Instead, a little discipline and technique can allow a dreamer to travel through cosmic consciousness while still getting a good night’s rest. Lily’s psychic explorations led to his development of the sensory deprivation isolation tank, in order to cultivate a dissociative state where one could detach from the body and explore the levels of satori-samadhi.īut according to Andrew Holecek, a student of Buddhist philosophy and evangelist for dream yoga, one needn’t be an ascetic or employ an expensive float tank to delve into the depths of the mind on the nightly. Other contemporary dream state explorers, or oneironauts as they’re sometimes called, have attempted to map out the topography of the mind based on eastern philosophy, namely John C. These gurus took advantage of every minute of life to explore their inner sanctums and spelunk the deepest caves of consciousness. Despite its name, dream yoga isn’t an attempt to perform asanas in reverie, but instead to meditatively explore the myriad levels within our minds.Ī number of enlightened, spiritual masters are said to have achieved an interminable state of consciousness during their lifetime, in which they maintained awareness while they allowed their bodies to rest at night. Ideally, this state is rejuvenating and accompanied by pleasant dreams, allowing the body to clear out all the toxins and amyloids that build up throughout the day.īut what if you could get some of that time back, or use it more productively, while also getting the regenerative benefits of deep slumber?ĭon’t worry, this isn’t some new biohacking regimen with bizarre, intermittent naps, but rather a method referred to as dream yoga. Roughly a third of our life is spent sleeping, or at least attempting to get some rest in order to take advantage of the other two-thirds in wakeful consciousness. So, if fetus is your position of choice, take care to curl up on the right side of your body. If you’re like me and are constantly curling up to your left side, you may be increasing the pressure and stress on vital organs such as the liver, the heart, the stomach and the lungs.
People with leg cramps or conditions like the restless legs syndrome generally experience leg discomfort, and tend to adopt the fetal position. The outwardly tough appearance and brave face is actually a protection against the world. These people are reserved and usually take time to open up to others but when they do, they are relaxed and comfortable. According to research on this sleep subject, those who sleep in the fetal position were found to be sturdy and strong on first impressions but introverted and sensitive at heart when better known. This is the most common sleeping position (though it’s more common for women than men). Here are the top six most common sleeping positions, as well as a general overview of what they can mean: Sleeping positions are similar, and maybe even more revealing, as you have very little control of where you end up when you’re asleep, thus sending signals that are true to you without any filters. How you sit, stand, or gesture when you’re awake can be unconscious signals, such as leaning away from someone you don’t like or crossing your arms during an argument. It’s along the same vein as body language. There’s enough research to indicate that the posture adopted while sleeping has a lot to tell about the kind of people we are – introverted, confident, fun-loving, trusting, or something else. Your sleeping position may actually have a connection with your personality and the way you think, feel and behave. Why is it like this? Why can’t we just automatically shift to the position that’s better for us? You might have a similar predicament, with this pose or a different one. Sleeping in this position simply comforting to me, and sends me right to sleep, whereas sleeping on my back is a struggle. But no matter how hard I fight, the lure of sleeping in my favorite position-curled up on my side, legs tucked bent towards my chest-is just too much to resist. I know it’s better for me as a woman to sleep on my back, arms at my side or resting on my torso peacefully.