Yoga Nidra Teacher
Training & Certification ~ Levels 1 & 2
for Teachers & Health Professionals

 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

• Level 1 – Yoga Nidra Training & Certification – Level 1
  • • In-Person – Sept 15-20, 2023
    • Hosted by Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville in Virginia
    • Details & registration link
• Level 2 – Yoga Nidra Training & Certification – Level 2
  • TBA
  • Prerequisite – Level 1
  • Hosted by Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville in Virginia
  • Details & registration link

Level 1:  Yoga Nidra Training Objectives

• Be able to describe the essential principles, practices and benefits of yoga nidra and why it matters
• Describe yoga nidra’s heritage from its ties to yoga to contemporary science
• List the benefits, risks, and ethics of leading yoga nidra
• List the five sequential levels of relaxation: distinguishing characteristics, benefits, and how to experience each one
• Learn and demonstrate how to help others experience progressive levels of awareness that correspond to the layers of oneself, called koshas, that conceals one’s true Self
• Learn and demonstrate how to lead relaxation techniques, specialized breathing methods, guided imagery, mindfulness and other mindbody techniques used in yoga nidra
• Explain how to help clients develop positive, personal characteristics and bring a meaningful purpose to one’s life by setting and using a self-selected resolve, called a sankalpa, during certain stages of yoga nidra
• Know how to create the right atmosphere and select music. Be equipped at handling distractions.
• Demonstrate voice quality, wording, sequencing, timing and pacing
• Experience yoga nidra first-hand and receive its benefits personally
• Practice leading others to gain the skills needed for your classes, clients, and students.
• Get your questions answered.

Watch what these graduates say about their experience

Upon completion of Level 1 training, graduates will:

• Be able to teach yoga nidra for overall health in group and private settings

  

• Use yoga nidra for personal self-care
• Have an understanding of the principles and practices of yoga nidra and its uses and benefits
• Receive a certificate upon completion of the training
• Yoga Alliance Approved for CEU’s
• Obtain CEU contact hours (varies per profession)

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

 Register Now!  Limited enrollment

• Level 1 – Yoga Nidra Training & Certification – Level 1
  • • In-Person – Sept 15-20, 2023
    • Hosted by Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville in Virginia
    • Details & registration link
• Level 2 – Yoga Nidra Training & Certification – Level 2
  • • TBA
    • Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville in Virginia
    • Prerequisite – Level 1
    • Details & registration link

Level 2:  Yoga Nidra Training Objectives

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.

• Use and deepen one’s understanding of yoga nidra’s purpose, principles, techniques and delivery
• Demonstrate advanced skills, techniques and variations in leading:
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Breath-work
  • Guided imagery
  • Mindfulness
  • Other mindbody techniques
• Design and demonstrate how to write one’s own scripts
• Demonstrate how to adapt yoga nidra for specific needs and populations such as:
  • Stress management
  • Physical health (health concerns and medical conditions like insomnia, inflammation, hypertension, etc.)
  • Mental and emotional well-being
  • Behavior change
  • Various age groups / in diverse settings
• Explain and integrate chakra theory and techniques to enhance yoga nidra
• Use of mudras (hand gestures) to enhance yoga nidra
• Demonstrate how to integrate yoga nidra into one’s classes, workshops, and with individuals
• Get practical tips on designing, marketing, implementing, and evaluating yoga nidra workshops

Upon completion of Level 2 training, graduates will:

• Be able to teach yoga nidra in groups and private settings in sync with the purpose of the particular training
• Use yoga nidra for advanced personal self-care
• Have an understanding of the advanced principles and practices of yoga nidra and its uses and benefits
• Receive a certificate upon completion of the training
• Yoga Alliance Approved for CEU’s
• Obtain CEU contact hours (varies per profession)
  

  ---

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

Register Now!  Limited enrollment

• Level 1 – Yoga Nidra Training & Certification – Level 1
  • • In-Person – Sept 15-20, 2023
    • Hosted by Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville in Virginia
    • Details & registration link
• Level 2 – Yoga Nidra Training & Certification – Level 2
  • • TBA
    • Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville in Virginia
    • Prerequisite – Level 1
    • Details & registration link

Trainer 

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.

Contact Julie Lusk to schedule a training for yourself or for your yoga studio, meditation center, or special group.  

Yoga Alliance Approved. 

Call 513-248-9642 (ET)

Register Now!  Limited enrollment

• Level 1 – Yoga Nidra Training & Certification – Level 1
  • • • Online – Jan 5 – 28, 2023
      • Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville in Virginia
      • Details & registration link
• Level 2 – Yoga Nidra Training & Certification – Level 2
  • • • TBA
      • Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville in Virginia
      • Prerequisite – Level 1
      • Details & registration link

Yoga Nidra FAQ by Julie Lusk as PDF

What Is Yoga Nidra? Yoga Nidra means “yogic sleep.”  It powerfully combines ancient yoga with contemporary science. It starts with a systematic process for shedding physical, mental, and emotional stress. Energy and alertness increase and unconditional peacefulness and quiet is uncovered. No yoga experience is needed. It is typically done lying down. It feels great!

What are the benefits of Yoga Nidra?  With regular practice, your health will improve.  Scientific studies have shown that real relaxation and yoga nidra helps with a variety of physical and mental problems.  It can boost your immune system, lower blood pressure, and decrease pain.  Though it’s not a substitute for sleeping, one hour of yoga nidra equals about 4 hours of typical sleep because the brain wave state we’re in is extremely restful and relaxing.  You’ll enjoy living with a clear head.  Eventually, mood swings and emotional upsets won’t bother you.  Your creativity and intuition will flourish in a positive and productive way.   Plus, your energy increases.   See more documented benefits of yoga nidra here.

Is Yoga Nidra different from hypnosis?   Yes.  In hypnosis, we’re in a brain wave state that is not as deep as in yoga nidra.  With hypnosis, someone else makes suggestions to us in this altered state.  In Yoga Nidra, positive suggestions originate and come from within ourselves for lasting and constructive change.  This is called setting a resolve, or sankalpa.

How is Yoga Nidra Done?  The purpose of yoga nidra is to completely relax physically, energetically, mentally, and emotionally.  Doing so is deeply soothing and it naturally awakens innate wisdom and intuition.  During the yoga nidra process, you’ll be invited to get comfortable lying down in the relaxation pose (savasana)  This is done on a yoga mat or something similar.  Specialized relaxation exercises, breathing techniques, meditation, and guided imagery are utilized for becoming extremely relaxed and to replenish energy. Yoga nidra effectively handles everyday tension and is capable of healing deep-seated stress. It is much more than a quick fix.

How does Yoga Nidra help me make positive changes?  What is a resolve, also called a sankalpa? The brain wave state we’re in during Yoga Nidra is fertile ground.  We’re both very relaxed and very receptive.  Setting a resolve during this time makes it completely possible to clear out useless habits and bring about positive and permanent changes in your personality and life.  So, choose something worthwhile that has meaning and significance for you as your resolve. Some examples are kindness, courage, and love or something to give meaning to your life purpose.  The sankalpa (resolve) is stated briefly, sincerely, and in the present tense at the beginning and end of yoga nidra.  Use the same one until it becomes a living reality.  Get more help on sankalpas here.

How often should I do Yoga Nidra?   Regular practice (daily to several times a week) is strongly recommended, especially if you want to reap the benefits.

Note:  Refer to Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation and Stress Relief by Julie Lusk (NHP 2015) for a clear and complete information on yoga nidra.  It’s available at the WholesomeResources.com store and other online outlets.

The Map of Consciousness used during Yoga Nidra

One technique that is used to achieve the state of conscious awareness known as yoga nidra, is to mentally scan the body using a specific order and duration based on the sensory-motor cortex, also called the homunculus.  It is recommended to follow the same sequence to help bring about the movement of prana (life force) and create a healthy flow of energy.

If you look closely at the diagram of the brain’s sensory-motor cortex below, you will notice that more area is devoted to certain places than to others.  For instance, compare the relatively large amount of area dedicated to the hands and fingers with the small amount dedicated to the hips.  This is why more time is intentionally spent scanning the areas of the body with more of the brain dedicated to it during the practice.

Sensory-motor cortex © as shown in Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation and Stress Relief by Julie Lusk. Click image to enlarge.

The diagram below shows the subtle energy centers, called chakras, that are also mentally scanned.  Chakras are associated with physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual health, and more.

Crown Chakra – Wisdom. Spirituality – Purple
Third Eye – Intuition.  Insight – Indigo Blue
Throat – Self expression. Communication – Blue
Heart –  Compassion.  Love. Kindness – Green
Solar Plexus – Self esteem. Confidence – Yellow
Sacral – Sensuality, intimacy, creativity – Orange 
Root –  Safety. To have.  To be – Red

Yoga_nidra_FAQ_by Julie Lusk as PDF

Resources: Books, Recordings & More

Get Audio Downloads here

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 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...

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.

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...

Yoga Nidra: Guided Meditations for Relaxation & Renewal Download

Get clear guidance to experience 6 levels of relaxation done lying down. This meditation replenishes energy. It delivers mental clarity as restless thoughts and emotional upsets fade away. Specialized breathing, guided imagery & mindful awareness are used. An inner reservoir of heartfelt peace, intuitive understanding & unconditional joy is revealed. One hour of practice equates to 4 hours of sleep.

Invite Julie Lusk to Teach

It’s easy to arrange for Julie to provide training in person or remotely (Zoom) for your

• Yoga studio

• Meditation center

• Special group

• Yoga Alliance Approved

“Your classes and workshops are always like a multivitamin for my soul!!!  Julie Keefe

Book Julie Lusk – Call 513-248-YOGA (9642) or click here to email

“Julie’s classes have helped me to manage stress in addition to opening a whole new world of inner peace and physical fitness that has become a part of my daily life.”  Marianne Lang

Topics Include

• • How to Lead Deep Relaxation, (Yoga Nidra), Guided Imagery and Yoga Meditation

    – Yoga Alliance Approved Teacher Training
    

    Deep relaxation (Shavasana and Yoga Nidra) and guided imagery are powerful techniques for stress management and personal development.  They are used in a wide variety of settings ranging from yoga and meditation sessions to mental health treatment.  You will:
    –  Expand your skills and build your repertoire of relaxation and imagery guided imagery and meditation techniques
    –  Learn how to create the right atmosphere, use your voice effectively, select the best music, and more
    –  Gain confidence in leading individuals and groups
    –  Find out how to avoid common pitfalls.
    –  Become capable of writing powerful scripts and

  • • Offered at Kripalu (4 years), Discovery Yoga in FL (4 years), Cincinnati Yoga Teachers Association, Atma Yoga Teacher Training (3 years) (back to topics)
      

• Mind-Body Mastery:
  Understand the Principles – Benefit from the Practices

  

  Explore the power of the mind-body connection and put it into action to immediately enhance health in body, mind and spirit. From relieving stress, improving your outlook, cultivating a kind and compassionate heart, to making friends with Spirit, the mind-body connection does it all – and more.

  • Find out what the mind-body connection is and why it is so vital
  • Understand and explore the best tools and techniques to use to harness the mind-body connection positively and productively
  • Find out the remarkable benefits from serious studies to amazing stories.  Put it to the test and see for yourself.
  • Apply the mind-body connection personally to
    • Augment healing – physically, mentally and emotionally
    • Release tension and get energized
    • Learn therapeutic relaxation techniques to conquer stress
    • Understand and use guided imagery correctly
    • Benefit from this workshop through information, experiential activities and lively discussions

    Leave feeling energized and with practical mind-body tools to take home.

    →  Offered at Sivananda / Bahamas, Burke Marketing, and others

    (back to topics)

  Book Julie Lusk – Call 513-248-YOGA or 513-248-9642 or click here to email

   

• Stress Relief through Real Relaxation, Guided Imagery and Meditation
  

  Maximize your energy and health by finally getting the practical formula you need for managing stress using guided relaxation, imagery, yoga meditation, and sensible lifestyle changes as your tools. This workshop reviews the dynamics of stress, provides experiences in a variety of proven, user-friendly relaxation methods including guided imagery, yoga nidra, and meditation. You will leave feeling relaxed and energized, with a plan in hand for transforming everyday anxiety into awakened living.  Thousands are already using Julie’s guided imagery and meditation exercises in hospitals nationwide for increasing health.

  Offered at Kripalu Yoga Center (4 years); Integral Yoga at Yogaville, VA, and others
  (back to topics)

• 

  Special Retreat for Women:

  M&M’s for the Body, Mind & Spirit

  There’s nothing like a gathering of women to renew yourself.  Together, we’ll find out about the feminine approach to the practice, playfulness and passion of yoga for and about women. It’s a heart-centered way of being  fluid, nurturing, expressive, emotional, cyclical and changeable.  Clarity, compassion, courage and kindness are cultivated.  We will weave this together into a comfy quilt of M&M’s for the mind, body and spirit.  The M’s include movement, music, meditation, mudras, mandalas, mantra, the magic of the mother spirit and more.  Did I mention the Moon Salute?  The ‘S’ in M&M’s will bring us together as a sanga, which means socializing with sages, for satsang (discussion) and the development of our own personal spiritual practice or sadhana.  We’ll enjoy a shakti celebration.  It’s divine! (back to topics)

Yoga Meditation

In this workshop, you will find the meditation method that’s best for you for naturally discovering your inner strength and source of joy and inspiration.  You’ll learn to calm your restless mind and benefit from the healing nature of meditation.  You’ll explore a variety of methods including mindfulness, japa (mantra repetition), walking meditation, and more.  We will also cover how to integrate a meditation practice into a busy lifestyle.  Julie is the author of Yoga Meditations:  Timeless Mind- Body Practices and numerous CD’s.
(back to topics)

Book Julie Lusk – Call 513-248-9642 or click here to email

• Goddess Yoga

  Embody the Goddess within and around you with yoga postures, breath, sound and more. Come learn posture sequences that honor and embody the feminine Devis of yoga. You’ll find out why and how this is being done. It’s fun, innovative, fluid, intuitive, nurturing, creative and powerful. We’ll also work with the chakras, mandalas, mudras and more. Women and men are always welcome.

  Offered at Kripalu Yoga Center, Sivananda Ashram – Bahamas, and Satchidananda -Yogaville, Jesuit Spiritual Center (back to topics)

• Salutation to the Moon: Chandra Namaskar
  

  Enjoy learning the Moon Salute, a wonderful and powerful yoga posture sequence. Information about the moon and its influences and how the moon’s energy figures into yoga philosophy and practice are shared. We will creatively delve into guided imagery, moonstones, special music and more. (back to topics)

• Journey Inward and Onward
  

  Self-awareness and uncovering your true self is at the very heart of yoga. Based upon yoga’s wisdom teachings this session will take you inward through pranayama (breathing), yoga nidra (deep relaxation) and meditation and onward through guided imagery and journaling to help you unlock the purpose of your life journey and support you with the insight, steadiness, and courage needed to live your life authentically at home, work and at play. (back to topics)

• Desktop Yoga ®
  

  Learn to do self-care yoga stretches and how to take a “2-hour nap in 2-minutes”. Everything is effective, portable and easy and designed to be done in a chair right at the office or workstation. Sequences are also taught to increase energy, improve creativity and to reduce frustration.  Julie is the author of Desktop Yoga ®. (back to topics)

   

  Book Julie Lusk – Call 513-248-9642 or click here to email

   

   

• More Topics
  

  I’ve done lots of retreats that utilize and combine various aspects of mandala, labyrinth, chakras, salutation to the moon, and the feminine. Each involves, yoga, meditation, a creative project, music, imagery, and more. I especially like designing programs around a theme and am always willing to consider suggestions. (back to topics)

Julie’s Qualifications:

• Of most importance, I’ve taught yoga since 1977 in a variety of settings with a wide range of students.
• Registered with the Yoga Alliance at the 500 E-RYT level with experience.
• Served on the faculty as the co-director for the Atma Yoga Teacher Training
• Taught at the Kripalu Yoga Teachers Conference or led a program every year since 2002.
• Earned yoga teacher certifications through
  • White Lotus Foundation – Certified Yoga Instructor and Advanced Instructor Certification
  • Atma Yoga
  • Nischala Joy Devi’s “Yoga of the Heart” certification
  • Additional master classes with Lilias Folan, Christopher Baxter, Sarah Powers, Michael Reed-Gach, Richard Miller, Sam Dworkis, Donna Farhi, Sally Kempton, Joe Panoor and many others
• Author of
  • Yoga Meditations:  Timeless Mind-Body Practices for Awakening
  • Desktop Yoga (R)
  • 30 Scripts for Relaxation, Imagery and Inner Healing – Volumes 1 and 2
  • Mind Body Mastery
  • Complete Chakra Chart
  • Real Relaxation:  Yoga Nidra CD
  • Power of Presence CD
  • Wholesome Relaxation CD
  • Wholesome Energizers CD
  • Refreshing Journeys CD
  • and 6 more CD’s

“I liked the combination of lecture, experience and processing – good learning process. Julie is knowledgeable and walks the talk! I’ve had personal experiences with many techniques and have read some research. I never felt comfortable teaching or leading others. Now I do. ”
Yoga Teacher/ Marketing Consultant.  Warm Springs, VA

Book Julie Lusk – Call 513-248-9642 or click here to email

Julie Lusk
Wholesome Resources
Milford, OH   45150

Greater Cincinnati Area