To Improve Your Memory, Concentration & More
Julie Lusk, M.Ed., E-RYT-500
Wholesome Resources for Mind-Body Mastery through Yoga, Meditation, Guided Imagery, Stress Relief, Wellness
by Julie Lusk
by Julie Lusk
Solving Holiday Stress
Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, St. Nicholas, Kwanza, Winter Solstice, Navidades, Hanukkah, St. Lucia Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s, the holidays are inherently stressful.
Decide now whether this year will be full of the season’s stressful traps or fulfilling with plenty of treasures to be thankful for. Now is the time to set priorities and make the necessary changes so the holidays are inspiring and energizing instead of a drain. It’s especially important to pay attention to what your needs and wishes are for your body, mind, and heart while finding the balance with sharing with others.
Operating on automatic can add even more stress causing unhappiness, sickness, poor relationships and lack of energy. Why not improve your ability to handle stress by practicing the following effective ways to cope with stress. I DARE you to Relax! Please check out the CD’s down below too. Each provide helpful tools and techniques for renewal. They make excellent gifts too.
DARE to Relax includes: D = Diet; A = Attitude and Awareness; R = Rest, Relaxation and Relationships; E = Exercise.
DIET: Don’t deprive yourself of essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals that can help you reduce the effects of daily stress. Stress uses up your supply of vitamins A, B and C which can lead to feeling irritable and tired. Calcium is essential for your central nervous system to function normally. Without enough, your nerves become frayed. If you consistently eat well-balanced meals, you can fortify your system giving you the nourishment to guard against the harmful effects of stress.
Eat a nutritious breakfast
Choose fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains
Choose baked or broiled food instead of fried
Cut down on too much fat, salt, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, additives and preservatives
Maintain a healthy weight
Choose holiday foods with care. Eat the special things that are delicious and bring you in touch with warm memories. You really don’t have to eat everything to get the taste of the holidays.
ATTITUDE AND AWARENESS: Research shows that as much as 75% of illnesses are the result of experiencing too much stress. Not being able to handle stress properly can decrease the effectiveness of your immune system. Become more aware of how you respond to tension and stress in your life and begin to make adjustments. Are you responding appropriately? Could you be over-reacting? Is it possible to avoid or change a situation that causes you anxiety? By improving your awareness and improving how you react to stress, it might be possible to avoid some of your headaches, stomachaches and other problems. Try laughing. Laughter is like internal jogging. It aids digestion and improves alertness and productivity by sending blood and oxygen to your brain and increases the production of the body’s catecholamines.
Learn to accept situations you can’t change; give in once in a while
Learn to communicate with others; talk your worries out
Take one thing at a time; don’t take on too many changes at once
Manage your time more effectively; don’t procrastinate
Be positive and realistic
Express your feelings in healthy ways
Create variety in your work; do old things new ways
REST AND RELAXATION: It is much easier to handle stress if you are rested and know how to remain calm. Getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night is essential. Although recreation and being diverted from stress is helpful (playing a sport, watching a movie) true relaxation is different. It involves giving yourself an honest break from activity and excess stimulation. Breathing deeply, smoothly, slowly and from the diaphragm is relaxing since it too sends a fresh supply of blood to the brain and throughout the body. It oxygenates your system and even slows down the heartbeat.
Plan leisure time; take breaks
Spend time on a hobby; seek new interests
Schedule some quiet time alone every day; meditate; pray
Have fun, play and laugh
Cut down on noise levels at home and work; turn the radio or TV off
Replenish yourself with therapeutic relaxation, guided imagery and affirmations. See the suggestions for CD’s below to feel rejuvenated improve your outlook and help your health.
EXERCISE: When under stress, there is an increase of adrenalin in the system as part of the flight or fight response, which can drain you of energy if not effectively released. Exercise regularly to work stresses off positively. This can improve your productivity and increase your energy. Be sure to choose physical activity that you enjoy.
This may be the year to tamper with holiday traditions so the spirit and meaning of the holidays are once again filled with tidings of comfort and joy.
Help for the holidays. These CD’s will replenish your energy and renew your outlook. They make great gifts too!
Its many benefits include:
Digital downloads are available.
CLICK the blue title link above to find out more...with Julie Lusk, M.Ed., E-RYT-500, YACEP
Author of
Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation & Stress Relief (NHP)

Yoga Nidra Meditations: 24 Scripts for True Relaxation (Llewellyn)
Numerous yoga nidra, guided relaxation and imagery books & recordings
See Julie Lusk’s qualifications here
Yoga Nidra means “yogic sleep.” It is conscious, complete relaxation that is tremendously healing for the body, mind, and spirit. Progressive relaxation skills, specialized breathing techniques, guided imagery, and mindfulness are systematically used to easily create a deeply meditative state that reliably reveals and awakens an inner reservoir of intuitive understanding and unconditional joy. Unique skills are developed for handling stress and tension in the short term and for the long run. Yoga nidra is fundamental to a complete hatha yoga session and can also be done as a complete practice on its own.
Yoga nidra is based on authentic yoga teachings and backed by contemporary science. Studies have shown that yoga nidra can boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, decrease pain, and improve other health conditions. Regular practice can improve memory, concentration, and relieve anxiety and depression. Using a sankalpa (special, self-selected resolve) during the fertile brain wave states experienced during yoga nidra makes it possible to clear out useless habits and bring about positive and durable changes to one’s personality and life. It’s delightfully replenishing and empowering.
Since yoga nidra is so powerful, it is critical that it is taught to others correctly. Attending this workshop and training will give you the tools and resources needed to lead others effectively and how to avoid dangerous pitfalls. You will gain the know-how and confidence needed to offer yoga nidra for groups and individuals. Your clients and students will feel centered, increase bodymind awareness, enhance relaxation, make positive behavior changes, help heal emotional and physical upsets, and enhance self-understanding.
Who is this yoga nidra teacher training for?
These trainings are appropriate for yoga teachers, therapists, healthcare professionals, pastors, and other helping professionals. You do not have to be a yoga teacher to do this. This yoga nidra teacher training is approved for CEU’s by the Yoga Alliance. Other health professionals may qualify for CEU’s.
Here’s what 3 graduates want you to know!
Register Now! Limited enrollment
Watch what these graduates say about their experience
Upon completion of Level 1 training, graduates will:
Textbooks |
Required

Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation & Stress Relief by Julie Lusk
Highly Recommended
Yoga Nidra Meditations: 24 Scripts for True Relaxation Print Book or Audiobook by Julie Lusk
Additional training materials will be provided
Level 2 trainings can be customized to cover these and other topics pertinent to the advancement of yoga nidra understanding, practice, and delivery. Yoga nidra training from Julie Lusk is required prior to enrollment in a Level 2 training. If you have successfully completed training from another qualified yoga nidra trainer (iRest, Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra, Marc Halpern, etc), please inquire to see if you are you are eligible for this training.
Julie is uniquely qualified to show you how to write your own scripts. By writing Yoga Nidra Meditations: 24 Scripts for True Relaxation, she worked with the leading yoga nidra experts worldwide. This gave her a comprehensive perspective on all the major yoga nidra methods available and how to apply them in a wide range of settings, purposes, and populations. You’ll confidently write scripts based on the spirit of classical yoga and backed by modern, mind-body science.

Textbooks |
Required

1. Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation & Stress Relief by Julie Lusk
2. Yoga Nidra Meditations: 24 Scripts for True Relaxation Print Book or Audiobook by Julie Lusk
3. One additional Yoga Nidra book of your choice
4. Additional training materials will be provided
Julie Lusk, MEd, E-RYT 500, NCC, focuses on opening, balancing, and strengthening the body-mind-
spirit connection through yoga, meditation, transformative relaxation, and guided imagery based on more than 30 years of study and experience. She is an internationally published author and recording artist whose books include Yoga Nidra Meditations, Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation and Stress Relief, and Yoga Meditations: Timeless Mind-Body Practices for Awakening and 30 Scripts for Relaxation, Imagery & Inner Healing, Vols. 1 and Vol 2. Julie is president of Wholesome Resources. The retreats, trainings, and seminars she presents are relaxing, reflective and revitalizing. She is talented in bringing the best out in others through her depth of knowledge, natural lightheartedness, and caring nature. See additional qualifications here.

Useful Links:
~~May we be protected together.
May we be nourished together.
May we create strength among one another.
May our study be filled with brilliance and light.
May there be no hostility between us.
Om peace, peace, peace.
OM ~~King and Queen of all mantras ~
OM/AUM is the sound of infinity and immortality. Contains supreme wisdom. Go here to delve into the interesting meaning of its visual image and significance of its sound vibration.
Gayatri Mantra
Om bhur bhuvah svaha
Tat savitur varenyam
Bargo devasya dhimahi
Dhiyo yona prachodayat
~~I reflect on the unity of Divine Spirit, which pervades everything in the earth, the atmosphere and heavens.
May this Supreme Consciousness protect me and illuminate my intellect that I may realize my inherent oneness with That.
I meditate on the great luminous light that enlightens all three worlds.
May it enlighten all.

Namaste’
~~ I honor the light in you and in all – used as a greeting and goodbye
Lokah samasta sukhino bhavantu
~~ May the entire universe be filled with peace and joy, love and light.
~~ May all beings everywhere be happy and free. In some way, may I contribute to that happiness and freedom for all.
Jai Sri Sadguru Maharaj Ki. Jai!
~~ May the light of truth overcome all darkness! Victory to that Light!
Asatoma Sad Gamaya ~ Tama Soma Jyotir Gamaya ~ Mritorma Amritam Gamaya
~~ Lead us from the unreal to the real. Lead us from darkness to light. Lead us from death to immortality.
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra ~ Om Triambakam Mantra
Om Triambakam Yajamahe
Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan
Mrityor Mukshiya Mamritat
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
~~ We worship You, All-seeing one. Fragrant, You nourish bounteously. From fear of death may You cut us free, to realize immortality.
Niralambaya Upanishad (Anusara Chant)
Om Namah Shivaya Gurave
Satchidananda Murtaye
Nishpranchaya Shantaye
Niralambaya Tejase
~~ My heart opens to the power and source of grace that takes form as truth, knowledge, bliss. Always present, boundless peace. Shining source, limitless and free.
Om Sarvesham Swastir Bhavatu
Sarvesham Santir Bhavatu
Sarvesham Purnam Bhavatu
Sarvesham Mangalam Bhavatu
Sarve Bhavatu Sukhinaha
Sarve Santu Niramayah
Sarve Bhandrani Pasyantu
Ma Kaschid Duhkha Bhag Bhaver
~~ Auspiciousness be unto all.
Perfect peace be unto all.
Fullness be unto all.
Prosperity be unto all.
Happiness be unto all.
Perfect health be unto all.
May all see good in everyone.
May all be free from suffering.
Serve, Love, Give by Master Sivananda
Serve. Love. Give. Purify. Meditate. Realize. (x2)
Be good. Do good. Be kind. Be compassionate. (x2)
Adapt. Adjust. Accommodate. (x2)
Inquire who am I. Know thyself and be free. (x2)
Om Tat Sat, Om Tat Sat, Om Tat Sat, Om
Om Shanti. Om Peace. Om Shalom Om. (x2)
Om
(symbol)
~~King and Queen of all mantras ~ sound of infinity and immortality. Contains supreme wisdom.
Om Namo/Namah/Namaha ~Shri
~~ Used to invoke, appreciate and honor a deity Swaha – giving of self, let go
Om Shanti Om Shanti Om or Shanti, Shanti, Shanti, Om
~~ for peace
Shanti
~~ Peace
So Hum
~~ I am that. Universal mantra sound of the breath ~ so is inhalation, hum is exhalation.
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
~~ to the divine in-dweller in all. Oneness
~~ Om and salutations to the divine One who dwells in all
Hari Om
~~ Purifies and removes obstacles. Opens the heart. Awakens prana (natural energy) in the body.
Sita Ram ~ opens the heart and celebrates love
Om Shri Saraswati-ya Namaha ~ for help & inspiration in art, music, literature
Om Shri Kali Durga-ya Namaha ~ dispels negativity, provided protection
Om Shri Rama Namaha ~ Ram is a name for God. It engenders God consciousness, truth, blessings
Om Namah Shivaya ~ honors the divine within oneself & others – destroys negativity & replaces with positive
Om Gum Ganipati-ya Namaha ~ to remove obstacles and bring success
Om Shrim Lakshmi-ya Namaha ~ for noble abundance, prosperity, beauty, grace
Om Tara Tu Tara Tu Ray Swaha ~ for rescue & benevolent help – for compassion
strength & healing
Gate Gate Para Gate Para Sum Gate Bodhi Swaha ~~ Gone beyond the beyond to enlightenment (Buddhist)
Om Mani Padme Hum ~ the Jewel of the lotus of the heart (Buddhist)
Chakra Bija Sounds for Activation1 Lam
2 Vam
3 Ram
4 Yam
5 Hum
6 Om
7 Silence or Ommmmmm
1 O as in toe
2 U as in two
3 Ah as in awe
4 A as in play
5 E as in speak
6 M as in mmmmmmm
7 Silence or Ommmmmm or NG as in wing

Aim
Saraswati,
Art, Music, Literature, Wisdom
Hrim
Parvati
Purification,Transformation
Klim/Krim
Kali
Fiercely conquers obstacles, energizes
Dum
Durga
Warrior of Protection
Shrim
Lakshmi
Abudance, Beauty, Grace
Tam
Tara
Mercy, Compassion, Removes fear. Protects.
Written and narrated by Julie Lusk.
Original instrumental music by Tom Laskey
Listen to Wholesome Relaxation to experience deep relaxation, inspiring imagery and affirmations to enhance your personal health, increase strength, and improve your overall well-being. It will help you reduce worry, help you sleep soundly, relieve stress, improve your outlook and more.
