Who couldn’t use some extra shut-eye?  Sleep is vital to our health and sleep experts tell us we need an average of eight hours at a shot.  Even if there’s time for sleep, many of us have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep.  Let’s take a look yoga nidra and sleep.  Yoga nidra can help in replenishing ourselves, can be used as a natural sleep aid, and more.

Yoga nidra  means “yogic sleep” and has many documented benefits for your body, mind, and spirit. It is when your bodymind is actually in deep sleep but with one big difference – you remain consciously aware. This is done by going through a series of techniques to systematically get physically, energetically, mentally, emotionally relaxed.  In addition, yoga nidra sparks intuition, unconditional joy, and a timeless, spacious sense of being.  Witness consciousness is experienced and even surpassed.  Due to the fertile brainwave states experienced, it’s also entirely possible to make positive behavior and personality changes. See the yoga nidra FAQ on setting intentions and sankalpas here.

In fact, while not a substitute for actual sleep, one hour of yoga nidra practice is equivalent to four hours of sleep.  This is due to the series of brain waves experienced along the way.  (Saraswati 1998, Kumar 2008) With practice, you’ll eventually be able to enter the delta brainwave state but remain aware.  It resembles what it feels like to be on the verge of being awake and asleep. The conscious experience of deep sleep is what makes it so restorative and unique.

Yoga nidra can also be practiced at bedtime as a sleep aid.  Layer after layer of stress is cleared out so it doesn’t follow you to bed and disturb sleeping.  Using yoga nidra techniques as a sleep aid should not be confused with the yoga nidra experience itself.  Be careful or you will find it difficult to practice yoga nidra itself and will fall into deep sleep instead.

Yogic sleep is also a play on words of sorts.  It refers to how most of us are walking around “asleep” and unaware of our True Self, the indestructible aspect in each of us that is already peaceful, joyful, wise, soulful, luminous, and loving.  Whereas, the yogi is awake to one’s True Self no matter what the state of consciousness – waking, dreaming, deep sleep.  Realizing this enables us to recognize the true nature of oneself and reality so we are not swayed by the changeability and unpredictability of thoughts, feelings, beliefs and such.  Yoga nidra helps us experience and realize this.

In short, yoga nidra is super sleep!

How to Experience Yoga Nidra 

Like all worthwhile things, regular practice yields the best results.

1. Listen to Yoga Nidra Meditations: 24 Scripts for True Relaxation | Audible – iTunes – Amazon
2. Read about it and get free audio downloads in Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation and Stress Relief (New Harbinger, 2015).
3. Experience yoga nidra on video/audio.
4. Attend a virtual yoga nidra class held weekly on Zoom.
5. Take a yoga nidra teacher training course and earn a certificate.
6. Get a book or audio below.

Get Related article:

• Sleep Solutions: Yoga-Style

Resources: Books, Recordings & More

Get yoga nidra downloads here.

Sleep Well | Yoga Nidra CD

Use deep relaxation, soothing flute music & ocean waves to go to sleep. "I slept like a log." Downloads available. By Julie Lusk, Yoga Nidra Meditations author.

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...

NEW! Yoga Nidra Meditations: 24 Scripts for True Relaxation

Experience peace and deeply restorative rest that heals your body, mind & spirit. Features 24 Yoga Nidra scripts written by author Julie Lusk and 12 of the world's master teachers. Enjoy 6 levels of relaxation for a joyful meditative experience. Learn to use yogic sleep to revitalize your inner reservoir of intuitive understanding and unconditional joy. Audiobook available. CLICK the blue title link above to find out more...

Yoga Nidra Essentials CD

Find your calm spot. Brighten your energy. Enjoy a more meaningful life. Experience 6 levels of relaxation. Reclaim optimal health for your body, mind & heart. Laura says "My focused mind easily. I was 100% worry-free. It's wonderful." By Julie Lusk, 6-time author. Digital downloads available.

Julie Lusk, MEd, E-RYT 500, has over 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 CDs include Wholesome Relaxation, Power of Presence, Blue Moon Rising, and many others. Learn more at WholesomeResources.com

I have selected these yoga sayings, quotes and poems since they express the heart, mind and soul of yoga and meditation.  You can enjoy more wonderful yoga quotes posted on my blog as well as add your favorites and make comments.

You’re invited to check out my Yoga Meditations book. A whole chapter reflects the wisdom of yoga, yoga blessings and answers the age-old questions from the yogic point of view:  “Who am I,” What is my true nature,” What is my purpose,” How to handle suffering,”  and more.  Yoga Meditations also has over 60 meditations, relaxation and guided imagery exercises.

Helpful Links

• Yoga articles on a wide range of interesting topics.
• Meditation articles
• Best Yoga Mantras & Chants
• Please scroll down for a free copy of my Yoga Basics Guidebook & Wholesome News emails!

Dedication of Merit

May the merit of our practice encourage all beings to unveil the hidden brilliance.

Yoga’s wisdom on one’s true nature ~ Yoga Meditations ~ Julie Lusk

• Love is the first seed of the Soul. Rig Veda x.29

• Our essential nature is boundless consciousness.  We are rooted in it when the mind focuses and settles.  ~ Yoga Sutras 1.3

• For the soul there is neither birth nor death. The soul that is will never cease to be. It is unborn, eternal, ever existing, undying and primeval. One’s essence does not die when the body dies. ~ Bhagavad Gita 2.20

• There is a spirit which is pure and which is beyond old age and death; and beyond hunger and thirst and sorrow.  This is Atman, one’s Spirit.  All desires of this Spirit are Truth.  It is this Spirit that we must find and know. ~ Chandogya Upanishad.

The 4 Keys to Happiness

The mind becomes peaceful and free when the qualities of the heart are cultivated.  These qualities are:

​​​     Friendship toward the joyful,

     Compassion toward the suffering,

     Happiness toward the pure, and

     Undisturbed toward the impure.

More about these 4 keys to happiness from Sri Swami Satchidananda here.

Living Buddha
Again and again ~ Return like mountain ~ Release like ocean ~ Relax like sky ~ And rest ~ Rest in the heart of pure awareness.

Meditation and yoga is Inner-Resting.  ~ Julie Lusk

Make Haste Slowly ~ Indian road sign for “curves ahead.” ~ Yoga slogan

We will start off slowly ~ and then taper off. ~ Integral Yoga slogan

Yoga is like music: the rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life. ~  BKS Iyengar ~ See more quotes from Mr. Iyengar here.

The easy path is hard enough. ~ Integral Yoga slogan

Hard times require furious dancing. ~ alice walker

How to Make a Yogatini ~ Julie Lusk (link)

Link to Yoga Mantras and Chants 

Advice from a Tree  ~~ anon

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

Chakra Garden of Jewels ~ Julie Lusk with Kabir’s inspiration and ‘A Place to Sit’

Don’t go outside your house to search for jewels.
Don’t even bother with that excursion, my friend.
There are jewels inside yourself.
Precious, profound and ready to be discovered.

These jewels are just like flowers.

Some are taking root.  They are in the process of being fertilized and getting ready to sprout.
Others are growing and budding , preparing to flower.
There are also beautiful blooms inside, brimming with fragrance and lively vitality.
Others are in stages of decline, getting ready to retreat, recycle themselves,
and naturally cycle back to the beginning.

Like a bouquet of flowers, there are jewels within you.

There is a sparkling ruby red jewel and it’s so stabilizing and protective.
There is an orange carnelian jewel too.  It lights up your senses, creativity and ability to feel.
There is a beautiful amber jewel, radiating confidence, inner strength and courage.
There is an emerald jewel too.  The glowing emerald green jewel is loving, forgiving and kind.
There is a bright sapphire blue jewel shining with truth and sparks your creativity.
There is an amethyst glowing inside that awakens your intuition and shows you the big picture.
There is a crystal clear diamond, shining with spirit, connecting the Holy Ones with you.

Don’t go outside your house to search for jewels.
Don’t bother with that excursion, my friend.
There are jewels inside yourself,
waiting to be discovered, polished and ready to beam beautifully.

Helpful Links

• Learn more about the chakra energy centers now.
  
• Buy the Complete Chakra chart.  Finally, everything is in one place!
• Favorite Yoga Mantras and Chants

What is Yoga? ~ Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Alistair Shearer

Yoga is a way to restore our lost wholeness, our integrity as complete human beings, by unifying the personality around a center that is silent, unbounded, spacious, and joyful.

The techniques of yoga are methods of purifying the nervous system so that it can reflect a greater degree of consciousness and our lives can become an increasingly positive force in the world.

If these techniques are correctly practiced, the whole nervous system is revitalized – the body enjoys better health and more energy, the rested mind is freed from the burden of past experience, and perception is restored to its primal freshness.  Thought and activity become coherent and integrated, life becomes richer and more fulfilling.

Yoga is not a religion.  Its techniques, however, will gradually lead you to the direct experience of those truths on which religion rests.  Yoga is a catalyst that allows us to grow in whichever direction is natural and life supporting.

Quotes from BKS Iyengar with more here

“Yoga is like music: the rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life.”

“Spirituality is not some external goal that one must seek, but a part of the divine core of each of us, which we must reveal.”

In Light of Merton ~ Joe Z.

At the very center of our being is a great spaciousness that is untouched by sin and illusion.

A point of pure truth which is inaccessible to the fantasies of our mind or the brutalities of our will.

It’s like a pure diamond – blazing with the invisible light of heaven. It’s in everybody.

And if we could only see it and integrate it – we would radiate a peace that would make all the darkness and all the cruelty vanish forever.

Meta Meditation – Loving-kindness ~ Buddha

May I be well
May I be happy and content
May I be free from danger and suffering
May I be filled with loving-kindness

May you be well
May you be happy and content
May you be free from danger and suffering
May you be filled with loving-kindness

May all beings be well
May all beings be happy and content
May all beings be free from danger and suffering
May all beings be filled with loving-kindness

Gentle me, Holy One, into an unclenched moment, a deep breath, a letting go of heavy experiences, of shriveling anxieties,

of dead uncertainties. That softened by the silence, surrounded by the light, and open to the mystery, I may be found by

wholeness, upheld by the unfathomable, entranced by the simple, and filled with the joy that is You. ~ Ted Loder

Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over it and whispers, “Grow, Grow. ~ The Talmud

Be alert for any sign of beauty or grace.
Offer up every joy.
Be awake at all moments to the news that is always arriving out of the silence
~ Sogyal Rimpoche

Today like any other day, we wake up empty and frightened.
Don’t open the door to the study and begin reading.

Take down the dulcimer.
Let the beauty we love be what we do.

There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.
– Rumi

Just give me this: A rinsing out, a cleansing free of all my smaller strivings so I can be the class act God intended. True to my

purpose, all my energy aligned behind my deepest intention. And just this: A quieting down, a clearing away of internal ruckus, so I

can hear the huge stillness in my heart and feel how I pulse with all creation, part and parcel of Your great singing ocean. And this

too: A willingness to notice and forgive the myriad times I fall short, forgetting who I really am, what I really belong to. So I can start

over, fresh and clean like sweet sheets billowing in the summer sun, my heart pierced with gratitude. ~ Belleruth Naparstek

Being on the Yoga Path ~ Yoga Meditations ~ Julie Lusk

• You alone can walk the inner path.  Upanishads

• Many paths are possible; whichever path is sincerely traveled leads to inner peace. ~ Bhagavad Gita 4.11

• Whichever path you follow will lead to Me in the end. Your love will be returned with My love. ~ Bhagavad Gita 4.1

• It is better to follow your own life purpose poorly, than to do another’s perfectly. You are safe from harm when you follow your own unique path. ~ Bhagavad Gita 3.35

• Do not give up your own natural life path, even though it is flawed; all actions contain flaws, as fire is surrounded by smoke. ~ Bhagavad Gita 18.48

• No effort is wasted and no gain is ever lost when on this path; even a little practice will shelter you from sorrow and protect you from the greatest fear. ~ Bhagavad Gita 2.40

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

Link to a comprehensive collection of Mantras and Chants

If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain.
If I can ease one life the aching, or cool one pain, or help one
fainting robin unto his nest again I shall not live in vain.
~ Emily Dickinson

I love to watch how birds
Soar on the wind.
There appears to be such
Little effort, yet such joy.
I want to become like a bird
and let my spirit soar
On the winds that are blowing
Through my life.

I will not be crushed against the rocks!
I will sense the rhythm,
The flow, and react accordingly.
I will trust my inner guide.

~ J. Garrett Garrison & S. Sheperd

I pray to the birds.

I pray to the birds because I believe they will carry the
messages of my heart upward.

I pray to them because I believe in their existence,
the way their songs begin and end each day
– the invocations and benedictions of earth.

I pray to the birds because
they remind me of what I love
rather than what I fear.
And at the end of my prayers,
they teach me how to listen.

~ Terry Tempest Williams

Just for Now, without asking how, let yourself sink into stillness. Just for now, lay down the weight you so patiently bear upon your

shoulders. Feel the earth receive you, and the infinite expanse of the sky grow even wider as your awareness reaches up to meet

it. Just for now, allow a wave of breath to enliven your experience. Breathe out whatever blocks you from the truth. Just for now,

be boundless, free, with awakened energy tingling in your hands and feet. Drink in the possibility of being who and what you really

are – so fully alive that the world looks different, newly born and vibrant, just for now. ~ Danna Faulds

Let yourself fall. Let yourself fall. Too much holding yourself up holds things up. Let yourself fall into the arms of the One who sometimes pulls the rug out from under you just so that you may know the sweetness of being caught.

May my feet rest firmly on the ground.
May my head touch the sky.
May I see clearly
May I have the capacity to listen
May I be free to touch
May my words be true
May my heart and mind be open
May my hands be empty to fill the need
May my arms be open to others
May my gifts be revealed to me so I may return that which has been given completing the great circle.

– Terma

Loka samasta sukino bhavantu
May the entire universe be filled with peace and joy; love and light.

12 Symptoms of Inner Peace

~ Saskia Davis

1. An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.

2. An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.

3. A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.

4. A loss of interest in judging other people.

5. A loss of interest in judging self.

6. A loss of interest in conflict.

7. A loss of the ability to worry.

8. Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.

9. Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.

10. Frequent bouts of smiling.

11. A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.

12. An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and in the yoga place,  ~~ adapted by Julie Lusk
not a muscle was moving, it was filled with grace.
The mats were lined up, on the floor with care,
in hopes that sweet relaxation would soon be there.

The students relaxed, all snug on their mats,
while life hurried on outside, like scaredy cats.

Dedicated bodies began moving, this way and that.
“Now Tadasana! Now, Chandrasana! Virabhdrasana! and Bridge!
On, Cobra! On, Bow! On Locust and Fish!
To the top of your head! And the bottom of your heart!
Now breathe away! Breathe away! Breathe away all!”

 When up in my brain there arose such a clatter… see more!

Handy Links

•  Enjoy more wonderful yoga quotes, saying and poems posted on my blog.
• Yoga Mantras and Chants:  Favorites
• Please check out my Yoga Meditations book. A whole chapter reflects the wisdom of yoga, yoga blessings and answers the age-old questions from the yogic point of view: 

• • Who am I?
  • What is my true nature?
  • What is my purpose?
  • How to handle suffering and more. 
  • Yoga Meditations also has over 60 meditations, relaxation and guided imagery exercises.
    
  • Free Wholesome Energizers CD is included inside the book

Yoga Meditations: Timeless Mind-Body Practices - Book & CD set

Awaken joy, peace and inspiration with this yoga meditations book. Yoga Meditations contains a wide variety of mind-body practices, such as: * Guided relaxation exercises * Breathing practices * Yoga Nidra * Meditations and guided imagery * Affirmations * Yoga postures and meditations for each chakra * Yoga wisdom for contemplation Get a FREE Wholesome Energizers CD in every book! CLICK the blue title link above to find out more...

Yoga & Mindfulness classes, retreats & workshops with Julie Lusk provide the perfect way to get exercise, gain flexibility, add strength, and relieve stress.  Focus is on opening, balancing and strengthening the body/mind/spirit connection through yoga and meditation.  Mindful stretching, focused breathing and yoga nidra (guided relaxation) are combined to create a relaxed, secure atmosphere that is contemplative, challenging and fun. Alignment is emphasized to feel steady, supple and strong.

Yoga Nidra Relaxation is a soothing meditation done lying down. It relieves stress, increases heart health and immunity, and offers inner peace and balance.  One hour of practice equals 4 hours of sleep.  Julie is the author of both Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation & Stress Relief and Yoga Nidra Meditations: 24 Scripts for Total Relaxation, and numerous relaxing and refreshing CDs.

SoulCollage ® is a refreshing way to spark your creativity, playfulness and spirited self by making small collages using an engaging process. No artistic abilities needed.

Julie Lusk, M.Ed., CYT, E-RYT-500, has over 40 years experience. She is certified to teach a variety of styles ranging from gentle to vigorous yoga.  Julie is the author of six books and numerous recordings on guided visualization and yoga. See more qualifications here.

Quick Start Schedules
Contact Julie Lusk anytime         

2026  Yoga Classes at Miami Township Civic Center  2026

** Miami Township Civic Center, Milford, OH 
601 Meijer Drive – Milford, OH  45150
(513) 248-3727

**  Register on the MTCC website or call (513) 248-3727

**  Inclement weather policy and announcements. Schedule is subject to change. 

• Summer | No in-person classes during the summer due to summer camps.
  • Summer options include Weekly yoga Zoom classes | Yoga on Demand 24/7 |
• Tuesdays | Sept 8 to Sept 29 | 10-11:30 am
• Tuesdays | Oct 2o to Nov 10 | 10-11:30 am
• Tuesdays | Nov 17 to Dec 8 | 10-11:30 am

Coming Soon!

Yoga & Mindfulness – Classes & Retreats

• Pavilion at Jesuit Spiritual Center, 5361 S. Milford Rd, Milford OH 45150
• Classes are postponed for now.
• Enjoy online classes ~ Join here  – It’s divine!

Yoga Mudra Workshop

Mudras are yoga positions for your hands and fingers that facilitate health, healing, psychological balance and spiritual transformation.  They are effective and easy to learn, practical and powerful and anyone can do them.   You will learn how to apply these simple exercises to boost your energy, prevent illness and support healing.

→ Coming Soon!  Please check back.

Intro to Meditation

Learn everything you need to start a meditation practice.

We’ll cover techniques, benefits and more.

→ Coming soon.   Please check back!

Goat Yoga Classes! 

Enjoy 3 videos of Goat Yoga with Julie Lusk now!

• • Watch WKRC-TV news crew enjoying Goat Yoga with Julie Lusk.
  • Watch this WLWT-TV news clip of our Goat Yoga adventures!