It feels so aligned to share that Vala’s name, Valgerður, means “guardian of the fallen”... Shavasana. When she stepped into this role as Moderator, it was striking to learn this connection. Her namesake speaks of guardianship, fate, and transition. In many ways, she embodies that here: A guide through rest, through Shavasana, and through the deep interconnectedness of life. I have had the honour of witnessing Vala’s journey for some time now. She has explored four cycles of the Peace in Rest program and was part of the very first Nova Nidra Teacher Training. What stands out most is the way she has moved from being a quiet, steady presence to expressing her voice with such clarity and care. She now inspires others to do the same. Vala is an explorer of lineage, language, art, plants, fungi, rocks, poetry, sound, philosophy, mythology, and so much more. She has a way of reminding us that everything is connected. Connection is her devotion, her curiosity, her humour. It is such an honour to welcome Vala into this role. Thank you, Vala, for the depth you bring, for your caring and deep commitment to this community, and for walking alongside us as a guardian and a voice of inspiration.

The beginning of each week is a chance to reset. How are you arriving in this moment tired, calm, restless, hopeful? There’s no right answer. Simply naming where you are is an act of awareness. Share below if you’d like to be witnessed.

Rest doesn’t always look like lying still. Sometimes it’s a slow walk, a cup of tea, or simply closing your eyes for two minutes. What’s one simple way you’ll give yourself rest this weekend? Name it below and let’s inspire each other’s rituals.

Yesterday marked @Ayla Nova ’s & @Janet Beckingham 's birthday. And like every new year of life, it brought a moment of pause. Birthdays often remind us of cycles of beginnings, endings, and the quiet wisdom that the body carries through each turn of the wheel. In Yoga Nidra, we return again and again to the body. Not just to relax, but to listen 👂 Every ache, every breath, every wave of sensation carries the story of where we’ve been and where we’re going. This week, Ayla invites you to listen to your body as if it were a wise teacher. ✨ What has it been carrying for you? ✨ What might it be ready to release? What part of your body has been asking for attention lately? Take a breath with it now, and if you feel called, share it here.

I think it goes without saying that this incredible woman is such a shining light in the world, and especially in this community. Her joyful, gentle, and healing presence has touched so many of us, and I hope you’ll all join me in celebrating her today! It’s been such an honour to walk alongside you as you’ve built Nova Nidra. Your devotion and deep love for this practice (and for every person in this space) inspires me every single day. Thank you for bringing me along for the ride. I’m so very grateful for you, and I hope this next year brings you everything you deserve: big blessings, beautiful expansion, and of course — deep, nourishing rest 💘 Drop a birthday message for Ayla below so she’s absolutely lavished with love when she logs back in after celebrating today! 🥰🎉🌸