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You are here: Home / Archives for Wellness

Adjusting to Autumn

September 3, 2017 by Julie Lusk

Adjusting from summer to fall always comes with mixed feelings for me.  At first, it’s so hard for me to accept the end of the warmth, light, and the greenness of the plants, trees and garden.  “Where did it go,” I ask my self.  “I’m not ready for this!”

Honestly, for years and years, I’d feel mighty bummed.  In my mind, I was already jumping way ahead to the shivering cold and darkness of winter while missing all the things I like about summer.  Somehow, I’d let myself miss out on what the autumn is all about.

But now, I close my eyes and I sit in yoga meditation.  Eventually, my racing mind settles into the steadiness of my breathing and the present moment opens up like a fragrant flower.  Instead of feeling sorry that another summer is gone and anticipating an uncertain future, I’m able to take in what’s around me now.  When my eyes reopen, it’s easy to notice that the trees aren’t bare.  In fact, the air is crisp and clean and the changing light and shadows cast a beautiful spell over me.  What a relief.

All that energy that was being wasted on feeling anxious has effortlessly shifted into the energy of inspiration and an undeniable readiness to take what’s right before me and enjoy it for what it is.  For years, I missed out on all the gorgeous fall days.  Not anymore.  Now I’m grateful for the tastes and smells and colors of autumn and reach into my closet for my favorite sweater.

Autumn is a time for harvesting, letting go, and for preparing unsown areas for reseeding.  This goes for the actual activities that happen during this season on earth and for what happens in our lives.  For me, the magic ingredient that helps me with this is yoga and meditation.  Please join me or your favorite teacher so we can continue to grow inward and onward.

Filed Under: Meditation / Guided Imagery, Wellness

Earthing ♥ Grounding is Amazing

April 27, 2017 by Julie Lusk

Guess what?  Just like we need air to breathe and vitamin D from the sun, we really need to be in physical touch with our Earth to be healthy and happy.  The term is earthing or grounding.

So, kick you shoes off and go barefoot.  Not only does it feel great, doing so releases muscular tension and calms your nerves by regulating your nervous system.  It’s fantastic for your heart too.  That means it will lift your spirits and help your heartbeat and blood pressure.  We truly need our Earth more than you realize.  Here’s why…

We are bombarded by EMFs (electrical magnetic fields) and RFs (radio frequencies) from WIFI and our devices with no way to discharge this overload of energy.  This can cause harmful results.  To reverse this for better health, it’s important we spend time earthing, also called grounding.

“The Earth’s surface contains a limitless number of free electrons that are continually replenished through solar radiation and lightning strikes; your body naturally absorbs these particles when you make physical contact with the ground” reports Dr Sinatra, MD.

He says, “In the body, these electrons have an anti-inflammatory effect because they reduce the free-radical activity that causes inflammation and chronic pain. (If you remember your high school science, electrons are negatively charged. Inflammation-causing free radicals are positively charged, which means the additional free electrons neutralize the free radicals.) The energy of the free electrons gained through grounding also helps keep your body’s innate electrical circuitry properly balanced. All of these effects of grounding are extremely beneficial to heart health.”

This disconnection is a result of our modern lifestyle.  A big reason is that wearing rubber and plastic soled shoes blocks us from the Earth’s surface and is strongly associated with an increase of inflammation, oxidative stress, and nervous system malfunctions.  No wonder there’s been high increases in insomnia, heart disease, diabetes and other problems related to inflammation.

A simple solution is to stand outside on the ground barefoot … actually touching our skin to the ground. More options include standing on cement (not blacktop/asphalt).  Brick, stone, or using a specialized pad, or a sheet made especially for grounding work as well.

Dr Sinatra said not to keep smartphones in one’s front pants pocket because doing so for only 20 minutes lowers testosterone by 400% in males.  Avoid holding smartphones directly against your ear too.  Keep it an inch or so away or use speakerphone.  Lower your risk by not using it while it’s plugged in as well.  Write your text then set it on a desk before pressing send.  Small changes make big differences.

Isn’t it remarkable that our Earth protects us from harm and gives us better health.  Let’s not forget that’s really where we get our food and water too.  What a connection, eh?  So, kick your shoes off and find out for yourself!  It’s beautiful out there – there’s nothing to be afraid of.

More resources for you


The Direct Current (DC) circuit of energy flows through every part of the natural universe, including plants, animals, human beings, and the surface of our entire planet, creating a Global Electrical Circuit. This natural DC energy is what the human body uses to function.  Everything from the beating of our heart to the movement of our muscles to our brain’s ability to think require DC energy.

Studies suggest that becoming a part of the earth’s global DC circuit enhances our conductive health. This has far reaching implications to all our organ systems that function off of DC energy and conductivity. This includes, but is not limited to our central and peripheral nervous system, our musculoskeletal system, and our cardiovascular system.

Grounding instantly connects us to this natural energy circuit. It plugs us into this healing energy.  Learn more in this video.  

Reference: The Real Reason Grounding Works by Laura Koniver, MD


​​​​​​​


15-minute explanation of grounding/earthing called Down to Earth from Big Picture Ranch on Vimeo.


A 7-minute video reviewing the benefits of Earthing/grounding according to medical studies by Dr. Laura Koniver, MD.  Learn how long is needed for results.


The Schumann Resonance is 7.83 hertz.  This is the frequency of the Earth’s electromagnetic field spectrum, outer space, alpha/theta brain waves (meditative, relaxed, and dreamy), the musical note of C, the Root Chakra /Earth element, and the Sri Yantra. Grounding can connect us to this powerful, healing energy.

Migraine headaches, emotional stress, and other problems can result if we’re ungrounded and shielded from this frequency.

Ancient and modern yogis have said that the Big Bang and deep space sounds like OM.  The NASA video below is the sound of a black hole. Amazingly, it is 57 octaves below middle C.  Does it sound like an OM to you?

 

 

Filed Under: Stress Relief / Management, Wellness Tagged With: earthing, grounding, lower inflammation

Give Yourself Some Space

October 17, 2016 by Julie Lusk

Out for a walk the other night, I was stunned to see how groups of people were all looking at their phones instead of talking with each other, let alone noticing the brilliant sunset.  Even the bikers were glued to their devices while riding their bikes.  I was surprised that people weren’t crashing into one another. More folks were glued to their screens at the restaurant too.  We all know that too many people text while driving – another recipe for disaster.

Living in a fast-paced 24/7 world, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.  We’re pushed to work harder, take care of our family, and keep up with current events along with a constant social media stream. clockExpectations are high all the way around.

Pico Iyer, a lifelong travel writer says ““In an age of acceleration, nothing can be more exhilarating than going slow. And in an age of distraction, nothing is so luxurious as paying attention. And in an age of constant movement, nothing is so urgent as sitting still.”

His Ted Talk video is well worth watching.  It will inspire you with ways to take back your time in ways that will replenish your body, mind and soul.

Why not take a few moments out right now?  Here’s how …

  1.  Turn your phone, TV, radio and other electronic devices off for a while.
  2.  Focus your attention on the moment by breathing fully and mindfully.  It is calming and refreshing for your nerves and it will light up your energy.  Try out yoga’s ocean-sounding breath (ujjaya breath).
  3. Blink your eyes a bunch of times till they water.  The moisture will help your vision.
  4. Yawn.  It cools the brain, gives you a burst of oxygen, and refreshes your eyesight and hearing.  If you’re lucky, you’ll catch some flies.
  5. Take a “2-hour nap in less than 1o minutes.“
  6. Give “The Inner Eye of Awareness Meditation” a shot.
  7. Add your own ___________________________.
  8. Bone up on mindfulness.  It’s easy with this “Stop ~~ Look ~~ Listen”  meditation.
  9. You guessed it, practice yoga nidra – yogic sleep. It’s totally replenishing. Experience yoga nidra at a virtual class with Julie Lusk, author of Yoga Nidra Meditations and 5 more books and dozens of recordings.

Filed Under: Meditation / Guided Imagery, Mind-Body Mastery Tools and Techniques, Misc Musings, Relaxation Exercises, Stress Relief / Management, Wellness, Yoga, Yoga and Meditation Quotes, Sayings, Poems, Yoga breathing technique Tagged With: art of stillness, breath meditation, mindfulness meditation, pico iyer

DIY Homemade Natural Essential Oil Wipes

August 7, 2016 by Julie Lusk

DIY Homemade Natural Essential Oil WipesDIY Homemade Natural Essential Oil Wipes

These DIY homemade natural essential oil wipes are easy to make. They can be personalized for various uses by using different essential oils. Use on unbroken, intact skin, such as your hands, arms, legs, etc.  These are not intended to be used on your face.  They’re very cleansing and will evaporate nicely.  Your skin will feel clean, soft, moisturized, and smell great.   Use them for cleaning-up messes and disinfecting surfaces.  I like to accordion fold wipes into a baggie to have them on hand and for traveling.  It’s so convenient and easy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 roll of good quality, heavy duty paper towels (I use Bounty). Or use soft cloth for reusable wipes – wash after use.
  • Rubbermaid #6 or #8 round container, zip-top baggie, or another airtight container.
  • 1 3/4 cups distilled water or boiled water (cooled down).  Wipes made with tap water will only last about 1 week
  • 1 Tablespoon of Witch Hazel Toner (I use Thayers Lavender Witch Hazel w/Aloe Vera)
    • Witch hazel with aloe vera helps the wipes last longer.  It is an alcohol-free, non-drying toner.  It’s soothing, gentle and moisturizes.  The aloe vera is naturally antibacterial and anti-odor
  • 2 Tablespoons of liquid castile soap or other liquid soap base (I use Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap – Lavender)
    • Dr. Bonner’s castile soap is an organic, non-foaming, 100% biodegradable natural soap without harsh chemicals or detergents
  • 1 Tablespoon of Jojoba, Olive, or Almond Oil (I use Jojoba)
  • Essential Oils – about 30 to 60 drops total.  Adjust to your liking.
  • Fine Print:  Keep in mind that essential oils are potent so don’t overdue it.  One drop goes a long way.   It’s smart to test on a small patch of skin first to make sure it works for you.  It is unsafe to ingest essential oils.  Do not listen to MLM sales reps on this.
    • Option 1:  Lavender, Lemon*, Eucalyptus, Geranium (smells and feels great)
    • Option 2:  Lemongrass, Citronella, Rosemary, Geranium, Peppermint, Tea Tree Oil, and/or Cedar are good options for bug repellent
    • Option 3:  Omit essential oils
    • Option 4:  Invent your own recipe
    • Optional Ingredients:
      • 1 Tablespoon of pure aloe vera – check the ingredients
      • 2 Capsules of Vitamin E
    • More Fine Print:
      1. Essential oils are potent and very concentrated.  One drop goes a long way.  Do not go overboard.
      2. Do your own research to make sure the essential oils and carrier/base oils are safe for you.  For example, people with nut allergies should avoid almond oil, peanut oil, etc.  Be especially careful if you are pregnant, diabetic, epileptic, or have cancer, heart disease, or other medical conditions.  Consult reliable sources (see number 7).
      3. Only use on unbroken, intact skin.  Not recommended on your face.
      4. * Citrus oils (lemon, lime, orange, bergamot, grapefruit, etc.) have photo-toxic properties.  Limit use to indoors or wait 6-12 hours before exposing your skin to sunlight.
      5. Do not use on babies or children.  Keep away from pets.
      6. Do not take essential oils internally unless you are under personal supervision of a qualified, trained and licensed aromatherapist.
      7. Some sellers, especially those based on multilevel marketing models (MLM), have minimal training, if any, and often make recommendations that are contrary to the aromatherapy code of ethics and standards of safe practice. This goes for online information also.  Buyer beware.

How to Make DIY Homemade Natural Essential Oil Wipes

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Misc Musings, Wellness Tagged With: DIY homemade essential oil natural wipes

10-Minute Yoga Nidra Practice to Stress Less

February 4, 2016 by Julie Lusk

Yahoo!  Yoga Journal has featured an excerpt from my latest book!   Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation and Stress Relief (NHP 2015).

Click here for the 10-minute Yoga Nidra Practice to Stress Less 

Easy Does It is a 10-minute relaxation practice to rest well and beat anxiety.  During it, an inner sanctuary of peace and calm is quickly and easily achieved using relaxation techniques and guided imagery. Your personal sanctuary can also be recalled during stressful times to give you real relief.

You’ll also be able to enroll in Yoga Journal’s Yoga for Stress and Anxiety online course.  It’s a six-week course that’ll make a lasting change in the way you work, love, and live.

Get the whole book here.

Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation & Stress Relief - Print Book & Audio download
Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation & Stress Relief - Print Book & Audio download
Yoga Nidra can stop tension in its tracks with a wonderfully, powerful & unique state of deep relaxation, mental clarity & insightful awareness. These practical, empowering relaxation exercises, meditations that soothe and visualizations that renew are based on classic yoga and backed by modern science. They’ll help you unwind, replenish, and feel refreshed with durable peace and unconditional joy. CLICK the blue title link above to find out more...
Quantity:  
Price: $17.95

Filed Under: Relaxation Exercises, Stress Relief / Management, Wellness, Yoga, Yoga Nidra

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