From Curiosity to Community: iRest Institute’s Expanding Presence in China

How a spark of interest in 2017 has grown into a thriving community across China—and what’s next for iRest Institute’s global community.

Back in 2017, something special began to take root. Richard Miller, the founder of iRest Institute, was invited to share his teachings across China. He visited Shanghai, Beijing, Wuhan, Hangzhou, and Guangzhou to give a series of one and two day workshops. These workshops sparked a tremendous interest among participants to learn more. They were interested in becoming teachers and practitioners of iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation. Healthcare professionals, including pediatricians, were particularly inspired. They found in iRest meditation a powerful tool for healing and emotional regulation—something they could bring into hospitals, clinics, and everyday life.

This early enthusiasm didn’t fade. It deepened. During the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese translations of several of Richard’s guided iRest meditations were uploaded to the Himalaya app. More than three million people listened in—seeking rest and connection during an uncertain time. It was a powerful reminder that, even across oceans and cultures, the human need for peace, ease, and wellbeing is universal.

Much of this enthusiasm stemmed from a meaningful partnership with Chen Si, a former war correspondent turned yoga teacher and the head of Yoga Journal China. Chen’s connection to iRest Institute was immediate and personal. He invited Richard to contribute to Yoga Journal China and later to speak at a national wellness conference—where more than thirty thousand people joined online. That gathering became a turning point: the beginning of what is now iRest Institute China.

Since then, the momentum has only grown. In June 2025, Richard returned to China to offer a series of teachings that included a keynote and workshop at the China Mindbody Conference, a two-day immersion for CEOs, and a five-day Level 1 Yoga Nidra Teacher Training. At the keynote, sixteen hundred people gathered in person and over half a million tuned in online. As Richard shared afterward, “There’s a deep receptivity here—a true readiness for this kind of inner work.”

During one especially exciting moment, attendees used MindLink Bluetooth headsets connected to AI-powered brainwave monitors during an iRest meditation. Through QR codes and real-time feedback, Richard could see live shifts in participants’ brain states—watching concentration deepen, stress dissolve, and a sense of calm take root. 

Today, Chen Si is leading a growing community, with four dedicated iRest Institute centers across China. His care, professionalism, and heartfelt dedication are laying a strong foundation for the future. Together, we’re working on this shared vision of iRest Institute China, with its own iRest certified teachers and trainers supporting communities throughout China and beyond.

The interest is especially strong among leaders navigating high-pressure lives—CEOs, entrepreneurs, and professionals. They’re turning to iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation for something deeper: resilience, rest, and connection. 

As yoga and meditation continue to be embraced as essential wellness practices in China, the timing feels just right. What began as a series of workshops in 2017 has become something much bigger: an expanded community of iRest practitioners and teachers in training. 

Whether you’re a teacher or a curious new student, your involvement matters. Through your personal practice, sharing of  iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation with your community, attendance at retreats, or participation in a training, you help iRest expand ever-farther into the world.