Sometimes ‘trauma’ is not a result from our current life’s history. Stored cellular memory is retained in the deepest part of our brain, probably the medulla. The remnants of these old memories get carried on to the next life, and the next, and the next. If we didn’t have this, we’d have to re-learn how to walk, etc. instead of simply re-membering how to walk. Many of the things we do ‘unconsciously’and automatically are a result of stored memory patterns from ancient times. Scientists have proven this beyond a shadow of a doubt.
So consider just how much of your body is doing it’s job beyond your conscious awareness.

For instance, what’s your digestive system doing right Now? Can you control it or change it? And, which particular hormone is being passed around to the neuro-receptors, etc.?

The bad news is that your physical body is still responding in the ways that it learned from the time of wild animals and no tools. I’m referring here to the automatic stress response that works the same way today as it did in caveman days.

Karma could also be described as old behavioural patterns specific to the individual that are also retained somewhere in our being. Whether or not they’re in the brain is irrelevant for this discussion. And, whether or not these behavioural patterns get carried over from lifetime to lifetime is also irrelevant for this discussion.

Yoga Nidra , an ancient technique that has stood the test of time, falls under the heading of Pratyahara; the practices that seek to bring more awareness & consciousness to our senses. (The yogic philosophy is inherently rich and juicy on the subject of the senses.) When we reduce the amount of sensory input we become quieter, calmer, and more internally focused. At this point the physical body begins to relax and release long held tensions.

When we practice Yoga Nidra using a sankalpa (intention) formulated to reduce negative karma we are setting the stage for increased freedom and vitality. The best part is that you don’t have to understand any of this. It just happens. Releasing old karmic patterning is like cutting the roots off a dying plant. Without the roots, there’s no chance that the plant can come back. When we release and/or fulfill old karma, we create a space for new things to happen.

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