and essential techniques of Yoga Nidra. You will explore the origins, principles, and structure of the practice, as well as the journey between wakefulness, relaxation, and deeper states of consciousness. Through guided practice, you will experience the transformative power of conscious deep rest and develop the confidence to guide others into a state of profound relaxation and restorative awareness.
The Subtle Body & Yogic Wisdom
You will be introduced to key yogic concepts that support a deeper understanding of Yoga Nidra, including the koshas, prana, chakras, and different layers of human experience. We will explore how these subtle aspects of yoga can be incorporated into Yoga Nidra practices to encourage greater awareness of the connection between body, breath, mind, and consciousness. You will learn how to use these teachings to create meaningful and intentional practices that support self-awareness, balance, and inner connection.
Meditative Techniques & Deep Relaxation
You will develop essential skills to guide students into deeply relaxed, meditative states. Through practices including body awareness, breath awareness, visualisation, rotation of consciousness, and sensory withdrawal, you will learn how to encourage the mind and body to soften and settle. You will explore the art of using voice, language, pacing, and silence to create a calm and supportive space, allowing practitioners to move beyond physical relaxation into inner stillness, mental clarity, and a profound sense of rest.
Holistic Integration
We will explore Yoga Nidra as a holistic practice for restoring balance across the physical, mental, emotional, and energetic aspects of wellbeing. You will learn how to create and structure Yoga Nidra sessions around different intentions, themes, and needs, including the use of Sankalpa (personal intention), visualisation, breath awareness, and deep relaxation. By integrating these practices, you will develop a well-rounded approach to teaching Yoga Nidra and Conscious Deep Rest, creating a nurturing space where students can deeply rest, reconnect with themselves, and experience a profound sense of inner peace.
Course Teachers
Joy Bennett
Head of Education for Dorset School of Yoga / Lead teacher
As a lifelong yoga practitioner and founder of Joy Yoga and Wellness and the Dorset School of Yoga, she specialises in blending yogic philosophy, mindfulness meditation, and Traditional Chinese Medicine to offer a holistic approach to well-being. With over a decade of experience in Ashtanga Vinyasa Flow, she guides students on a transformative journey of self-discovery, fostering a deep connection between body, breath, and movement. Having trained with Sarah Powers, the founder of Yin Yoga, she is deeply committed to preserving the authenticity of the practice. Her teaching honours the original intention of Yin—long-held, meditative poses that nourish the connective tissues and cultivate inner stillness—offering students an experience rooted in depth, presence, and ancient wisdom.
What Our Students Have to Say
Course Dates, Location & Details
It is important that you attend all the training days that we have scheduled, to meet the requirements of graduation and certification which is required by Yoga Alliance.
If you have to miss a day due to extenuating circumstances, we will be as flexible and accommodating as we can to arrange catch-up sessions. Please note that there will be extra fees applied for arranging this.
Dates:
13-14 November & 20-21 November 2027
Time: 08.00am-5.00pm each day (with one hour lunch break)
Venue: In-person at Joy Yoga and Wellness Studio, Southbourne
Price: £450
Payment of £100 deposit* secures a place with the balance due two months before the course begins. terms & conditions
Location
Training will take place at Joy Yoga and Wellness Studio in Southbourne, located on Seabourne Road in Bournemouth. This welcoming and beautifully designed studio offers a bright, calming, and spacious environment—perfect for deep practice and learning. Just moments from Southbourne Grove and a short walk from the beach, the studio is easily accessible by public transport, including frequent local bus routes as well as nearby Pokesdown Train Station.
How to Apply
REGISTER
▶ Click "To Register" to secure your place. ▶ Pay the enrolment fee to begin the application process. ▶ Once we receive your enrolment fee, we will contact you with the application form. ▶Complete and return the application form at your earliest convenience.
APPLICATION REVIEW
▶ Once both your enrolment fee and application form have been received, the enrolment review process will begin. ▶ We will review your completed application against the training criteria. ▶ Our team carefully assesses each application to ensure the programme is the right fit for you. ▶ If your application is unsuccessful, your enrolment fee will be refunded in full.
CONFIRMATION & NEXT STEPS
▶ Successful applicants will receive a confirmation of acceptance. ▶ We will provide all the information needed to complete your enrolment. ▶ You will receive details about course dates, payments, requirements, and preparation for the training. ▶ Welcome to your 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training journey.
Testimonials
Further Information
Reading List
Prerequisites
-
Basic yoga experience
-
200-hour yoga teacher training certification (optional, but often recommended)
-
Interest in holistic medicine or energy systems
-
Openness to stillness and mindfulness practices
-
Basic understanding of functional anatomy (particularly joints and connective tissues)
-
Previous exposure to Yin Yoga as a student
-
Some teaching experience, especially if you intend to incorporate Yin into your classes
Course Certification
This course is registered with and certified by Yoga Alliance.
Terms & Conditions
Our Past Trainings
