Julie Lusk - Wholesome Resources

Mindfulness Meditation Warnings & Alerts

February 19, 2019 by Julie Lusk

Mindfulness Meditation Warnings & Alerts

Julie Lusk, M.Ed., NBCC, E-RYT-500

Mindfulness is hot. It’s in schools, the workplace and in mental health centers. It’s popular because when true mindfulness is practiced regularly, it’s been found to

Improve brain function
Balance out the nervous system
Reduce physical, mental and emotional pain
Tame mental restlessness
Increase emotional stability for more happiness and less suffering
Improve mental clarity and intuition for better decision-making and peace of mind
Help transform worry and anxiety into curiosity
- “Oh snap! What if this pain lasts forever?” vs “Oh here is muscle tension (or sadness, or whatever). How interesting?”
Heightened appreciation
- Everything from food tasting better to understanding and accepting the ups and downs in life.
More benefits HERE.

Due to its trendiness, it is often misunderstood, misused and taught incorrectly. It can be downright aggravating. Mindfulness is only one type of meditation. The two are not synonymous. It is not time spent thinking or mulling things over. Mindfulness is not for escaping either, like trying desperately to run from negativity to positivity.

“Mindfulness is the empowering practice of living fully in the present moment with awareness. In practicing mindfulness, we train our mind to be more focused and responsive and less distracted and reactive. All this happens as we learn to pay attention to what’s happening within and around us with unbiased curiosity, accuracy and open-heartedness. Care is given to neither resist nor hold on to what’s happening but to let experiences come and go, just as they are, in a friendly, evenhanded way. We learn to skillfully direct our attention in wholesome ways and take appropriate action when needed.” (Guided Mindfulness Meditations: Practicing Presence and Finding Peace, by Julie Lusk: Health Journeys, 2016)

Sophie, our sweetheart dog has been extremely ill, bringing on worry, sadness and a sick stomach. I was so grateful that I could use my mindfulness skills to help me with feeling so freaked out. I practiced mindfully focusing on the wild range of feelings, physically and emotionally. Eventually, I could feel the knots in my stomach calm down. All this eased my fears to naturally make room for some clear thinking and problem-solving. Now that she’s home from critical care, I’m enjoying my time with her without being distracted as much. Her fur feels softer.

There are many correct and incorrect ways to practice mindfulness. Body-Based Mindfulness is a great practice with long-lasting benefits for novices and seasoned meditators. It happens when one impartially watches over physical sensations as they happen. Gentle awareness is placed on the body and/or the breath. Doing so serves as a very effective anchor for ones wandering thoughts and feelings because the body and the breath can only happen in the present moment – the hallmark of meditation.

Think about it. All bodily organs can only function moment to moment. It’s impossible to breathe in the past or for the future. It only happens now. The same goes for impartially noticing places that feel unpleasant, pleasant, neutral or numb. The mind can hop, skip and jump from the present to the past or the future in a flash, making moment-to-moment awareness very challenging.

Focus Points for Body-Based Mindfulness

Sit up tall as comfortably as possible. Either close your eyes or have them half-open. Start with a few minutes, progressing to longer time-frames.
Choose something concrete. Focus on your dominant hand, for example. Where is it? What position is it in? What’s its temperature? How much tension/relaxation is present? You can even focus on an ache or pain – anything that calls for your attention. As attention strays, gently refocus on the direct experience as it happens.
Choose the breath. It is subtler than most body sensations but breathing still happens here and now. If this is your focal point, go with what’s happening physically. Figure out what part of the breath is the easiest to follow. Is it the sensations at your nostrils, could it be the movement in your chest or belly? Maybe it’s the sound of it. Remember, there’s no need to change it. Simply notice it as it comes and goes.
When an emotional array of moods come up – same deal – how does this joy, this grief, this confusion, this clarity being experienced physically? Let it spark an exploration of what happens in your gut, to your heart rate, in your jaw – wherever physical sensations are showing up.

Tips

What’s fun is to center in to see what happens? Folks are often surprised how impermanent and fleeting distractions really are. All that’s needed is to watch what’s happening, with curiosity and acceptance. Whatever is showing up physically, mentally, emotionally or some combo is often just asking/crying out for attention. Soon enough, the sensation shifts. If something persists, perhaps it really is time to make a change. It’s all about moving away from reacting mechanically or unconsciously to responding with awareness.
When resistance or restlessness flairs up, rather than trying to squash or ignore it, try making peace with it. Try something like, “Oh hello restlessness. Make yourself at home.” In other words, make peace with it while it’s visiting. Notice what restlessness feels like, practicing with acceptance, more and more.
All in all, it works better when moving from the gross to the subtle. All that means is starting with the body, then perhaps to the breath, and maybe to the thinking mind. Honestly, it all seems to naturally flow that way anyway.

Warnings – Mindfulness leads to

Peace of mind
Clear thinking
Better sleep
Unconditional joy
Appreciation for the ups and downs of everyday living

Want more? Go Here Now

Guided Mindfulness Meditations: Practicing Presence & Finding Peace

Julie eases your way into being more mindful with her clean, user-friendly, body-based, joyful approach. The net effect is calmer nerves, a brighter outlook, stronger memory, sharper focus, healthier body awareness and a more balanced perspective. With repeated use, listeners become more fully attentive to what is happening right now, neither resisting nor clinging to each moment, but letting experiences come and go and be just as they are. This program offers a 5-minute track of training tips; a long (18 min) and a short (6 min) mindfulness experience; and ways to be more mindful informally during the day (4 min). (39 minutes total) Published by Health Journeys.

Price: $17.98

Price: $15.98

Power of Presence CD

Gain the benefits of meditation with comfort and ease. You will soon solve workplace stress and easily handle personal challenges and health issues. CLICK on the blue title link above to find out more...

Julie Lusk, MEd, E-RYT 500, has more than 35 years of expertise in stress relief, yoga, relaxation training, guided imagery, and meditation as an international author, recording artist, and workshop leader. Julie is the author of Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation and Stress Relief, Yoga Meditations, two volumes of 30 Scripts for Relaxation, Imagery and Inner Healing, and Desktop Yoga®. Her audio downloads and CDs include Wholesome Relaxation, Power of Presence, Yoga Nidra Essentials, Blue Moon Rising, and many others. Learn more at https://JulieLusk.com

Yoga Nidra and Your Brain Wave Fluctuations

January 6, 2019 by Julie Lusk

Yoga Nidra and Your Brain Wave Fluctuations ©

Written by Julie Lusk

Yoga Nidra is an empowering meditation that starts with relaxation. It systematically changes and cycles through brain wave states, lowering beta and increasing alpha, theta and delta for the better.

Yoga nidra literally changes the ‘fluctuations of the mind’ by slowing down brain wave frequencies. Biological sleep only refreshes the bodymind and cannot promote self-realization like yoga nidra can. Feelings of meditative expansiveness are objective biological facts that can be measured in DNA, neurotransmitters, brain waves and more. The physical body changes as the mind changes.

Here’s what can happen during yoga nidra:

During stage one, physical relaxation, stress is reduced causing beta brain waves to lower considerably.
In the second stage, abdominal breathing produces a rise in the “feel good” neurotransmitter serotonin as shown on EEGs. Alpha, theta, and delta brain waves also increase. (Fumoto, et al., 2004).
The third stage of yoga nidra promotes alpha brain waves. During this stage, mental and emotional balance and mindfulness are the focus. Mindfulness stimulates all 9 functions of the frontal cortex of the brain, promoting memory, concentration, and problem-solving while reducing anxiety and depression.
Intuition and creative solutions are associated with theta, the fourth stage of yoga nidra. Anandamide, the “bliss molecule” inhibits the formation of cancer cells. Yoga nidra is happening when the brain is in delta, yet one remains aware.
In summary, yoga nidra produces low beta, increases and balances alpha and theta, and produces delta. The physical body changes as the mind changes. Yoga nidra literally changes the ‘fluctuations of the mind’ by slowing down brain wave frequencies.

Beta – Oscillates at 13-25 Hz

Beta at 13-15 Hz reflects the conscious, thinking mind and the waking state. It’s required for processing information and for linear thinking. Normal levels of beta are good. Low beta, from 13-15 Hz is associated with the body’s housekeeping duties. High beta, from 15-25 Hz, is linked to stress. Anxiety is produced in abnormally large amplitudes of high beta. High beta is also associated with “monkey mind.” It produces high levels of cortisol and adrenaline and many adverse reactions in your body. Fear and anxiety produce high beta. Many beneficial cellular functions are inhibited. Aging is much faster when your brain is bathed in high beta waves. It’s important to know how to keep beta brain waves in check.

Alpha – Oscillates at 8-13 Hz

Alpha is an optimal state of relaxed alertness. During alpha, all brain wave levels of the mind are integrated by connecting the brain’s higher and lower frequencies. Alpha links the thinking mind of beta with the associative mind of gamma with the lower frequency brain waves, which are theta and delta. This allows a flow of consciousness. The alpha state disappears with negative emotions, like fear. A truly integrated person generates large amplitudes of alpha.

Alpha tunes the brain to peak performance as well as facilitates gene expression for better health. Alpha improves the immune system.

Alpha increases levels of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters such as serotonin.

The synapses in the learning and memory circuits of the brain are enhanced at 10 Hz. The alpha frequency of 10 Hz results in significantly increased synthesis of DNA molecule (Takahashi et al., 1986)

Neurons in the brain’s hippocampus fire in the alpha range (4-12 Hz).

Heart coherence is associated with increased alpha brain wave activity. It is a state in which the interval between heartbeats is regular and constant. It produces “an orderly and harmonious synchronization among various systems in the body such as the heart, respiratory system and blood-pressure rhythms,” as reported by HeartMath. It’s produced by positive emotions such as love and compassion. Negative emotions disrupt heart coherence.

Feelings of meditative expansiveness are objective biological facts that can be measured in DNA, neurotransmitters, brain waves and more.

Theta – Oscillates at 4-8 Hz

Theta is characteristic of light sleep and with day and night dreaming. It is the dominant frequency of healers and people in highly creative states. Theta increases in people under hypnosis or in trances. (Kershaw & Wade, 2012).

Theta waves are found during DNA repair. It increases the activity of antioxidants.

Human cartilage cells are regenerated at the 6.4 Hz frequency.

Delta Brain Waves – Oscillates at 0-4 Hz

Delta is characteristic of deep, dreamless sleep. High amplitudes of delta are found in people who are in touch with nonlocal mind, even when they’re wide awake. Meditators, intuitives, and healers have much more delta than normal.

When our brains are producing delta, we are enriching our cells in a frequency that has the potential to produce a whole gamut of beneficial physiological changes at the level of our cells, from growing our telomeres and boosting GH levels to regenerating our neurons and sweeping our brains clear of beta-amyloid plaques. This is what happens during yoga nidra.

Growth hormone secretion is at its highest when delta waves peak in the brain. Growth hormone repairs and regenerates cells. It is associated with the immune system, bone mineralization, muscle mass, fat breakdown and protein synthesis, growth and regeneration of all internal organs and homeostasis.

Ahmed and Wieraszko (2008) took slices of the brain that governs memory and learning. They found that a very low delta band, 0.16 Hz, increases activity in the synaptic connections between neurons in the hippocampus. This suggests that memory and learning may be enhanced by delta activity.

Beta-amyloids are sticky plaques between neurons in the brain, characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease (Kang et al., 2009). They found that during sleep, when brains are primarily in theta and delta brain wave states, beta-amyloid production in the brain stops, and toxic material is cleared away. The effect was even greater during the delta brain wave state.

The ends of chromosomes have stretches of DNA called telomeres. Telomeres protect our genetic data, cause cells to divide, and slow aging. Telomeres normally shorten each time a cell divides. The resonant peaks for 10 telomere sequences clustered around a frequency window of 0.19 Hz and 0.37 Hz (delta). Other frequencies did not affect telomerase (Cosic, et al., 2015). Meditation preserves and increases telomere length.

Delta brain waves are seen on EEGs when people are having a sense of connection with the infinite.

Anandamide, the “bliss molecule” inhibits the formation of cancer cells.

Delta frequencies between 0.5 Hz and 3 Hz stimulate the regeneration of nerve cells (Sisken, et al., 2007).

Gamma – Oscillates at 25-100 Hz

Gamma is associated with the integration of information from all the brain’s regions, as well as with coherence as they all synchronize (Gray, 1997). It’s associated with flashes of insight, performing difficult tasks perfectly. Meditation increases gamma.

At the gamma frequency of 40 Hz, beta-amyloid decreased by half. zHz

At 50 Hz, results in the body increasing its production of stem cells, the “blank cells” that differentiate into muscle, bone, skin, or whatever other specialized cells are required (Ardeshirylajimi, & Soleimani, 2015).

At 60 Hz, expression of stress genes (cortisol) is regulated.

A frequency of 75 Hz is epigenetic, triggering the genes that produce anti-inflammatory proteins in the body (De Girolamo et al., 2013).

References: Much of this material is from Mind to Matter by Dawson Church, PhD. Hay House, 2018.

Compiled by Julie Lusk – Feb 2, 2019. JulieLusk.com

Resources: Books, Recordings & More

Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation & Stress Relief - Printed Book & Audio download

If you feel stressed out, you’re not alone. Stress is a modern-day epidemic that can take a toll on your mind, body, and spirit. That’s why it’s so important to develop relaxation skills to restore your health, happiness, and inner strength.Yoga Nidra—a powerful and unique state of deep relaxation, mental clarity, and insightful awareness—is the answer.In this book, mind-body health professional Julie Lusk presents a powerful Yoga Nidra program to stop stress in its tracks. Yoga Nidra, based on classical yoga and backed by contemporary science, focuses specifically on alleviating both mental and physical manifestations of stress so you can find your calm spot and live a more balanced, confident, and meaningful life. Packed with empowering relaxation exercises, meditations that soothe, and visualizations that renew, the practical exercises in this book will help you unwind, replenish, and feel revitalized with durable peace and unconditional joy.CLICK on the blue title link above to find out more...

Yoga Nidra Essentials

Find your calm spot and brighten your energy for a more enjoyable, meaningful life. Benefit from six levels of relaxation to reclaim optimal health for your body, mind and heart. Laura, a HS teacher says "This focused my mind. I was 100% worry-free. It's easy to experience. Yoga nidra is wonderful." This is from Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation and Stress Relief, a book and audio set by Julie Lusk.

Guided Mindfulness Meditations: Practicing Presence & Finding Peace

Yoga Nidra: Guided Meditations for Relaxation & Renewal

Yoga nidra is a powerful and unique state of relaxation, mental clarity and insightful awareness, done lying down. Julie's clear, step=by-step guidance for experiencing deep relaxation, specialized breathing, guided imagery, and mindful awareness, creates 6 replenishing levels of relaxation and a deeply meditative state. Restless thinking and emotional upsets tend to fade away. Used together or in segments, the net effect is to discover an inner reservoir of heartfelt peace, intuitive understanding and unconditional joy. Studies show one hour of practice is equivalent of about four hours of deeply restorative sleep. Published by Health Journeys.

Yoga Nidra for High-Level Living

Brighten your energy with self-understanding for mental sharpness, emotional equilibrium and insightful awareness. Mindfulness, setting a sankalpa (resolve), autogenic training and the paradox of opposites will tame stress once and for all. Jeanne, a musician and former nun says, "Exhilarating! This truly raised my spirit. I've never experienced such deep euphoria so easily. I felt so relaxed!" This is from Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation and Stress Relief, a book and audio set by Julie Lusk.

Yoga Nidra for Inner Strength and Balance

Find your calm spot and live a more balanced, confident and meaningful life. Feel totally relaxed with an empowering tour of the bodymind. Guided relaxation and imagery are effectively used for balancing all your energy centers or chakras. Nancy says "This gets me totally calm and in touch with myself. Afterwards, I feel awake, refreshed, centered and ready for my day." This is from Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation and Stress Relief, a book and audio set by Julie Lusk.

Yoga Nidra for Unshakable Peace and Joy

Experience six amazing levels of relaxation using progressive muscle relaxation and specialized breathing techniques that reliably work. Laura, a HS teacher says "This focused my mind and I was 100% worry-free. It's easy to experience. Yoga nidra is wonderful." This is from Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation and Stress Relief, a book and audio set by Julie Lusk.

Real Relaxation: Yoga Nidra CD

by Julie Lusk

This CD takes you into a deeply relaxing and powerful state of being fully aware while being in the state of deep sleep.

Its many benefits include:

Listening for 1 hour equals 4 hours sleep
Improves immunity
Increases heart health
Relieves stress
Brings inner peace and balance

CLICK on the blue title link above to find out more...

Julie Lusk, MEd, E-RYT 500, is a Hatha Yoga Nidra Ambassador. She has more than 35 years of expertise in stress relief, yoga, relaxation training, guided imagery, and meditation as an international author, recording artist, and workshop leader. Julie is the author of Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation and Stress Relief, Yoga Meditations, two volumes of 30 Scripts for Relaxation, Imagery and Inner Healing, and Desktop Yoga®. Her audio downloads and CDs include Wholesome Relaxation, Power of Presence, Yoga Nidra Essentials, Blue Moon Rising, and many others. Learn more at JulieLusk.com

Brain Yoga

October 20, 2018 by Julie Lusk

To Improve Your Memory, Concentration & More

Julie Lusk, M.Ed., E-RYT-500

A sharp mind and a good memory are important qualities that all of us need and want. Concentration is valuable at home, work, and while pursuing sporting, artistic and other activities. Many of us get concerned when forgetfulness happens to us or to those close to us. This is particularly troublesome as we age and especially if we have a family history of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Try Brain Yoga!

It’s never to soon to start taking better care of your brain. The brain, after all, is the most important and complex organ of the body. It controls everything that goes on, physically, mentally, emotionally.

Brain Facts: According to Piedmont Healthcare, the average adult human brain weighs three pounds. It has a texture like firm jelly and is made up of 75 percent water. The average person has 70,000 thoughts every day. Each time your heart beats, your arteries carry 20 to 25 percent of your blood to the brain. The harder you think, the more oxygen and fuel your brain uses from your blood – up to 50 percent. Every time you recall a memory or have a new thought, you create a connection in the brain. There are 100 billion neurons (nerve cells) in the brain, but they make up only 10 percent of the brain. These neurons branch out to 100 trillion-plus trigger points, forming what experts call a “neuron forest.” There are 100,000 miles of blood vessels in the brain. The distance around the world at the equator is 24,900 miles.

Lifestyle factors such as good nutrition, sleep quality, stress levels, smoking habits, alcohol and drug use, and exercise can either help or hinder brain functioning. It’s smart to wear a helmet to protect your head and brain. Good friendships and learning new things can have a positive effect. Yoga has much to offer. Its benefits extend well beyond gains in flexibility, strength, coordination, and increasing physical, mental and spiritual wellness. Yoga improves brain health.

Brain Yoga to the Rescue
Here are my suggestions for effectively improving your brain power – yoga style.

♥ Mudras / Meditation / Yoga Nidra ♥

Mudras are yoga positions, gestures, and seals for your hands and fingers that facilitate health, healing, psychological balance and spiritual growth. They are effective, easy to learn, practical and powerful. Anyone can do them. Learn more about mudras here.
- Hakini Mudra is one of my favorite hand mudras. It’s good for the brain because both hemispheres of the brain are integrated and invigorated. Using this mudra throughout the day can help clear your mind. It boosts memory, concentration, and assists problem solving. Complete and full breathing is facilitated effortlessly, giving the brain the oxygen-rich blood it needs to perform optimally. It has a positive effect on the entire body by stimulating and harmonizing the first six energy centers (chakras). Learn how easy the Hakini Mudra is to do here. It takes no time at all.

Meditation improves mental functioning. According to a study conducted at the University of Kentucky, subjects who took a late-afternoon test after meditating for 40 minutes had significantly better scores than those who fell asleep for the same period. Another study at Massachusetts General Hospital showed a beneficial thickening in the cerebral cortex that has responsibility for decision making, increased attention and improved memory. Increased activation in the left part of the frontal region was also demonstrated. This activity is associated with lower anxiety and a more positive emotional state. Learn more here.Here are a few meditation techniques to get you started.
- Mindfulness is the moment to moment awareness of inner and outer experience in the present time with a non-judgmental and non-evaluative stance. Research shows that a mindfulness practice helps develop all 9 functions of the Pre-Frontal Cortex.
  - Learn about Mindfulness & Why it Matters.
  - Get Guided Mindfulness Meditations: Practicing Presence & Finding Peace CD, MP3 or Playaway here.
- Kirtan Kriya Meditation – Sa Ta Na Ma: A research study by Dharma Singh Khalsa, MD shows Kirtan Kriya increased brain development for memory, concentration and focus using a simple 12-minute meditation and yoga mudras. The Sa Ta Na Ma meditation technique can stop the mental chatter, bringing about a clear mind. It’s calming too.

Yoga Nidra is another highly effective method for brain-body integration. It improves memory and learning by producing specialized brain waves for maximum receptivity, increasing the ability to absorb, process and recall information.

The rotation of consciousness technique found on Yoga Nidra Essentials is especially effective. It’s simply done by mentally scanning the body using a specific order and duration based on the sensory-motor cortex, also called the homunculus. This creates a healthy synchronization of energy throughout the brain and body.

If you look closely at the diagram of the brain’s sensory-motor cortex below, you will notice that more area is devoted to certain places than to others. For instance, compare the relatively large amount of area dedicated to the hands and fingers with the small amount dedicated to the hips. Therefore, more time is intentionally spent scanning specific areas of the body than others during yoga nidra.

Sensory-motor cortex illustration used by permission from Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation & Stress Relief by Julie Lusk, New Harbinger Publications

Use this Yoga Nidra FAQ for more information and learn how it’s done.
Learn about Yoga Nidra and Your Brain Wave Fluctuations
See the benefits of yoga nidra here.
Get Yoga Nidra Training & Certification here.

♥ Breathing / Pranayama ♥

Your brain needs blood and oxygen to think. Twenty to 25 percent of your blood is delivered to the brain with each heartbeat. Your brain needs up to 50 percent more oxygen the harder you think. It makes sense to oxygenate your blood supply and to use your full lung capacity by breathing deeply rather than shallowly. Follow these instructions to improve your breathing right now. Abdominal breathing produces increases in the “feel good” neurotransmitter serotonin as shown on EEGs. Alpha, theta, and delta brain waves also increase.

Complete Yogic Breath: Dirgha Breathing for better respiration and brain waves
Alternate Nostril Breathing / Nadi Shodhana creates a sense of physical, mental and emotional well-being. Here are complete instructions for alternate nostril breathing plus five breathing ratios to try.

♥ Postures / Sequences ♥

A well-rounded hatha yoga practice is ideal, especially done mindfully. Concentrate on postures that reduce physical tension to lower cortisol levels and improve circulation. Doing so helps clear the mind and calm the emotions. Postures that strengthen legs and improve balance are highly recommended. Scientists studied leg strength and cognitive skills in twins in a 2016 study published in Gerontology. The twin with stronger legs to start demonstrated better cognitive functioning by 18% 10 years later, “even when controlling for factors including fatty diets, high blood pressure, and shaky blood-sugar control.”

Sequences such as the Sun Salute and Moon Salute
Standing postures
Crossovers
Gentle spinal twists
Inversions
Shavasana
Superbrain Yoga ® (with video) is a simple 3-minute technique to energize and recharge the brain. It can integrate and balance both brain hemispheres. In one study, an electroencephalograph (EEG) showed increased amplitude in the parieto-occipital region of the brain following the Superbrain Yoga. This indicates increased brain electrical activity following the exercise. It’s great for adults and children.

♥ Mental / Emotional Strategies ♥

Guided imagery is intentional and useful daydreaming that is multi-sensory (sights, sounds, smells, etc.) and practiced while in a relaxed state. It is used for relaxation, healing, increasing insight and intuition, making personal changes and for self-understanding. It primarily uses the mindbody connection. Start here.

Gain from Guided Imagery & Relaxation and understand its benefits with how-to instructions
Cultivate the Positive: Pratipaksha Bhavana is a simple meditation technique to improve your outlook and body chemistry

♥ More ♥

Eye Exercises can benefit vision and the brain
Sleep Solutions – Yoga Style to combat the negative impact of insomnia and sleep deprivation
Multitasking is hazardous to one’s memory. Find out why and get solutions here
Enjoy more brain power by having more creativity and beauty in your life
Use the Best Yoga Mantras & Chants for clearing useless mental chatter, lifting energy, and serving as a shield against mental and emotional disturbances

♥ Books, Audios, Workshops, Training ♥

Julie Lusk’s newest book, Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation & Stress Relief – Printed Book & Audio download is now available! Here it is in French and Italian. Spanish and Czech Republic editions coming soon.
Julie’s current class schedule (greater Cincinnati area – Milford, Anderson, OH)
Julie’s national and international workshop schedule
Get Yoga Nidra Training & Certification

Sources

Steves, C. J., Mehta, M. M., Jackson, S. H., & Spector, T. D. (n.d.). Kicking Back Cognitive Ageing: Leg Power Predicts Cognitive Ageing after Ten Years in Older Female Twins. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26551663

Eye Exercises to Improve Vision

October 20, 2018 by Julie Lusk

Computer and device screens seem to torture your eyes causing them to become tired and dry in no time at all. Poor lighting, glare, dry air, and constantly staring at the monitor all contribute to eye strain.

Chances are good that it’s hard to recognize how exhausted your eyes are until they feel tired and dry or your head aches. Here are a few preliminary steps you can take to avoid such strains:

If possible, adjust the screen colors so they aren’t too hard on your eyes; try soft colors for a nice change.
Avoid glare by choosing a place for your computer that doesn’t reflect windows or lights. Remember to wipe your screen off regularly.
Remember to look away from your screen every fifteen minutes or so. It’s too hard on your eyes to do such close work without a break. Do it now!

Eye Movements

After a while, eye muscles tire out and it becomes harder to focus. To prevent this from happening, you can practice these eye movements. They will strengthen your eye muscles and eyesight and stimulate the brain. Visual, auditory, and sensory perception can increase. Do them sitting up, standing, or lying down.

Here’s How

Start doing the eye movements slowly and pick up the pace after you can do it smoothly without jerks.
Switch off by first paying more attention to the eye movements than to the visual effects. Next, take a moment to focus on both ends of they eye stretch.
Remember to keep your head still as you do the eye movements. Let your facial muscles relax as well.

First Variation: Up and Down

With your head and neck evenly aligned and movement-free, look up as far as you can and try to see up and over your head. Then look down as if you would like to see under your chin. Keep doing this for about 15-20 times in a row.
Follow this by bringing your eyes back to center and blink them a couple of times.
Afterward, rest with your eyes closed and take several deep breaths.
Smile

Second Variation: Side to Side

This time look quickly to the right and try to see behind your ear, then rapidly look to the left and try to see behind your left ear. Keep looking back and forth for 15-20 times.
When finished, bring your eyes back to center.
Blink a few times and rest them with your eyes closed.
Smile

Third Variation: Eye Circles

Keep your head still and look up. Circle your eyes in a clockwise direction three times.
When finished, bring your eyes back to center and rest with closed eyes for a few breaths.
Circle your eyes in a counterclockwise direction three times.
Blink a few times and rest them with your eyes closed.
Smile

Palming will rest and relax your eyes, calm your nerves, and quiet your mind. Your respiration will increase as long as you remember to breathe deeply and fully.

Rub your hands rapidly together with your palms and fingers touching. Keep rubbing until you feel the generation of some heat and energy.
Next, rest your elbows on your desk.
Cup your hands and gently place them over your closed eyes (no glasses). Let the warmth and darkness soothe your eyes.
Take several long and easy breaths as you imagine the tiredness being released with your out-breath, and energy and vitality returning with your in-breath.
Smile

Chidakasha: Quieting the Mind by Stilling the Eyes Using the sense of sight is a very effective centering technique. Doing so can have a beneficial effect on the brain as well. Have you ever noticed that you can still see even with your eyes closed? All that is needed is to try. You might see it as darkness, designs, colors, spots, or a combination. It does not matter. What matters is passively focusing your attention on what is being seen and watching it as it changes. Have fun watching whatever appears as it comes and goes on the inside screen of your closed eyelids. This brings you into the moment and quickly settles down mental restlessness. Yogis refer to watching this inner space of consciousness as Chidakasha. ( Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation & Stress Relief, page 115)

Note: If somebody catches you doing this, be prepared to say something clever like, “Can’t a person even pray around here?” Your other option is to tell them what you’re doing and have them join in.

Notice the benefits and smile.

This one of the many exercises you can do while at your keyboard, in your car, or whenever you want to feel better.

Alternate Nostril Breathing: Nadi Shodhana

October 20, 2018 by Julie Lusk

Alternate nostril breathing, also called Nadi Shodhana or Nadi Suddhi, creates a sense of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is done by alternating nostrils while breathing. Doing so balances right and left-brain integration, promotes mental clarity, and whole brain functioning. It can relieve headaches and sinus problems. It calms emotions and fosters feelings of deep inner contentment and balance. Due to its soothing effect, it is ideal preparation for deep relaxation or meditation.

Time: 2 minutes of daily practice. Increase gradually to 10 minutes or longer

The nadis (pronounced NAH-deez) are the non-physical nerve channels within the body. The nadis deliver prana, the life force, throughout the body. While there are thought to be over 72,000 nadis that travel throughout the body, there are three primary ones that run along the spine. Alternate nostril breathing balances these nadis.

The ida (pronounced EE-dah) is energetically to the left of the spine and is activated by the exhalation. It is associated with the receptiveness, intuition, and passivity.
The pingala (pronounced pin-GAH-lah) is activated by the inhalation and is energetically on the right. It is associated with activity, logic, and objectiveness.
The sushumna (pronounced sue-SHOOM-nah) is the central channel. It is activated by the gap between breaths. It is linked with wisdom and the balancing of our active and receptive nature.

The first step to the practice is to learn the proper hand position to aid in the alternation of the breath. Two hand positions (mudras) are offered. Both are effective. Try them both to find out which feels easier for you. Take a few minutes to get used to switching between nostrils with the hand positions before adding the breathing patterns.

The first way, named Vishnu Mudra, is to take your right hand and bend your index and middle fingers toward the palm. Your thumb, ring, and pinky fingers are upright. Next, get used to gently closing your right nostril first with your thumb, and then release the thumb and close your left nostril with the ring finger of your right hand. Switch back and forth until it feels smooth.

Nasagra Mudra is another hand position that can be used. Begin by making the peace sign with your right hand. Next, bring your pointer and middle fingers together and then release your thumb. Place the pads of your index and middle fingers in the center of your forehead or between your eyebrows and then use your thumb and the knuckle of your ring finger to alternately close and release your nostrils.

The rhythm of the inhalation to the exhalation is usually uneven at first. With practice, it will smooth out so they become equal in length. When this is easy for you, begin slowing the exhalation down so that it becomes longer than the inhalation until eventually the exhalation is about twice as long as your inhalation. More breathing ratios are below. Maintain alertness of your breath instead of breathing mechanically.

Process

While either hand position can be used, the Vishnu Mudra is used to describe the pattern for the sake of clarity. The pattern alternates nostrils after each inhalation like this: Exhale – inhale / change nostril / exhale – inhale / change nostril, etc.

Here’s how to practice one round of alternate nostril breathing:

Come into a comfortable seated position with your spine erect.
Form your fingers of your right hand into Vishnu Mudra by curling your index and middle fingers into your palm, straighten the ring and little fingers, and place your thumb against your right nostril.
1. Gently exhale and then inhale through your left nostril.
2. Close the left nostril with the ring finger.
3. Release the thumb. Gently exhale and then inhale through the right nostril.
4. Close that nostril with the thumb and continue with step 1.
In other words, repetition is done by alternating nostrils after each inhalation.
Begin practicing for two minutes and gradually, very gradually, increase to ten minutes. Avoid strain or force.

Breathing Ratio Variations for alternate nostril breathing: Take your time with these ratios. Never rush. Do not force or strain. Do not use breath retention if you have hypertension or other cardiac conditions.

The examples given are to the count of 4. This can be adjusted to 3, 4, 5 or 6 depending upon your comfort level. Count by silently saying Om 1, Om 2, Om 3, Om 4, etc.

Ratio of 1:1 – Develop breath control so that the inhalation and the exhalation are exactly the same length of time. Inhale for the count of 4. Exhale for 4. . Do not proceed until perfected.
Ratio of 1:2 – Double the length of the exhalation. Inhale for the count of 4. Exhale for 8. Do not proceed until perfected.
Ratio of 1:2:2 – Addition of breath retention. Inhale to the count of 4. Hold the breath for 8. Exhale for 8. Do not proceed until perfected.
Ratio of 1:4:2 – Inhale to the count of 4. Hold 16. Exhale 8. Do not proceed until perfected.
Ratio of 1:4:2:3 – Inhale 4. Hold 16. Exhale 8. Hold the exhalation 12. Do not proceed until perfected.

Note: Alternate Nostril Breathing was adapted and reprinted with permission from Julie Lusk’s books

Yoga Meditations: Timeless Mind-Body Practices for Awakening, published by Whole Person Associates, Duluth, MN
Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation & Stress Relief, published by New Harbinger Publications, Oakland, CA

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