The iRest Program for Healing PTSD: A Proven-Effective Approach to Using Yoga Nidra Meditation and Deep Relaxation Techniques to Overcome Trauma

The iRest Program for Healing PTSD is arguably Dr Miller’s finest writing and a ‘must have’ book for all who are dealing with PTSD or other chronic stress-related maladies. It will also make a valuable addition to the library or reading list for those of us who teach iRest or assist people with other approaches to meditation and mind-body wellness. Dr Miller masterfully blends background and factual information with real-life accounts along with simple, clear guidance to the practices of iRest. This is more than just a book with some interesting information – it is a complete manual for deep healing. While the book addresses dealing with PTSD, its messages and practices are equally applicable to many other conditions such as anxiety, pain management and sleep disturbances, to name few. This book is easy to read for those without prior experience in meditation and Dr Miller uses regular reiteration of key points to provide the best opportunity for readers to understand the principles and practices of iRest. Where it has been useful for the science to be outlined Dr. Miller has done so succinctly and simply, avoiding making this book ‘heavy’ with facts and figures, preferring to highlight basic points and providing extensive references for those wishing to delve deeper. At the heart of this book is a set of 40+ meditation scripts that readers can use to guide their own personal practice of the various iRest tools. These scripts can be read through, read out by others, or recorded to be listened to as meditations at any time. As a person with over 40 years’ experience teaching meditation, and several years practicing and teaching iRest, I am excited by the potential of this book and encourage anyone wishing to help heal themselves’ to start their healing journey today by reading this book.

Richard Miller articulates with clarity and simplicity an ancient and powerful practice for healing the effects of trauma. The practices that he presents in the book are easy to follow and to integrate into daily living as tools for self-healing. This book is laid out in a way that iRest can be learned step by step through a series of guided practices that can be recorded for personal use or downloaded from the iRest website (www.irest.us). As Richard underscores throughout the book, iRest is best used "little and often" as a way to restore a sense of wholeness and well-being. This book could be utilized by both health care professionals who work with trauma, as well as used as a course of meditation and self inquiry by anyone who has experienced trauma or faced psychological and/or physical challenges. While the book is focused toward working with PTSD, anyone could benefit from this meditation practice regardless of the circumstances of their life or the degree of challenge that life has brought to them. The transformative potential of iRest is made readily accessible through the practices he describes in this book. Having taught this practice to over 2,000 Veterans in the Washington DC VA Medical Center, I have observed first hand the potential of iRest in bringing deep rest and relaxation to the nervous systems of Veterans and service members who have suffered with trauma, even after decades of living with the invisible wounds of war. IRest has been shown to decrease insomnia, decrease chronic pain, decrease anxiety and depression, as well as restoring a sense of well-being and resiliency. I would anticipate that this book will become one of my most valuable resource tools in both as a mental health professional and yoga teacher.

This simple to read yet highly transformative book is a must read for anyone who is wanting to experience life in a deeper, more meaningful way. Dr. Miller's 10 step protocol that is detailed in this book reads like a modern day life manual to experiencing life, and ourselves just as we are. This is not a "fix it" manual. Rather it serves as a road map into accessing the deep acceptance and well-being that naturally resides within, even amongst trauma,illness or dis-ease. Since discovering the author's first book " Yoga Nidra: A Meditative Practice for Deep Relaxation and Healing" I have been integrating iRest while going about my daily life. What I have experienced has been deeply enriching. I have discovered more peace, clarity and joy then I have ever imagined. My suggestion is that when you read this fantastic book... do so slowly. Savor the profound wisdom( it is disguised as simplicity) Enjoy! Jennifer B

Nice

Very great book. Been wanting this for awhile. Great skills for healing.

What a wonderful book. Don't let the title fool you. You don't have to have PTSD to benefit from iRest. It's fantastic for everyone. Presented is clear, and easily accessible language, you'll learn a ton about yourself. The exercises are fantastic and Richard's voice is so soothing. (You can download a few at their website for free.) Spoilers: Yes, you are this time bound, frightened, excitable little being floating in an endless sea of change. But you're also this unbounded, unbroken, peaceful, joyful being fascinated by this game of life. iRest gives us all the tools we need to navigate the bumps and traumas in life without loosing our love of life.

Most of the first part of the book was about insight. The author identified with the conditions in most of their manifestations. I, personally, have gone through many of the emotions, dreams, and the consequences of actions that should have not been taken. The second part of the book deals with ways of coping. I would call it auto-hypnosis without the command to do or be whatever it is that one wants to do or be. It is simply focusing one's own reality. It's hard and very time consuming, but failing to find a magic potion I can see no other way of dealing with it. The book promises a "cure" at the end of the "road," but it does not say how long the road is nor how long it would take. Obviously it is subjective. So, I say read and do as best you can and you'll probably feel some relief, as I have.

This program has changed my life. I take this class with a teacher once a week, but I also use this with my high school students as part of a restorative class. I can't say enough good about it, it really is amazing. Try to get the CD that goes with it, it's great!

Voici le Yoga Nidra sous sa forme scientifique qui offre la profondeur et la flexibilité attendue par tous les enseignants et pratiquants.

Love this book and arrived within the same week of ordering

Se praticate lo yoga nidra e avete interesse nel capirne i positivi effetti su corpo e mente leggete questo libro che propone un approccio scientifico, laico e occidentale alla materia. Sicuramente, come il titolo suggerisce, il focus è sul trattamento dei reduci di guerra tramite lo yoga nidra, il tutto rebrandizzato sotto l'accattivante e furbo nome di iRest. Tuttavia si parla di Yoga Nidra.

Absolutely amazing and truly hope inspiring

This book is packed with so much information and experiential meditations. I have read many books on trauma and anxiety and I think that this one perfectly encapsulates what is needed, what can help, what P.T.S.D is, what to expect and how to be with feelings/emotions and why. Richard has this lovely way of marrying the non dual/spiritualism with science, the need for gratitude, joy and values. It's unusual to see the two together and refreshing. For many of us the emotional journey back to our bodies after a trauma can be extremely scary and frightening. This book helps us to see and feel that despite all the pain that you may be experiencing there is also support, joy, wholeness and/or peace. That there is a part of us that is untouched by the beliefs and feelings and the more we can access that the more we are able to be ride the waves of feelings and thoughts without getting so caught up in them all. I love the way he builds you up for this. The book starts with getting in touch with your values, helping to bring back what you care about and where you want to go and then creating an inner resource so you have that foundation to go too when ever it feels to much. He gradually weaves in relaxation techniques, being with the breath, defocusing focusing, opposites, being awareness and many more things. You can record each guided meditation in the book yourself or buy and download the recording off the irest site. I bought the recording and love it. I use it almost every day. Richard has a lovely soothing voice and there is so much packed onto it. The only thing I would change is the front cover and title! I would add; 'for healing PTSD, anxiety, panic, OCD, and depression. But there would probably not be enough room for that!