Yoga Nidra Training
AWAKENING FROM OUR SLEEP
YOGA NIDRA SELF PACED IMMERSION & TRAINING
A comprehensive exploration of the practice, philosophy, and art of guiding Yoga Nidra
For more than twenty years, Yoga Nidra was one of the primary maps through which I explored consciousness, attention, inner experience, and the nature of Self.
I studied the practice deeply, experienced it through different traditions and teachings, guided thousands of hours of practice, wrote and refined scripts, trained others to guide, and became increasingly interested in the precision of what happens as attention moves through the different stages of Yoga Nidra.
Awakening From Our Sleep brings that body of work together.
This self-paced immersion is for those who want to experience Yoga Nidra deeply, understand the traditional and philosophical maps that inform it, and develop a more precise relationship with the practice.
It is also a comprehensive training for those who feel called to guide Yoga Nidra themselves.
You are invited to learn the map, experience the practices directly, and discover what they reveal for you.
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Tanis’ remarkable 20-year journey in writing and teaching Yoga Nidra is nothing short of transformative. Her unique ability to help you uncover the beauty within your own body shifts your entire perspective on life. Completing her course left me feeling deeply empowered, at peace, and filled with a profound sense of joy. I am now inspired and ready to guide others with Yoga Nidra, carrying the invaluable wisdom I’ve gained from a true master.”
why yoga nidra
Yoga Nidra is a systematic practice of moving attention through different dimensions of experience while the body enters deep rest.
Within the traditions that shaped my understanding of the practice, Yoga Nidra was understood as far more than relaxation. It offered a map for exploring awareness, states of consciousness, the Koshas, Sankalpa, and ultimately the nature of Self.
Those questions fascinated me.
My own relationship with Yoga Nidra began during my time at Bihar Yoga Bharati in India and developed into more than two decades of study, practice, teaching, and refinement.
Over those years, I became interested in both the philosophy surrounding Yoga Nidra and what could actually be encountered through the practice itself.
What happens as the body becomes deeply still while awareness remains present?
What becomes perceptible as attention moves through body, breath, sensation, emotion, imagery, and different qualities of inner experience?
How does language influence attention?
What changes when we learn to witness an experience rather than immediately react to it?
What do the traditional maps of Yoga Nidra tell us about consciousness and Self—and what do we discover when we explore those maps through our own direct experience?
These are some of the questions that shaped this training.
The course teaches Yoga Nidra through the traditions and philosophical frameworks that informed my work during those twenty years. You will encounter language around the Koshas, awareness, consciousness, Self, Sankalpa, and awakening because these ideas form part of the map through which the practice was taught and through which I studied it.
You are invited to engage those teachings with curiosity and discernment.
Learn what the traditions propose.
Enter the practices.
Pay attention to your own experience.
And allow the relationship between the two to become part of your exploration.
“At the point of sleep when sleep has not yet come and external wakefulness vanishes, at that point Being is revealed.'”
― Vigyana Bhairava Tantra
What You'll Experience
A Deep Exploration of Yoga Nidra Through Practice
This self-paced training gives you time to experience Yoga Nidra rather than simply learn about it.
There is no rush to move through the material.
You can listen to a teaching, enter a practice, return to it, notice something different, and allow your understanding to develop through repetition and direct experience.
The teachings within this course come from more than twenty years of my study and practice.
The guided Yoga Nidra sessions are based on scripts I developed and refined over time, with particular attention to language, pacing, sequencing, and the movement of attention through the practice.
Some of these practices may be familiar if you have encountered my work through Insight Timer or YouTube. Within the training, they are placed inside a much larger framework so you can understand the architecture behind what you are experiencing.
If you are learning to guide others, this becomes especially important.
You are learning more than a script.
You are learning to understand the map well enough to recognize why each component is there, how language shapes the experience, and how to guide with increasing clarity and precision.
If your interest is personal practice, the same material offers an opportunity to explore Yoga Nidra at a depth that is difficult to access through individual recordings alone.
“Discovering Yoga Nidra was a life-changing experience for me. ...
Tanis Fishman, of the School of Sankalpa and Insight Timer teacher was an incredible guide throughout this journey. Her gentle, tender voice created a safe space where I could fully relax and experience the ease I had been longing for. Her approach felt deeply nurturing, and it made each session feel like a sanctuary for my mind and body”
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
The Roots & Philosophy of Yoga Nidra
Explore the historical and philosophical contexts that have shaped Yoga Nidra and the spiritual traditions through which the practice has been understood and transmitted.
We look at the ideas surrounding awareness, consciousness, Self, and awakening as they relate to the practice, giving you a framework for understanding the map you are entering.
Yoga Nidra & the Exploration of Consciousness
Explore what happens as attention moves through the stages of Yoga Nidra and the body enters progressively deeper states of rest.
We examine traditional understandings of waking, dreaming, sleep, awareness, and consciousness alongside the direct experience of practice.
Rather than treating philosophical descriptions as substitutes for experience, you are encouraged to notice what becomes available through your own practice.
The Practical Architecture of Yoga Nidra
Explore the components that form a Yoga Nidra practice, including body awareness, breath, sensation, Sankalpa, imagery, witnessing, and other techniques found within different approaches to the tradition.
You'll learn how these elements function within the larger sequence and experience them directly through guided practice.
The Koshas & States of Consciousness
Explore the Koshas as one of the traditional maps used to understand different dimensions of human experience.
We examine how this framework has informed the structure and philosophy of Yoga Nidra and use practice as an opportunity to investigate the map experientially.
The course also explores commonly referenced brainwave states and their relationship to relaxation, sleep, and states of consciousness, while keeping the scientific framework distinct from the traditional yogic map.
The Art of Scripting & Guiding Yoga Nidra
For those who want to guide others, this is a significant part of the training.
You'll explore how to construct a Yoga Nidra practice with intention and precision, including sequencing, pacing, language, transitions, imagery, and the role of the guide.
You'll also receive scripts and examples developed through my own years of teaching, giving you practical foundations from which to begin developing your own voice.
“Learning from Tanis about the profoundly effective system of Yoga Nidra meditation has improved not only my own quality of life and self esteem; Yoga Nidra has become an essential part of how I teach and support my students and clients as they heal. I cannot stress just how fortunate we are to have such a gifted teacher and expert guide in our city, our community.”
”Having the luxury of attending two live Yoga Nidra trainings offered by yourself, School of Sankalpa and the chosen facilitators you trusted to support our trainings has been some of the richest trainings I have attended. The materials covered not only prepared me to share this sacred practice with others, but allowed for a deep embodied experience that was necessary to fully understand the pure potential and depth of both the practice and state of consciousness.I am deeply grateful and honoured to continue sharing Yoga Nidra with the confidence embedded within me through the thorough wisdom passed down through these teachings.Thank you! ”
THE COURSE STRUCTURE
Learn in Your Own Time
This course is entirely self-paced.
You have lifetime access to the material, allowing you to move slowly, repeat practices, revisit teachings, and develop your understanding over time.
The course includes:
15 lecture and teaching videos exploring the philosophy, structure, practice, and art of guiding Yoga Nidra
12 full-length Yoga Nidra practices, each exploring the practice through a different experience
An opening and closing meditation
Lifetime access to the video teachings, guided practices, and course resources
My personal teaching notes
Two comprehensive manuals: The Map and The Guide
Seven Yoga Nidra practice scripts for your own study and use
“It feels as though this course has unlocked a doorway within me—creatively, emotionally, and spiritually. It’s been a process of allowing, unearthing, and peeling back layers, leaving me with the powerful sensation of living from the inside out. It’s such a wild, wonderful perspective to explore and observe.”
A note from me
This course holds a particular place in my body of work.
Yoga Nidra was one of my deepest investigations for more than twenty years. I gave myself fully to understanding its philosophy, experiencing its practices, and refining the art of guiding it.
That chapter of active teaching has now reached completion for me.
I no longer offer live Yoga Nidra trainings, and my current inquiry has moved into other territories of consciousness, perception, direct experience, and spiritual knowing.
I have chosen to keep this training available because the body of work itself is complete, detailed, and valuable for those who want to study Yoga Nidra deeply.
It also represents something I continue to value enormously: the willingness to enter a map completely, learn its language, understand its architecture, experience what it points toward, and discover for yourself what it reveals.
This course is the culmination of my years inside the map of Yoga Nidra.
I am honoured to leave it here for those who feel called to enter it.
“Deepening into Yoga Nidra through this training and immersion contributed to profound healing at a time when it was very much needed in my life. It was grounding to gain an understanding of the origins and concepts of the practice, which compounded the awareness and insights that came from the practices we engaged in. Yoga Nidra is a true gift in our chaotic times and I am grateful to Tanis for being so dedicated to explore, preserve and pass on its teachings.”
”Learning the wisdom teachings of Yoga Nidra from Tanis was the best investment I could have made. She has studied and immersed herself in this practice so deeply, and the embodiment of what she is sharing is so deeply felt, on so many levels. This is a training and also a personal journey that brought me into contact with so much within my own inner world that continues to unfold.
”Yoga Nidra from Tanis Fishman is one of the most profound teachings that I have encountered. She has mapped the sequence of Yoga Nidra following the ancient lineages that is easily followed in her guide and recordings for those that want to teach or just practice. It is the culmination of sacred teachings with deep understanding and experience, a lifetime masterpiece.””
begin awakening from our sleep
yoga nidra training
If you are called to explore Awakening From Our Sleep & The Inward Path - you can purchase these at a discounted bundle rate. Visit the bottom of the Courses Page to learn more.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Yoga Nidra, often referred to as “yogic sleep,” is not simply a practice of rest, but a profound invitation to awaken in the thresholds of our unconsciousness—places where our deepest patterns and conditioning reside, often unseen. I believe that those drawn to Yoga Nidra, whether consciously or unconsciously, are seeking to wake up from the sleep of unconscious programming and step into a state of full awareness. This desire to awaken is not just a desire—it’s woven into our very design. Yoga Nidra offers the tools to remain present, awake, and aware in the very spaces that are typically most hidden, like the veil between wakefulness and sleep, or the thresholds of rebirth.
This practice isn’t just about relaxation; it’s a map of awakening. It guides you through the layers of your being and offers the opportunity to transcend unconscious patterns that may have been operating in the background of your life. Through this course, you will be gently led into states of deep stillness, expanded consciousness, and inner peace—each time, returning to the clarity of your true essence. Yoga Nidra is a practice of remembering.
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No prior experience is necessary. This course is designed for both beginners and those with more experience. If you’ve been drawn to my Yoga Nidra recordings and resonate with my guidance, this course will offer you a deeper understanding of what’s happening behind the scenes of the practice. You’ll be invited to explore Yoga Nidra through my lens, offering clarity on the intentions, techniques, and spiritual significance that guide each session. Whether you're new to Yoga Nidra or seeking to deepen your existing practice, you’ll find value in the teachings and the nurturing, step-by-step approach to expanding your awareness. The course meets you where you are, gently supporting you to deepen your connection to the practice and to yourself.
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This is a self-paced course, which means you can take as long as you need. The course includes 12 full-length Yoga Nidra practices, with accompanying teachings, scripts, and resources. You have lifetime access, so there is no rush to complete everything at once. Take your time to explore and integrate each lesson and practice.
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15 lecture & teaching videos
12 full-length Yoga Nidra sessions (45 - 60min), each offering a unique and intentional journey.
An opening and closing meditation to help set and revisit your intentions.
Lifetime access to all course content, including video teachings, guided practices, and resources.
My personal notes, 2 detailed manuals (“The Map” & “The Guide”), and 7 Yoga Nidra practice scripts for your personal use.
Insights into the roots, philosophy, and practical techniques of Yoga Nidra.
A certificate of Completion from the School of Sankalpa
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Yes, upon completion of the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from the School of Sankalpa. While this is a self-paced, spiritually-oriented practice, this certificate acknowledges your dedication and understanding of Yoga Nidra. Please note that I have never been affiliated with Yoga Alliance, though I have shared my guidance and teachings across the globe. This certificate is not a formal yoga teaching certification, but a recognition of your personal journey and mastery of the practices. Whether you choose to apply Yoga Nidra in your own life or share it with others, this course provides you with the tools and wisdom to deepen your practice and share your light with the world.
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The course is organized into a series of video teachings, guided practices, and written materials. There will be foundational teachings as well as more advanced concepts. Each stage of the practice is supported by video lecture as well as detailed notes and the opportunity to reflect and deepen your understanding. You can move through the material at your own pace and revisit it whenever you feel the need.
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The course requires only a quiet, comfortable space where you can practice without distractions. Ideally, you should have access to a mat, blanket, and perhaps a pillow for added comfort during your Yoga Nidra sessions. Other than that, all you need is a device to access the course content (computer, tablet, or phone).
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Once you sign up, you will receive access to the course through an online platform. All videos, audios, scripts, and manuals will be available for you to download and stream at your convenience. You’ll have lifetime access, so you can revisit the materials as many times as you wish.
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Yes, you can download the guided Yoga Nidra sessions and access them offline. This ensures you can practice anytime and anywhere that suits you.
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There’s no right or wrong way to approach this course—it’s all about what feels right for you. Take your time with each lesson and session, and give yourself space to integrate the teachings into your daily life. If you’re guiding others, you can use the materials to create your own sessions, but remember that the practice of Yoga Nidra is also about personal transformation.
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While this is a self-paced training, If you have any questions or need guidance, you can reach out to me via email. I also encourage you to use the materials and your practice as tools for self-inquiry. The course is designed to support you in your inner awakening process, and I am here to offer guidance as needed.
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This course offers the flexibility to work at your own pace, allowing you to integrate the teachings in a way that suits your life. Each Yoga Nidra session is approximately 45 minutes long, and there are additional teachings and exercises to explore. While there is no set timeframe for completion, to receive the maximum benefit from this course, I recommend practicing Yoga Nidra 3-4 times a week. Regular practice will deepen your experience and enhance the integration of the teachings into your daily life. You can choose how much time to dedicate each week, but consistency will support you in making the most of your journey. The course is designed to be nurturing, adaptable, and transformative, without overwhelming you with time commitments.
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Absolutely! In addition to deepening your personal practice, this course includes teachings on how to script and lead Yoga Nidra sessions. If you feel called to guide others, you’ll gain practical tools to create and structure your own sessions with intention. The course is designed to give you the foundation and inspiration to guide from a place of true understanding and experience.
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This course blends practical techniques with profound spiritual insights, drawing from a wide range of wisdom traditions. As a mystic, I’ve spent years exploring the common threads that run through many spiritual paths, and I share these insights with you. My journey into Yoga Nidra began at the Bihar Bharati Ashram in India, where I first encountered its deep roots, and this experience continues to influence my guidance. While Yoga Nidra is the heart of this course, it is presented through a lens that integrates teachings from diverse traditions, offering a holistic approach to awakening.
You will explore the roots and philosophy of Yoga Nidra, including its powerful connection to consciousness expansion, the Koshas (the layers of the self), and brainwave states. Along the way, you will also discover how Yoga Nidra serves as a tool to awaken to your true nature—a practice that transcends any single tradition and speaks directly to the universal human experience.
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While I deeply respect the importance of all Yoga Nidra offerings and guides, especially in our fast-paced world, what makes this course unique is that it comes from my own personal journey. I believe we are all lights and guides for each other, and we take turns leading one another through different parts of our timelines. For me, Yoga Nidra has been a map—a tool that has helped me track my experiences and continually find my way back home to pure awareness. It has been extraordinarily useful in my own life, and I feel honored to offer it to you from a place of deep reverence.
This course is not just a series of practices; it’s a heartfelt offering, born from my 20+ years of study and practice. I’ve carefully woven together practical tools and deep spiritual wisdom, not only to guide you into relaxation, but to awaken from our unconscious sleep across lifetimes.
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Simply sign up for the course, and you’ll gain immediate access to all materials. Begin by watching the introductory video and setting your intentions for the journey ahead in the guided opening meditation. From there, you can start your first module and Yoga Nidra session whenever you feel ready.
“I approached this training with no expectations, in the best possible way, but with a deep knowing and faith that I needed to be there. Far more than a teacher training, this experience was profoundly transformative and liberating for me in so many ways. The space that was created and held by all was safe and sacred, the knowledge and wisdom that was shared was clear, well presented and still had a spark of magic to it, the experience of immersing myself along with fellow students was incredible. If your heart has guided you towards this training, then trust it, take the leap, and surrender yourself to the timeless experience that learning with Tanis, Heather and the entire faculty provides. Deepest gratitude for this experience, something I will never forget and that marks a pivotal time in my life. ”