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There was a saint who asked a snake not to bite but to love everyone. 
The snake agreed. 
But then many people threw things at the snake. 
The saint found the snake all battered. 
 "I didn't say not to hiss," said the saint.

\ Ramakrishna

Mind-Body-Spirit Tools
Refer to the archives list to the left for more FREE mind-body practices including yoga poses, breathing techniques, meditation, guided relaxation, imagery and visualization practices.

• Take a 2 Hour Nap in 10 Minutes
  It's easy and effective.  Don't wait!  Take a power nap.  It's only a click away.
• Crown Pull 
  Stimulates blood flow to your brain. Reduces mental congestion. Helps overcome insomnia.  Strengthens memory. Opens the crown chakra to higher inspiration. 
• Desktop Altar 
  How to create a Desktop Altar - as seen in an interview with Julie Lusk in the Yoga Journal (Feb. 06)
• 3 Thumps
  Stimulates your energy, boost your immune system, and release stress, relieve pain.

How to Create a Desktop Altar (get a pdf)

Julie Lusk was interviewed for an article in Yoga Journal (Feb. 2006) on Desktop Altars. 

"You’re reeling from a stressful conference call when another pile of papers appears on your desk, requiring a late-night work session.  It’s the kind of thing that could send you over the edge – but after a few deep breaths you’re feeling calm again. Your stay-cool tool?  The desktop altar you’ve made to keep yourself centered.

To collect the items for such an altar in your workspace, Julie Lusk, a yoga teacher in Cincinnati and author of Desktop Yoga: the Anytime, Anywhere Relaxation Program for Office Slaves, Internet Addicts, and Stressed-Out Students, suggests sticking to simple objects that are linked to a specific memory, belief, or goal.  That might mean a special shell, stone, photograph, flower, fountain, book, plant, or even a simple saying that inspires you."

 “An altar need not scream “Spiritual!” says Lusk. “What makes your collection an altar is your intention – which can be as simple as your desire to return to the present each time you see it.”

-                   Yoga Journal – Issue 193 – February 2006  -   Toni Klym McLellan

Desktop Altar FAQ

1. What is your definition of a  "desktop altar".

Personalizing an area of your workspace to remind you of your higher values/self in a way that is personally inspirational, meaningful, uplifting and keeps you grounded and centered.

2.    How might a desktop altar help people supplement their yoga or meditation practice, even in the midst of a hectic workday?

A desktop altar serves as a reminder to breathe, be mindful, and practice Desktop Yoga ™ stretches.

3.    What items would you suggest in creating a desktop altar?  Please include space-saving considerations.

Select something that is personally meaningful.  Start by stilling yourself and become aware of clues from your inner self for some things that are just right.  Suggestions include a special shell, stone, photo/picture, flower, cloth, something to hold, art, fountain, a book, plant (i.e. prayer plant, or a violet to care for), feather, finger labyrinth, or a gift from someone special. A saying or a significant symbol could be used as a screensaver.  Under various circumstances, a calendar with inspiring sayings or artwork may be just right.
 

4. Any tips for how to keep it under the radar of coworkers or bosses, but still give it private significance?

• Use an ordinary object with personal significance that is linked to a belief, memory or a goal.  Consider blessing it first.

• Keep it 'for your eyes only' by tucking it away, like in a drawer that you use often.

5. What items (if any) should be avoided?

• Candles (fire hazard)

• Items that could offend others (things that could fall into the realm of religious, sexual, racial, or political bias)

• Things that are distracting.

• Anything against office policies.

• Things that you are not willing to explain, discuss or defend.

6. Can you give some examples of altars?

• I have a statue of an angel that was given to me by someone special, a quartz crystal wrapped in a beautiful cloth, and some pictures are beside my computer. 

• Coworkers of mine and I passed around a tiny angel when times were especially challenging.  We took turns with 'hosting' her and felt divine support and protection as well as the support of one another.   We kept it as long as it felt right and then passed it along. The angel was always floating around among us.  This happened at a large and busy medical clinic.  I no longer work there and she was in my care at the time I left - of course I passed it along so it would keep working it's magic.

• A friend of mine wears a mala on days when she needs extra strength and courage.
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3 Thumps (Get a PDF)
Stimulates your energies, boosts immune system, and releases stress.  Relieves pain.

• Place the fingers of either or both hands in the center of your sternum at the thymus gland.  Tap for 15 – 20 seconds.  Use your thumb and all your fingers.  As you tap, breathe slowly and deeply in through your nose with your tongue at the roof of your mouth and out through your mouth.
   
• Tap or rub the neuro-lymphatic spleen points firmly for about 15 seconds.  They are beneath the nipples of the breasts and down one rib.
   
• Tap or rub the spleen acupuncture points located on the sides of the body about 4 inches below the armpits. As you tap, breathe slowly and deeply in through your nose and out through your mouth.
   
• In the future, use either the neuro-lymphatic spleen points or the spleen acupuncture points if one set is more tender than the other.

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Julie T. Lusk, M.Ed.
Wholesome Resources
Milford, OH   45150

Greater Cincinnati Area

513-576-6662

Email