As busy professionals balancing work, home, and everything in between, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by our to-do lists or be swept up by stress. Yoga Nidra, often referred to as “yogic sleep”, is a structured relaxation technique that promotes deep rest and present-moment awareness. It helps reduce stress and supports mental resilience, making it a valuable tool for CPAs managing demanding workloads.
This workshop is ideal for CPAs interested in exploring meditation as a resiliency skill. Certified yoga instructor, Chrissy McGuire, CPA, CGA, will guide participants through three 30-minute sessions over the course of a month. The sessions will cover an introduction to Yoga Nidra and its benefits and strategies for incorporating Yoga Nidra into a busy schedule. Each session will conclude with a live Q&A and additional resources for continued practice.
Discover Yoga Nidra today!
Workshop Details
Session 1: The Rest Phase
Wednesday, January 15, 11:00 – 11:45 am
We tend to our physical exhaustion and help our bodies truly rest and relax. Especially after a busy holiday season, it’s so refreshing to give yourself permission to rest. It’s nearly impossible for our minds to operate from a calm state when our bodies are burnt out and/or in fight or flight, so this is an important first step.
Session 2: The Release Phase
Wednesday, February 5, 11:00 – 11:45 am
We tend to our emotional and mental exhaustion. Once we can find our breath and teach our bodies to come out of an anxious or stressed state, our minds can follow suit. We can think more logically and take responsive action rather than reactively.
Session 3: The Rise Phase
Wednesday, February 12, 11:00 – 11:45 am
We tend to our soul exhaustion and give more attention to our purpose. Our dreams and goals. Our leadership. How can we live and lead better from a rested and calmer state?
Beginners and expert meditators are welcome! This series is ideal for beginners, offering a gentle, guided introduction to meditation and mindfulness without requiring previous experience in yoga or meditation. The practice is accessible to all abilities and not limited to a particular fitness level as no movement is required.
Cost: $25 + GST
Your ticket includes:
- Access to all three live 30-minute Yoga Nidra sessions.
- Live Q&A with instructor Chrissy McGuire following each session.
- Ability to revisit workshop practices with on-demand access to all recordings and materials until March 14.
- Bonus guided meditation resources from Chrissy.
- A gratitude journal to continue your wellness practice.
Register today!
Space is limited.
Questions about this workshop? Email contact@cpa-assist.ca.
About the Instructor
Chrissy McGuire CPA, CGA
Chrissy McGuire CPA, CGA is a CPA and a certified yoga and meditation teacher, as well as a single mom to two young boys with disabilities. Fueled by deep breaths and plenty of coffee, Chrissy is passionate about sharing how meditation and rest practices have helped her cultivate work-life balance, enhance her leadership, and fuel her advocacy both personally and professionally. She is dedicated to making these transformational practices simple and accessible for everyone. Discover more of Chrissy’s insights and offerings on the free Insight Timer app, or connect with her on Instagram.
FAQs
What is Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation practice that eases you into deep relaxation, and restoration. It’s an ancient yogic practice that has been popularized in the West as a transformational tool for reducing stress, increasing focus, allowing for deeper and more restorative sleep, and has even been used as treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How is Yoga Nidra different from meditation?
Yoga nidra is a form of meditation. What makes it unique is the fact that it is guided throughout the practice, and it’s longer than most typical meditation practices (usually ranging between 20-60 minutes.) You’re also encouraged to lie down, rather than a traditional seated practice, as you’re guided into a deep state of relaxation.
Yoga Nidra also works with a Sankalpa; a Sanskrit word that loosely translates to intention, or vow. You may choose any intention that you wish to embody, and it’s suggested to be in the form of an “I am” affirmation statement; examples can include, “I am rested”, “I am resourceful,” or “I am empowered,” are just a few suggestions. As you’re guided into deep states of relaxation, and brainwave states similar to that of deep sleep (yet you remain awake) you can plant the seed of your intention, and your subconscious mind will accept this as truth.
Do I have to lie down?
Nidra can absolutely be practiced sitting up comfortably in a chair, or on the floor leaning against a wall or some other form of support. Although it is nice to be able to lie down, to encourage your physical body to more fully relax, this isn’t always possible, and not preferable to some people. You are welcome to practice however you are most comfortable.
Do I need any props or supplies?
Although you don’t “need” anything, you may want items to keep yourself comfortable, such as an eye pillow, bolsters or pillows to prop yourself up on, etc. Your body will likely cool down over the course of the practice, as you won’t be moving, so it’s nice to have a blanket, or heating pad to help stay warm and comfortable.
What if I fall asleep?
You very well might fall asleep; and that’s ok! If you fall asleep while practicing, perhaps sleep was what you needed today. Although I will add, many people believe they have fallen asleep but then wake up at the end of the practice and have just been in a deeply relaxed state. Either way, your subconscious mind will hear and receive the Nidra meditation.
Disclaimer:
CPA Alberta will only use or disclose personal information for the purpose for which it was collected. The purpose of the personal information collected is for the third-party vendor to register and allow access on its virtual platform, Zoom, or for a use that is consistent with that purpose. All personal information collected is held securely and confidentially and is not disclosed to anyone outside of CPA Alberta or CPA Saskatchewan unless as indicated in their Privacy Policies, authorized by the Rules, or with express or implicit authorization by the individual registering for the event.
Workshop attendees have the opportunity to customize their personal Zoom profile. By choosing to customize your personal Zoom profile, the profile information and photo will be visible in various areas on the virtual workshop platform including the attendee list and exhibitor booths. By engaging in any of the chat features, you consent to share your profile information with sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and participants.
Refund policy: All cancellations and/or transfers must be received in writing at events@cpaalberta.ca. Full refund, less processing fees, will be granted more than ten (10) full business days before the workshop’s start date. Eventbrite processing fees are nonrefundable. Full refunds will not be granted if the written withdrawal/transfer request is received three (3) business days or less before the start date. Extenuating exceptions may apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Once a registrant receives their login ID and password, direct access to their web-based content, or delegate gift, no refunds or substitutions will be granted.