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Sa Ta Na Ma Meditation Research for Memory – Kirtan Kriya

March 20, 2011 by Julie Lusk

I just love synchronicity, don’t you? Right when I was looking for Sa Ta Na Ma meditation research – Kirtan Kriya – Amy Weintraub sent me a copy of her newsletter, LifeForce Yoga. My eyes popped out of my head with delight because she had compiled an excellent review of the literature on this meditation technique that improves memory. She generously said that I could share what’s below with you. I highly recommend Amy Weintraub’s website at LifeForce Yoga: Manage Your Mood. You will also benefit from and enjoy registering for her newsletter and going to her workshops.

Sa Ta Na Ma Meditation Research: Kirtan Kriya Effects Cognitive Function, Memory and Stress

In three separate studies published this year and in one that is on-going, Kirtan Kriya, as taught by the Kundalini master Yogi Bhajan, was shown to increase short term memory, cognitive function and to reduce stress. In separate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, and one continuing at the University of California (UCLA), researchers measured cerebral blood flow in the brain (rCBF) using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to determine which areas are more active and which are less during the practice. One study compared long-term meditators to non-meditators. Another study compared those practicing the meditation with those who listened to a Mozart violin concerto. A third study compared the more active meditation to a relaxation exercise.

Kirtan Kriya is a 12-minute active meditation that include mudra (hand gesture), mantra (out loud, whispered and repeated silently), and visual imagery,

In the on-going study at UCLA, those practicing 12-minutes of Kirtan Kriya meditation are being compared with those using a 25-minute relaxation tape. Preliminary results from the 39 caregivers who have already completed the study (23 practiced Kirtan Kriya, 16 listened to a relaxation audio tape) indicate:

[Read more…]

Experience Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra really needs to be experienced first-hand to reap its benefits and feel the wonder of it. Here’s how …

Watch the video below
Attend weekly online classes with Julie & friends
Listen to a recording
Read Yoga Nidra Meditations and Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation & Stress Relief
Enjoy Yoga Nidra on Demand … or purchase a download for keeps

Yoga Nidra 1 2 3 is as easy as one, two, three. Video / Audio

Done lying down, this delightful yoga nidra meditation experience gently guides you into feeling totally at ease, refreshed, and energized. Live harp, chimes, and flute music is soothing and mesmerizing.

Feel unconditional peace and joyfulness by sweeping away physical, mental, and emotional tension to clear space for insights and creativity to flourish. A heartfelt pledge (sankalpa) enables you to make positive changes that last.

Yoga Nidra 1 2 3 was recorded at a live yoga nidra class on zoom. You and your pets are warmly invited to join our friendly yoga nidra group on Mondays. It’s wonderful!

Yoga Nidra 1 2 3 is from Julie Lusk’s book, Yoga Nidra Meditations: 24 Scripts for True Relaxation. It is included in Nidra Shakti: The Power of Rest by Uma Dinsmore-Tuli.

Yoga Nidra 1 2 3 Video

Yoga Nidra 1 2 3 Audio

Handy Yoga Nidra Links

Yoga Nidra FAQ
Yoga Nidra’s Benefits
How to get the most from savasana, the relaxation pose.
Yoga Nidra FAQ on Setting Intentions & Sankalpas
Yoga Nidra and Sleep One hour of yoga nidra practice is equivalent to four hours of sleep due to the series of brain waves experienced along the way.
Learn about Yoga Nidra and Your Brain. It’s fascinating!
Class schedule

Desktop Yoga Workshop

Chair Yoga for the Workplace keeps employees alert and productive during the business day.

Contact Julie Lusk by email for details and scheduling to book her for your Employee Training, Conference, Workshop, and Lunch and Learn sessions.

Simple chair exercises can help prevent chronic problems such as lower back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other repetitive stress injuries.

A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showed that yoga-based chair exercise and stretches are more effective in reducing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms than using wrist splints or no treatment (Nov. 11, 1998). Desktop Yoga ™ can also improve morale, productivity, attitudes and attendance.

As the creator and author of Desktop Yoga ™ (Penguin Group, 1998), Julie Lusk has designed ‘do it now ‘ exercises that can be done right at the workstation that are effective, portable and easy.

During a typical session, participants will:

Learn to do self-care chair yoga stretches that can be done at their own desk. Specific stretches are done for the neck, shoulders, wrists, face, back and legs. Sequences are also available to increase energy, improve creativity or to reduce frustration.
Take a “2- hour nap in 2-minutes”.
Receive a brief review on the importance of proper ergonomics.

The Business Courier featured the value of Desktop Yoga in the article “Training the Body to Coast can help with Relaxation.” (pdf)

One of the most effective ways of letting go of work stress before you get home is by taking care of it as it arises, said Julie Lusk, author of “Desktop Yoga ®.” Lusk, president of Wholesome Resources, a stress-management company in Milford, teaches people how to do stretches, breathing and relaxation techniques right at their desks to relieve tension and get on with the day. See this article.

Don Kemper
President, Healthwise, Inc
“Julie Lusk has a unique style of presentation that seems to peer inside each member of her audience. Her wellness workshops in yoga, relaxation, and stress management include an extra dimension that leaves an imprint of peace and mindfulness on each participant.

Medco Employee
Desktop Yoga showed me how to release stress quickly. Easy to remember tips. I feel great!

MedcoHealth

I get neck and back and shoulder pain when I work. It’s already gone after this short Desktop Yoga session. My muscles felt really loose and relaxed after the exercises. It’s great!
Will help with concentration and stress relief.
You can relax at your desk so you will be better able to handle the stress of the day and be nicer to the people you talk to on the phone. Thank you. This should help at work and home.
It will help to ease some of the stiffness and fatigue that I feel when I sit for too long.
I learned how to prevent injury in the future and have more energy.
I now have something positive to do when I need a break from my work instead of bothering my co-workers by talking to them.

Fidelity Investments

95% rated the content as excellent or above average

97% rated the speaker as excellent or above average

97% rated the program as excellent or above average.

I was amazed at how relaxed and comfortable I felt by the end. I enjoyed learning by doing.
Easy to remember tips. I’ll be able to focus more during the day.
I believe this will help me when I’m at work and I get stressed.
I liked learning the relaxed breathing techniques. I felt much more relaxed, at ease and calm after taking the “2 hour nap in 2 minutes.”
I learned how to stop and take a break if I’m stressed and overwhelmed to regroup
How to be more aware of how my body is reacting when stressed and what to do

Ethicon Endo Surgery (Johnson and Johnson)

100% rated the content as excellent or above average

100% rated the speaker as excellent or above average

100% rated the program as excellent or above average.

I learned to release stress quickly. The instructor had excellent content. Very beneficial.
It’s important to take time to relax and reduce stress.
The stress fighting techniques allow me to be more focused and a better team player
The info on the mind/body connection was excellent
Stop being a perfectionist – I am one and it is stressful
You have reinforced the idea that I can do anything I put my mind to!!
Everything was interesting. I learned relaxation tips to gain more energy.

Lenscrafters

98% rated the content as excellent or above average

100% rated the speaker as excellent or above average

98% rated the program as excellent or above average

I learned how to feel rejuvenated at work. It was excellent. I’m glad I attended.
Learned a lot in a short period of time.
I need to learn how to relax. My stress level is out of control. The techniques were easy. I felt so renewed and relaxed afterwards
Great ideas that can be implemented at one’s desk

Book Julie Now

Julie travels from Cincinnati, OH

Julie T. Lusk, M.Ed.
Wholesome Resources
Milford, OH 45150

Greater Cincinnati Area

Click here to email

Chakra Energy Flow Meditation

Chakra Energy Flow Meditation ©

By Julie Lusk

Time: 12-15 minutes

Summary: Energy flows like a river in this guided imagery exercise. Sitting in a meditation posture is more effective than lying down for working with the chakras because the physical alignment encourages and amplifies the flow of energy.

Guided Imagery Meditation

Each of us has internal currents of energy within that flow like rivers. This energy is what gives us life and activates us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It influences everything from the concrete to the abstract. For instance, our flesh and bones are activated into life by this energy source. It gives us inspiration to accomplish our meaningful ambitions. Primarily, these rivers of energy span from the base of the spine up through the top of the head and move up and down, in and out, as well as forward and back. Furthermore, there are many other tributaries that extend throughout the rest of our being.

When this energy is open, flowing and balanced, we’re able to express our full potential and interact with the outside world. It enables us to easily receive information, love, and resources from outside of us. We’re also able to manifest our dreams and life purpose, liberate our awareness and actions, and free up energy to take action. It’s important for this energy to flow in a balanced, continuous way. Too often however, areas of energy become overly stimulated and excessive, or it bogs down to a trickle. It can get blocked, leaky, or hyperactive.

The purpose of this guided imagery is to balance these rivers and currents of energy in a wholesome way. So, in your own manner, set an intention to balance and align your energy flow so it serves the greater good for yourself…others…and in the world.

So, in your own way, become aware of a constant source of energy and power that is plentiful…and it’s readily available to you as well as to all others… There are many ways of experiencing the energy as it flow and you can use your senses to experience it…perhaps you can see it, feel it, or hear it… it may have a color, a shape or a sound … It may possibly sparkle…it may glow… How does the presence of energy occur to you?

Imagine tapping into this energy supply right now. Feel it moving and flowing now.

Let’s refine and focus on this energy more attentively by experiencing it as a fountain that flows from below your feet… and into your legs… and into the base of the spine… and it moves upward to the top of the head and beyond…a constant fountain of energy that flows, and moves and is alive…actively flowing through the core of your body from the base to the top…imagine this energy lighting up your awareness…increasing your freedom…and liberating you.

And now, imagine this energy as it showers down like a waterfall. It originates above you and pours down through the crown of the head, down throughout the core of the body, and back to the earth…Experiencing streams of energy running downward through you as it boosts and enlivens your thoughts, dreams, and aspirations into reality…and clearly imagine your dreams taking shape in the world.

So now, this energy flows evenly and fluidly…gracefully moving up and down…up and down the central core that spans from the top of the head to the base of the spine and back to the crown of the head…It can even extend from the earth, through you, and into the sky and back down again.

Imagine and allow this energy to continually flow…automatically…fluidly…and elegantly… whether or not you are paying direct attention to it.

Now it’s time to experience this flow of energy in a new way… This river of energy influences your incoming and outgoing interactions …so hold your attention on the whole length of your spine, from its base to the top. …Allow a wellspring of energy to radiate constantly through the length of your spine, …and feel it start to move in and out…forward and back… and sideways…. … Imagine a constant, abundant supply of energy radiating out from your core…Energy shining out through the front…out the back…to the sides…and all around…making it possible for you to express your self in your life… including your work …touching your relationships…and the world you live in …as this energy moves along the length of your spine, radiating outward in all directions.

And now, this energy returns to you, moving from the outside to the inside…replenishing your energy…receiving it in its many forms…in the form of information…thoughts…and love…being returned to you…naturally flowing into you until it begins flowing in and out like a dance…evenly…smoothly…and effortlessly…continuing to flow, whether or not you are paying attention to it.

And somehow, energy currents are flowing in all directions…up and down…in and out…in unison, balancing and blending and harmonizing…cooling and calming down where the energy is excessive and too strong…and activating and energizing where the energy is too weak or blocked.

And part of you steps out of the way so this can happen naturally…and this part of you notices how all this happens.

This energy source is inside you and all around you… It is constant and supportive…and it guides you…balances you…and makes you feel whole and complete.

It’s time to reawaken to your surroundings…Listen to the sounds (name some as they occur)… become aware of your breath…feel the air on your skin… feel your body, your physical presence…and when ready, stretch and open your eyes.

Author’s Note: Anodea Judith inspired this guided visualization. May her energy be abundant and a blessing to her and to all others.

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...

Chakra Chart

Finally! A complete Chakra Chart with all the chakra names, locations, colors, sounds, yoga postures, breathing techniques, psychological & energetic influences and more. There's handy tips for using the chart on the reverse side. It's 8 1/2 by 14" and laminated. CLICK on the blue title link above to find out more...

Guided Meditation for the Chakras

Real Relaxation Yoga Nidra takes you into a deeply relaxing and powerful restful state of being fully aware while being in the state of deep yogic sleep. It helps with balancing chakra energy, and can improve immunity, heart health, relieve stress and give you inner peace and balance.

Get it from Amazon, iTunes, Spotify & other online stores.

Handy Links

Learn about chakras and their influences | Get your Complete Chakra Chart
Chakra Balancing with Sound Healing. Use the Elemental Chakra Tone Chart to balance your chakra energy by either increasing or decreasing their energy with sound, color, and special mantras. The Vedic (Yoga) and Tibetan notes and tones are given. It’s fun.
How to balance chakra energy with toning and hand & finger movements called mudras.
Get info related to chakra elements, directions, sounds, senses, and other attributes
Chakra Energy Flow Meditation
Understanding OM | AUM
Book a Musical Sound Bath session

Solving Holiday Stress

November 29, 2010 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!

Wholesome Energizers CD

Listen often to release stress, refresh your outlook and feel calm. Feel rested, rejuvenated and ready for the rest of the day. Introduction and 3 tracks featuring a relaxation exercise, beautiful guided imagery and helpful affirmations to bring your energy back. CLICK the blue title link above to find out more...

Wholesome Relaxation CD

Experience deep relaxation, inspiring imagery and affirmations to enhance your personal health, increase strength, and improve your overall well-being. This is used by Good Samaritan Hospital, American Heart Assn, American Cancer Society and others. CLICK the blue title link above to find out more...

Price: $16.95

Price: $9.99

Power of Presence CD

Gain the benefits of meditation with comfort and ease. You'll soon solve workplace stress and easily handle personal challenges and health issues. CLICK the blue title link above to find out more... Digital downloads are available.

Real Relaxation: Yoga Nidra CD (Shop @ Amazon / iTunes = We are sold out temporarily)

This 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

Digital downloads are available.

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