Wholesome Resources

Wholesome Resources for Mind-Body Mastery through Yoga, Meditation, Guided Imagery, Stress Relief, Wellness

View Cart
Facebook
YouTube
LinkedIn
LinkedIn
Share
You are here: Home / Archives for Yoga

The New Moon is Dark and Powerful

by

New Moon ~~ New Year Magic

Something rare is happening on January 1, 2014.  There is a new moon on the first day of the year.  What a powerful time for getting a fresh, clean start.  This doubles the significance in making resolutions and setting intentions for the coming month and year.

Here’s how to practice Yoga’s Salute to the Moon. It’s a posture sequence that gives strength, flexibility, coordination and balance.  Why not try it now!

Every month, new beginnings are facilitated during the three days of the new moon.  In her book, The Healing Power of the Sacred Women, Christine Page offers these ideas for getting the most from this potent time.

On the 1st day, take time, preferably at sunset, to sit and decide what stories, experiences, emotions and beliefs you are ready to release and what is complete (Purification). Before you finish with a story of experience, it is very important to ask: ‘What did I learn from the experience? What gems of wisdom can I collect? How have I grown consciously because of the experience?’ Place the gems of wisdom in your heart to be transformed into the light of consciousness.

You don’t need to list everything but could just fill a glass with water and surround the glass with your hands and ask that all emotions/ beliefs/stories which are no longer valuable to your soul, to enter the water. Then stand on the Earth and ask Mother Earth/ the Great Dragon to take these energies back into her waters so you may be purified. Then pour the water on the earth with gratitude and celebration.

On the 2nd day (anytime in the day) spend time [Read more…]

Yoga Nidra for Stress Relief book ~~ On the Way!

by

Here’s how it all happened ~~ thanks to my lucky stars!

Last February, while I was teaching at Sivananda/Bahamas, I had my Vedic astrology chart read by Krishna Das. This was a fiThumbs Up!rst for me.

After describing me better than my own Mother could, he went on to say that the stars and planets and moon were lining up in May exactly as it was when I was born as well as at the age of 30. He said it was going to be a very productive time for me and would bring with it writing, teaching, learning, traveling and such.

I questioned him about the areas that I might concentrate on and gave him a list of things I’m interested in.

Right away, he said that yoga nidra would fit in perfectly with my chart. Next, I asked if I should pursue opportunities and he replied that would not be needed since opportunities would find me.

Can you only imagine the look on my face when I got an email “out of the blue” in May from New Harbinger Publications asking me if I would like to write a book for them on … Yoga Nidra for Stress Relief!  Yoga Nidra is the totally relaxing and deeply healing aspect of yoga.

After checking them out and doing some discernment and soul-searching, I agreed. Next, they wanted a book summary, outline, authors bio, and a couple sample chapters. That took me a few months.  The contract has now been finalized!

Could you please help me?  Something that will really help the book come alive are stories.   Would you be willing to share what Yoga Nidra feels like for you?  Do you have a Yoga Nidra story about how it has helped you in some way?  If so, please send them to me. 

Why wait until the book and the new audios are released (it takes a long time).  To celebrate, my Real Relaxation: Yoga Nidra CD is on sale for $5 off.  This special offer is valid during December 2013.

Here is a (pdf) FAQ sheet on Yoga Nidra on

1) What is Yoga Nidra?

2) Is it different than meditation and hypnosis?

3)  How it is done.  How often.

4) Benefits

5) Resources.

ENJOY!

 

 

Advice from a Tree

by

What an opportunity to experience yoga’s tree pose (Vriksasana) while absorbing the energy from the trunk of this tree.  What a powerful experience to feel into the roots of this tree, to reflect on its life, and to stand where it stood for so many years.  It seemed perfect to pair the photo with “the advice from a tree.” from ‘anon.’  Learn the tree pose below. 

 

Advice from a TreeJulie's Tree pose

stand tall and proud

go out on a limb

remember your roots

drink plenty of water

be content with your natural beauty

enjoy the view

And I’d like to add…

bask in the sun

don’t mind the clouds

provide shelter for birds, squirrels, and other creatures

go with the winds that are blowing through your life

climb a tree once in a while

Practice yoga’s tree pose (vrksasana) to gain balance, core strength, humility, centering, and self-acceptance.

Stand tall. Balance your weight equally on both feet in mountain pose (tadasana). Put your hands on your hips. Breathe. Raise your right foot and press it into the inside of your left leg either above or below the knee. Steady your gaze. Raise your arms up like branches. Wobbling is normal and helpful. Hold for several breaths and repeat on the other side. See the picture above.

 

 

Yoga Moon Salute ~ Chandra Namaskar

by

Here’s an amazing yoga posture sequence called the Salute to the Moon (Chandra Namaskar).  Like the Sun Salute, it is a wonderful way to link poses and breathing together to enjoy better coordination, build endurance and create relaxed energy.  In it, standing postures are done in a way that flows as naturally as the moon moves through its phases.

Julie’s moon salute sequence features the mountain pose, moon, star, forward bend, warrior options, and a standing spinal twist.  It’s heavenly!

HANDOUT LINK: Yoga Moon Salute – Chandra Namaskar (pdf) shows photos for each posture with the proper breathing for the Salute to the Moon.

Here’s Sarah Brightman singing Figlio Perduto, the music we often play while practicing the Moon Salute.

Blue Moon Rising CD by Julie Lusk is on sale!  It’s great music for listening to while doing yoga or relaxing.

Blue Moon Rising CD ~~ Native American Style Flute Music
Blue Moon Rising CD ~~ Native American Style Flute Music
Enjoy 16 tracks of beautiful Native American style flute music played by Julie Lusk accompanied by the relaxing sounds of Mother Nature as the backdrop. Digital downloads available.
Quantity:  
Price: $9.99Price: $16.95 

‘Guinness World Records’ Oldest Yoga Teacher

by

Saying that you’re too stiff or old to do yoga is like saying that you’re too dirty to take a bath.

What an inspiration Tao Porchon-Lynch is.  Watch this 2-minute video to see her go.  She is the oldest yoga teacher, according to ‘Guinness World Records’.  She is 93 and has taught for 61 years.   “I’m going to teach yoga until I can’t breathe anymore, then I’ll just fly away to the next planet.”  I believe her!

Even a hip replacement hasn’t stopped her.  ” I don’t want to know what I won’t be able to do because I don’t believe it,” is what she told her doctor when he told her that she would have to give up.  She shocked him by sending a photograph of her in lotus lifting off the ground.

She became interested in yoga at 8 years old when she saw boys doing yoga in Pondicherry, India.  She wanted to prove that she could do what the boys were doing.  She now lives and teaches yoga outside of NYC in Hartsdale.

What’s your favorite quote or piece of the video?  Please let us know in the comments below!

So what are you waiting for??  I encourage you to keep up your home practice and to either take classes in your area or one of mine.  Here’s my current yoga schedule including classes and workshops.

Donate to support my website & our dog Breezy … Click her pic. Thanks!

Join Our Network

Join Our Network

Free Newsletter Signup