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12-Minute Meditation Technique called Kirtan Kriya for Memory Improvement

March 20, 2011 by Julie Lusk

Having and maintaining a good memory is an important ingredient that all of us need and want. Right? Many of us get concerned when forgetfulness happens to us or to those close to us. This is particularly troublesome as we age and especially if we have a family history of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Try the 12-minute meditation called Kirtan Kriya.

Here is an inspiring video with research to prove that there are easy things we can do for memory improvement with meditation.

Along with the conventional wisdom of good nutrition, supplements and mental and physical exercise, Dharma Singh Khalsa, MD says that meditation is key. A research study is reviewed that shows increases in brain development for memory, concentration and focus using a simple 12-minute meditation, including a yoga mudra.

The Kirtan Kriya – the Sa Ta Na Ma 12 minute meditation for memory is from the Kundalini yoga tradition. To get measurable results, it is done daily for only 8 weeks. But, who would want to stop there. Not me!

The Sa Ta Na Ma meditation technique also stops the mental chatter to bring about a clear mind. It’s calming too.

This NY Times article Yoga May Be Good for the Brain was published June 1, 2016 . It discusses a study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease in April 2016.

A combination of 1 hour of weekly yoga exercise and a daily 15-minute Kirtan Kriya Meditation is recommended to help with memory improvement, concentration and mood improvement (depression). Improvements were also made in “visuospatial memory, a type of remembering that is important for balance, depth perception and the ability to recognize objects and navigate the world”. It was compared to another highly regarded brain training program practiced that was practiced for 1 hour weekly with 15 minutes of daily memory exercises.

The yoga + meditation group “topped the benefits of the brain training group” showing statistically significant results.

More Resources…

Get an audio recording that will help you practice the Sa Ta Na Ma meditation with the correct timing.

Sa Ta Na Ma
Kirtan Kriya Meditation

Click HERE to buy this downloadable digital album
(MP3, AAC, M4A)

$7.99

Sa Ta Na Ma Meditation CD

Sa Ta Na Ma is a powerful mantra. Scientific studies show this 12-minute meditation increases memory, concentration, cognition, calmness & more. Repeating the mantra out loud, whispered & silently while doing simple finger movements (mudras) is done. A beautiful chorus of voices keep track of the time for you. A brief intro gets you off to a successful start. Digital downloads are available.

Gain from Guided Imagery & Relaxation

February 7, 2011 by Julie Lusk

Guided imagery and relaxation are so much more than nice things to do if there’s time. They are important life skills to know about and practice regularly. Both are powerful mind-body-spirit techniques that elicits therapeutic relaxation; awakens and activates the natural ability for self-healing to occur; helps with changing behaviors and habits; and uncovers your inner truth and life direction while stimulating the intuition. Everyone can do it.

Do you want to unlock your highest potential, experience many types of guided imagery first hand, and understand relevant scientific principles? Check out my schedule for upcoming workshops.

“Many common diseases and health complaints can be treated directly with mind-body techniques.” reports Dr. Herbert Benson, the Harvard Medical School scientist who coined the term “relaxation response” 35 years ago. He states that “study after mind body study, carried out with the most careful scientific protocols, produced incontrovertible evidence that the mind can indeed influence – and heal the body – even down to the genetic level.” Along with appropriate medical care, mind body techniques are used for health improvement and can eliminate problems associated with anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, insomnia, PMS, menopausal, peri-menopausal and breast cancer hot flashes, nausea, pain, premature aging and other disorders to the extent that stress is a factor. Now consider that 80% of all illness is either caused by or made worse by stress.

In addition to the powerful and positive effects of relaxation and guided imagery on physical health, it is invaluable and reliable for tapping into one’s inner source of divine intuition and wisdom. Plus, behavior change, musical performance, sport and athletic ability can all be strengthened with the regular use of relaxation and guided imagery. It can be used to reveal inner guidance with respect to one’s life direction.

Guided imagery, also referred to as creative visualization, is intentional daydreaming whose aim is to magnify the positive aspects of the mind-body connection. First, focused breathing and/or progressive muscular relaxation prepare the body for guided imagery and creative visualization. Next, the mind is purposefully guided in a process similar to daydreaming. The difference is that in daydreaming the mind is allowed to go wherever it pleases. Instead of this, the mind is directed in a specific and special manner. For example, a guided imagery exercise might ask you to focus on a setting or environment that feels safe and comfortable. This can be experienced and accomplished by mentally seeing the setting, feeling or sensing the environment, or using the senses of sound or smell. As Belleruth Naparstek says, “there are many right ways to experience guided imagery.” Get more about relaxation, imagery and meditation here.

So, now what? If you want to feel your best, and even prevent or conquer long-term medical problems, it’s time to get back to your yoga, meditation, and visualization habits. You wouldn’t skip brushing your teeth everyday, would you?

If you’re like the rest of us and could use some help, so either join a local class, get together regularly with like-minded people to support each other, and get your DVD’s and CD’s back out. I am delighted to offer a selection of yoga and meditation classes in the Cincinnati area. Plus, I have retreats and conferences coming up. Check out my schedule.

If you prefer here’s some book and CD resources on mind body relaxation to benefit from. Click HERE to buy my Real Relaxation: Yoga Nidra CD.

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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?

Eye Exercises to Improve Vision

October 20, 2018 by Julie Lusk

Computer and device screens seem to torture your eyes causing them to become tired and dry in no time at all. Poor lighting, glare, dry air, and constantly staring at the monitor all contribute to eye strain.

Chances are good that it’s hard to recognize how exhausted your eyes are until they feel tired and dry or your head aches. Here are a few preliminary steps you can take to avoid such strains:

If possible, adjust the screen colors so they aren’t too hard on your eyes; try soft colors for a nice change.
Avoid glare by choosing a place for your computer that doesn’t reflect windows or lights. Remember to wipe your screen off regularly.
Remember to look away from your screen every fifteen minutes or so. It’s too hard on your eyes to do such close work without a break. Do it now!

Eye Movements

After a while, eye muscles tire out and it becomes harder to focus. To prevent this from happening, you can practice these eye movements. They will strengthen your eye muscles and eyesight and stimulate the brain. Visual, auditory, and sensory perception can increase. Do them sitting up, standing, or lying down.

Here’s How

Start doing the eye movements slowly and pick up the pace after you can do it smoothly without jerks.
Switch off by first paying more attention to the eye movements than to the visual effects. Next, take a moment to focus on both ends of they eye stretch.
Remember to keep your head still as you do the eye movements. Let your facial muscles relax as well.

First Variation: Up and Down

With your head and neck evenly aligned and movement-free, look up as far as you can and try to see up and over your head. Then look down as if you would like to see under your chin. Keep doing this for about 15-20 times in a row.
Follow this by bringing your eyes back to center and blink them a couple of times.
Afterward, rest with your eyes closed and take several deep breaths.
Smile

Second Variation: Side to Side

This time look quickly to the right and try to see behind your ear, then rapidly look to the left and try to see behind your left ear. Keep looking back and forth for 15-20 times.
When finished, bring your eyes back to center.
Blink a few times and rest them with your eyes closed.
Smile

Third Variation: Eye Circles

Keep your head still and look up. Circle your eyes in a clockwise direction three times.
When finished, bring your eyes back to center and rest with closed eyes for a few breaths.
Circle your eyes in a counterclockwise direction three times.
Blink a few times and rest them with your eyes closed.
Smile

Palming will rest and relax your eyes, calm your nerves, and quiet your mind. Your respiration will increase as long as you remember to breathe deeply and fully.

Rub your hands rapidly together with your palms and fingers touching. Keep rubbing until you feel the generation of some heat and energy.
Next, rest your elbows on your desk.
Cup your hands and gently place them over your closed eyes (no glasses). Let the warmth and darkness soothe your eyes.
Take several long and easy breaths as you imagine the tiredness being released with your out-breath, and energy and vitality returning with your in-breath.
Smile

Chidakasha: Quieting the Mind by Stilling the Eyes Using the sense of sight is a very effective centering technique. Doing so can have a beneficial effect on the brain as well. Have you ever noticed that you can still see even with your eyes closed? All that is needed is to try. You might see it as darkness, designs, colors, spots, or a combination. It does not matter. What matters is passively focusing your attention on what is being seen and watching it as it changes. Have fun watching whatever appears as it comes and goes on the inside screen of your closed eyelids. This brings you into the moment and quickly settles down mental restlessness. Yogis refer to watching this inner space of consciousness as Chidakasha. ( Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation & Stress Relief, page 115)

Note: If somebody catches you doing this, be prepared to say something clever like, “Can’t a person even pray around here?” Your other option is to tell them what you’re doing and have them join in.

Notice the benefits and smile.

This one of the many exercises you can do while at your keyboard, in your car, or whenever you want to feel better.

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