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

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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.

“This beautifully written book is well-laid out, easy to follow, and is chock full of helpful and powerful information. The relaxation scripts are incredible. They are sure to assist in helping everyone to find more peace, ease, and healing in their lives. This is a much-needed guide in times of discomfort and stress.”
— M. Mala Cunningham, PhD, C-IAYT, counseling psychologist, university faculty, and specialist in medical yoga, neuroscience, and mindfulness

Enjoy Pure Bliss and True Relaxation with Yoga Nidra

Media:  Contact Kat Neff  or call 510-332-4968

Print & eBooks

• • • • Llewellyn here
      • Amazon  here  for print | audiobook | eBook
      • Barnes & Noble here for print | eBook
      • Julie Lusk’s Amazon Author Page listing all her books
      • Virtual Yoga Nidra classes with Julie Lusk on Zoom. Details & registration.

Audiobook 

• Audible  – Free with Audible trial. Instantly get Yoga Nidra Meditations with this exclusive link.
  • Bonus: Free 3-month Audible membership for new members!
• iTunes
• Amazon
• Yoga Nidra Meditations Audio Supplement here

Get the calm and focus you need. Yoga Nidra makes it entirely possible to clear your mind, settle your emotions, and reach a unique state of calm, focused awareness.  These empowering meditations combine yoga’s ancient and modern teachings and techniques, all backed by contemporary science. Yoga Nidra is done lying down, not sitting.

Yoga Nidra is “yogic sleep.” You’ll feel genuine peace. Reclaim your energy with deeply restorative rest.  It is tremendously healing for the body, mind, and spirit. It revitalizes your inner reservoir of intuitive understanding, unconditional joy, and awakens your true self.

Yoga Nidra Meditations has something for everyone!

♥ It’s great for relaxation, boosting immunity, balancing the nervous system, improving heart health, and decreasing cravings.

♥ Enhances your memory, concentration and brain function.

♥ Eases anxiety, depression, chronic pain, insomnia and more.

♥ Increases happiness, calmness, creativity & energy.

♥ Specialized meditations for kids, teens, women, men, and military/veterans.

♥ Enables you to make durable lifestyle changes.  

         ♥ Use this recording to experience the power of yoga nidra.

Yoga Nidra Meditations includes:

♥  Twenty-four scripts written by the author and twelve of the world’s master teachers including:

Sri Swami Satchidananda, Swami, Shankardev Saraswati, MD, Kamini Desai, PhD, Uma Dinsmore-Tuli, PhD, Amy Weintraub, Rose Kress, Marc Halpern, Viviana Collazo, Stephanie Lopez, Robin Carnes, Karen Brody, and Jennifer Reis.

♥  Clear explanation on everything about yoga nidra.

♥  Complete guidelines for practicing effectively.

♥  How to lead others.

Author Julie Lusk, MEd, E-RYT-500, NCC, has specialized in yoga, relaxation training, guided imagery, and meditation for decades. An international writer, recording artist, and workshop leader, Julie is talented in bringing the best out in others through her depth of knowledge, natural lightheartedness, and caring nature. Julie’s six books include Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation & Stress Relief, Yoga Meditations, and two volumes of 30 Scripts for Relaxation, Imagery, and Inner Healing.  See her complete catalog of books & audios here. 

Praise for Yoga Nidra Meditations

“Julie is a master at helping us relax. In her new book she offers her own relaxation scripts, as well as a sampling from other gifted teachers, that guide us in the essentials of relaxation for different states of body and mind. This book is one to keep on the bedside and buy a couple for stressed out friends, they will thank you.”
—Nischala Joy Devi, author of The Secret Power of Yoga, The Namaste Effect, and The Healing Path of Yoga

“This beautifully written book is well-laid out, easy to follow, and is chock full of helpful and powerful information. The relaxation scripts are incredible and are sure to assist in helping everyone to find more peace, ease, and healing in their lives. This is a much-needed guide in times of discomfort and stress.”
—M. Mala Cunningham, PhD, C-IAYT, counseling psychologist, university faculty, and specialist in medical yoga, neuroscience, and mindfulness

“Julie Lusk’s inspirational book provides an indispensable guide to the healing practice of Yoga Nidra…Julie’s expertise and generous heart shine through and make her the perfect companion to guide you along the Yoga Nidra path. This is a book to be treasured and returned to over again.”
—Jilly Shipway, author of Yoga Through the Year and Yoga by the Stars

“Having experienced several of the Yoga Nidra practices from this book, taught by Julie herself, I can confidently say that they are immensely enjoyable and relaxing. Each practice guides you in a unique way, but all of them leave you with a profound sense of well-being.”
—Zac Parker, MA, RYT-500, online programs coordinator at Yogaville

“Julie Lusk has captured the essence of Yoga Nidra, meditation, and beyond from the great masters, present and past, and has added her own great contributions. Highly recommended.”
—Larry Payne, PhD, E-RYT500, author of AARP’s Yoga After 50 For Dummies and Yoga Rx

“Julie Lusk created this work in the spirit of Yoga Nidra—with relaxed expectation of divine blessings—and she effortlessly transmits that peaceful joy through these healing scripts…Julie brings together an inspired crew with centuries of combined experience to make this path of deep healing available in our daily lives.”
—Judith Boice, award-winning author of The Green Medicine Chest and practicing naturopathic physician

“Julie Lusk’s clear, direct, joyful voice explains everything you ever wanted to know about Yoga Nidra. Whether you are a novice or an experienced practitioner, this is your go-to reference book, explaining how, where, and when to practice it, the philosophy behind it, ways to get the most out of it, tips for instructing others, and a whole cache of scripts…her sheer delight with this practice shines through every joyful page.”
—Belleruth Naparstek, ACSW, BCD, author of Invisible Heroes and producer of the Health Journeys Guided Imagery and Meditation audio library

“Master yoga teacher Julie Lusk has enthusiastically and lovingly taken the ancient subject of Yoga Nidra and made it useful and relevant for today. The meditations are clear, practical, and uplifting. It truly reveals our source of genuine peace and happiness in such a delightful yet helpful manner. It’s a fun read—and a treasure.”
—Lilias Folan, author of Lilias! Yoga Gets Better with Age, host of the television series Lilias, Yoga, and You, and known as the First Lady of Yoga

“A timely and much needed manual…this practical book offers such a rich variety of practices that have been tailored for this modern era and address a broad range of benefits that readers will be inspired to engage. Yoga Nidra Meditations is a must read for everyone wishing to experience and interweave Yoga Nidra and its marvelous benefits into their daily life. ”
—Richard Miller, PhD, developer of iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation and author of Yoga Nidra: A Meditative Practice for Deep Relaxation and Healing

“This book is a treasure trove of Yoga Nidra scripts from the author and other noted masters in the field…You will find scripts for children, teens, men, women, or anyone in chairs, as well as a multitude of purposes and intentions. No teacher or practitioner of yoga is complete without a Yoga Nidra practice, perhaps the simplest yet most profound experience that yoga has to offer.”
—Anodea Judith, PhD, author of Wheels of Life and Anodea Judith’s Chakra Yoga

Print & eBooks

• • • • Llewellyn here
      • Amazon  here  for print | audiobook | eBook
      • Barnes & Noble here for print | eBook
      • Julie Lusk’s Amazon Author Page listing all her books
      • Virtual Yoga Nidra classes with Julie Lusk on Zoom. Details & registration.

Audiobook 

• Audible  – Free with Audible trial. Instantly get Yoga Nidra Meditations with this exclusive link.
  • Bonus: Free 3-month Audible membership for new members!
• iTunes
• Amazon
• Yoga Nidra Meditations Audio Supplement 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...

Price: $19.99

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by Julie Lusk

30 Scripts for Relaxation, Imagery and Inner Healing provides

• Reliable ways to relax, get stress relief and boost your energy
• Ways to look inside yourself so you can make valuable, well-informed decisions.
• Uncover a powerful resource – our intuition and instincts
• Safely benefit from your true feelings

PRINT BOOK: 30 Scripts for Relaxation, Imagery & Inner Healing - Volume 2 - NEW Print Edition

Enjoy and benefit from over 30 scripts for learning and leading guided relaxation and imagery techniques. Volume 2. CLICK on the blue title link above to find out more...

EBOOK Edition: 30 Scripts for Relaxation, Imagery & Inner Healing - Volume 2 -EBOOK Edition

Enjoy and benefit from over 30 scripts for learning and leading guided relaxation and imagery techniques. Volume 2. CLICK the green title link to find out more...

30 Scripts for Relaxation, Imagery and Inner Healing is packed full of

• Fresh, easy-to-follow relaxation scripts
  to use personally or with others
• Designed for professionals and semi-professionals
• Includes strategies for stress relief and relaxation training exercises
  • Progressive muscular relaxation
  • Breathing techniques
  • Creative visualization
  • Guided imagery and guided meditation
    

    

Benefit now – Buy now

• Discover answers you’ve been searching for
• Benefit from the power of relaxation to heal
• Manage your feelings smoothly
• Gain personal power and peace

Table of Contents:  30 Scripts for Relaxation, Imagery & Inner Healing   –  Vol.  2

Julie Lusk
Whole Person Associates Publisher

Becoming Relaxed
The cornerstone of all guided imagery work lies in the ability to relax the body, mind, and emotions. This is true whether you would like to awaken your intuition, communicate with your inner guide, connect with nature, or benefit from the healing visualizations. You will be wasting your time if you don’t relax first.

Practice the following exercises until you become comfortable doing them. The method used for relaxing isn’t important; being able to relax is. Relaxation opens the door to your inner resources. Try out each exercise several times and choose the ones that work best for you.

After you’ve mastered the relaxation exercises, explore the different types of guided visualizations in the other sections of this book, or of those from volume 1.

• Relaxing while Lying Down
  Learn to  lie down and relax by alternately tensing and relaxing all muscle groups and by mentally releasing tension. (10 minutes)
• Expanding and Contracting
  This short relaxation exercise, performed while lying down, combines progressive relaxation with breathing and body scanning techniques. (4 minutes)
• Magic Carpet Ride
  This deep breathing exercise works well for people who have difficulty with relaxed breathing. (15 minutes)
• Threshold Relaxation
  In this exercise, you will slightly tense a specific part of their body until it begins to feel tense. Once tension is felt, it is held a moment and then relaxed. Threshold Relaxation teaches participants to be sensitive to small changes in the body. Through practice (several times a day at first) the body learns what relaxation feels like in each muscle and how to regulate itself in automatic and unconscious ways. (12 minutes)
• Heavy
  This script helps you experience the freshness of spirit and calmness of mind that results from passive attention to the rhythm of their breathing and the relaxed heaviness in their hands and feet. (15 minutes)
• Warm
  This autogenic relaxation routine asks participants to gently focus on warmth spreading through their bodies, bringing complete relaxation and a sense of personal peace and renewal. (15 minutes)
• Relaxation Training for Children
  This entertaining relaxation script is perfect for children (and adults) because it teaches them how to tense and relax their muscles while utilizing their fantasy and imagination skills. (12 minutes)

Nature and the Environment
This section contains a variety of guided meditations that will help deepen your ability to relax and sharpen your ability to visualize, whether you visualize by using your imagination to see, feel, smell, or hear the scenes described. When you practice using all your senses, your experience will be enriched.

Getting in touch with nature is soothing, inspiring, and healing. To get the most out of these visualizations, first take the time to thoroughly relax. Remember to briefly describe the content of the guided visualization to the people you are working with. If a particular setting makes anyone uncomfortable, select a different script.

• Finding Your Own Sacred Place
  Participants are gently guided into a relaxed state of being and then given instructions for discovering and exploring a comfortable, personal sacred place. (20 minutes)
• Mountain Tops
  A mountain top is the setting for this relaxing journey to relaxation and renewal. (8 minutes)
• Caribbean Vacation
  This guided meditation promotes inner peace, beauty, renewal, and release of negativity. Participants are encouraged to feel connected and grounded to the universe. (10 minutes)
• Mighty Pine
  Participants take an imaginary walk into a grove of trees to find a mighty pine tree from which they draw strength and energy. (10 minutes)
• Listening to Mother Earth
  This script can help participants experience their connection to Mother Earth and learn from her wisdom. (5 minutes)
• Flying
  This script begins with a relaxation exercise that emphasizes the feelings of heaviness and lightness to help participants more fully experience the imagery of flying. (20 minutes)
• Hot Tubbing
  Participants experience feelings of peace and understanding by imagining they are lounging in an outdoor hot tub. (5 minutes)

Inner Answers
Using the guided imagery exercises in this section will help you listen to what you already know. In other words, you will awaken your intuition to help you be consistent and in alignment with your own inner, individual truth.

These scripts are written to unlock your creative potential, provide you with insights, help you see patterns and possibilities, and understand yourself better. In order for this to happen, it is crucial to relax your body and quiet your mind first. So be sure to use a relaxation exercise whenever you are instructed to do so.

Read Awakening Intuition by Frances E. Vaughan for more information about accessing your intuitive self.

• Cruise Meditation
  This script helps participants receive special messages from their own personal inner guide. (8 minutes)
• Imagery for Nurturing Your Inner Child
  In this guided imagery, each participant is invited to meet and lovingly nurture his or her inner child. (10 minutes)
• Your Private Space
  This visualization works well with individuals in weight classes and in other classes dealing with the need for boundaries, protection, positive body image, healing, and unconditional love. (15 minutes)
• Body, Mind, Soul
  Help your clients get in touch with their body, mind, and soul while they increase personal awareness and create personal strength and well-being. (8 minutes)
• Visiting Your Heart’s House
  In this script, participants equip themselves to meet lifeís challenges by receiving insightful and helpful gifts from an ancient chest located in their heart’s house. (18 minutes)

PRINT BOOK: 30 Scripts for Relaxation, Imagery & Inner Healing - Volume 2 - NEW Print Edition

Enjoy and benefit from over 30 scripts for learning and leading guided relaxation and imagery techniques. Volume 2. CLICK on the blue title link above to find out more...

EBOOK Edition: 30 Scripts for Relaxation, Imagery & Inner Healing - Volume 2 -EBOOK Edition

Enjoy and benefit from over 30 scripts for learning and leading guided relaxation and imagery techniques. Volume 2. CLICK the green title link to find out more...

Healing
The mind and body are one, and what you believe and feel are reflected in your body. Sometimes your thoughts may lead to illness, aches, and pains; and other times, they can lead to exhilarating feelings of joy, pleasure, and peacefulness. Likewise, the condition of your body and the way it is feeling affect your thoughts. This is why it is impossible to worry when you feel relaxed.

Much of the benefits derived from the following healing imageries come from the necessary first step of calming and centering the body and mind. Therefore, it is important to perform a relaxation exercise whenever a script calls for one. Read the works of Bernie Siegel, Jeanne Achterberg, Joan Borysenko, Patrick Fanning, and Deepak Chopra for an in-depth look at how and why healing imageries work.

• Healing Firemen
  This visualization was developed for aiding in the healing process for any illness. It is particularly well-suited for cancer patients who are receiving radiation treatment or taking drugs. (12 minutes)
• At Peace with Pain
  This visualization is designed to help meet the challenge of severe and persistent pain. It relies on the paradox of acceptance and surrender as a way of gaining power, not of giving up. (20 minutes)
• Pond of Love
  In this script, participants sit beside an imaginary pond that radiates love. Endless variations can be created by substituting different characteristics and virtues radiating from the pond. For instance, the pond may be full of peace, understanding, or forgiveness. You may also want to let participants choose the characteristics on their own. (8 minutes)
• Inner Smile
  This gentle relaxation exercise has its roots in Zen meditation and will leave participants feeling inner harmony and happiness. (10 minutes)
• Thoughts Library
  This script can help participants control wandering, stressful, distracting thoughts by having them exchange these thoughts for relaxing ones. Participants visualize putting away unwanted thoughts in a book with vinyl see-through pages and then opening up another imaginary book to experience a relaxing and beautiful ocean scene. (15 minutes)

Personal Growth
Many people find it hard to make decisions, and many others find it difficult to make positive lifestyle changes. If this is true for you or your clients, try out these guided visualizations. Give your body and mind the chance to work for you instead of against you.

Read Creative Visualization and Living in the Light by Shakti Gawain for a description of the principles used in these scripts.

As always, be certain to use a relaxation script whenever advised to do so, and feel free to modify these scripts to fit your situation.

• Visualizing Change
  In this script, participants spend time exploring and visualizing a desired behavioral change to enhance the change process. (10 minutes)
• Stop Smoking Relaxation Exercise
  This script is intended to be used in conjunction with a smoking cessation program or a strategies for quitting program. It begins with a passive progressive muscle relaxation exercise to put participants at ease then offers positive suggestions on becoming smoke-free. (18 minutes)
• Imagery to Increase Basal Metabolic Rate (Learning Script)
  This and the following imagery script focus on weight control by having participants imagine increasing their basal metabolic rates (BMR), which stands for the number of calories burned at rest. (12 minutes)
• Imagery to Increase Basal Metabolic Rate (Shorter Script)
  This script should be used after participants have gone through the preceding script several times. (8 minutes)
• Peace for People Experiencing Grief
  This gentle and loving script helps people deal with their grief by guiding them to a special place full of beauty and healing energy. In this place, the grief and pain surrounding loss begins to be soothed and relieved. (25 minutes)
• On Being a Wellness Professional
  This guided visualization helps participants discover a career path to follow that is in keeping with their inner talents and interests. Although it is written with a focus on professionals in the field of wellness, it can be adapted for almost any profession. (15 minutes)

PRINT BOOK: 30 Scripts for Relaxation, Imagery & Inner Healing - Volume 2 - NEW Print Edition

Enjoy and benefit from over 30 scripts for learning and leading guided relaxation and imagery techniques. Volume 2. CLICK on the blue title link above to find out more...

EBOOK Edition: 30 Scripts for Relaxation, Imagery & Inner Healing - Volume 2 -EBOOK Edition

Enjoy and benefit from over 30 scripts for learning and leading guided relaxation and imagery techniques. Volume 2. CLICK the green title link to find out more...