Search Results for: wp-content/uploads/2010/08/details-real-relaxation-cd/about/about-julie-lusk/page/6/writings/stress-relief
Yoga Meditation Retreats, Teacher Trainings
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
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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)
- Offered at Kripalu (4 years), Discovery Yoga in FL (4 years), Cincinnati Yoga Teachers Association, Atma Yoga Teacher Training (3 years) (back to topics)
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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
Book Julie Lusk – Call 513-248-YOGA or 513-248-9642 or click here to email
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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
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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
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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
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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
Meditation, Relaxation, Guided Imagery Techniques & Articles
Enjoy these meditation, relaxation, yoga nidra, guided imagery techniques, articles and links from Julie Lusk, author of the Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation & Stress Relief, Yoga Meditations Book & CD Set; 30 Scripts for Relaxation, Imagery & Inner Healing – 2 Volumes; Desktop Yoga ® and numerous CD’s. Click Here for details and ordering info.
Summary of Topics | Yoga Meditations | Guided Relaxation & Yoga Nidra | Yoga Nidra training | Yoga Nidra books & recordings | Guided Imagery & Visualization | Free yoga guidebook | Books & Recordings |
♥ Click on the blue links for free articles
♥ Scroll down ↓ for your Free Yoga Basics Guidebook
♥ Complete Catalog of books, recordings & more
Yoga Meditations
- What is meditation?
- Info on Meditation, Guided Imagery & Relaxation
- Excellent meditations to try
- Understanding OM / Aum symbolic sound and image
- Happy Humming Practice
♥ Get your Yoga Meditations Book & CD set by Julie Lusk by clicking here
Guided Relaxation and Yoga Nidra
- Guided Relaxation and its benefits (Yoga Nidra)
- Take a 2-hour Power Nap in 10 minutes (free video)
- FAQ sheet on Yoga Nidra (article with pdf)
- What is Yoga Nidra?
- Is it different than meditation and hypnosis?
- How it is done. How often.
- Benefits of yoga nidra
- Yoga Nidra’s Benefits
- Listening for 1 hour equals 4 hours sleep
- Improves immunity
- Increases heart health
- Relieves stress
- Brings inner peace and balance
- Yoga Nidra resources & materials for you
- More yoga nidra benefits are here
- Yoga Nidra FAQ on Setting Intentions & Sankalpas
- Yoga Nidra and Sleep One hour of yoga nidra practice is equivalent to four hours of sleep. This is due to the series of brain waves experienced along the way. (Saraswati 1998, Kumar 2008)
♥ Training in Yoga Nidra for Teachers & Health Professionals is available now.
♥ Books & Recordings on Yoga Nidra by Julie Lusk
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- Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation and Stress Relief, Also available in French and Italian.
- Yoga Nidra Meditations: 24 Scripts for True Relaxation is Julie’s newest book.
- Get Yoga Nidra recordings on CD here and download here.
- Complete Catalog of books, recordings & more
Guided Imagery & Visualization
- Gain from Guided Imagery & Relaxation
- Free Guided Imagery Script
- Woodland Walk: Renew your vitality with guided imagery featuring an enjoyable walk in the woods
- Get a recording of Woodland Walk on the Wholesome Energizers CD below
- Julie Lusk is author of 30 Scripts for Relaxation, Imagery & Inner Healing – 2 Volumes; Yoga Meditations Book & CD Set and numerous CD’s. Click Here for details and ordering info.
♥ Get your Free Yoga Guidebook by Julie Lusk featuring:
- Important Guidelines for the Practice of Yoga
- Benefits, Cautions and Contraindications for yoga poses
- Yoga Asana Chart ©
- Alignment Guidelines and Selected Warm Ups to Open Joints and Warm Muscles
- Yoga Guidelines for Health Conditions (arthritis, back problems, cancer, high blood pressure, menstruation, pregnancy, PMS and menopause, etc.)
- And more!
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Resources
details DARE to Relax workshop
Book a Professional Speaker for your Employee Training, Conference, Workshop, and Lunch and Learn sessions. Contact Julie Lusk by email or call 513-248-9642
DARE to Relax © Workshop
Transform daily stress into the energy needed to enjoy life. DARE’s self-care principles include Diet; Attitude and Awareness; Rest, Relaxation, and Relationships; and Exercise. 
Learning to cope with the stressors of daily living is crucial to health, happiness and well-being. It is estimated that 60 to 90 percent of medical conditions are stress-induced or worsened by stress. This is costly in terms of medical bills, absenteeism, and loss of productivity. An obvious remedy is to learn self-care techniques that both reduce stress and help one cope with the effects of stress.
DARE to Relax ä is a wellness-based relaxation training and stress management program that is practical and well rounded. The format includes a balance of factual information and experiential activities. Participants will:
- Understand the dynamics of stress and it’s causes
- Understand the positive and negative effects of stress
- Learn how to reduce stress using the self-care principles of DARE to Relax ä
Di
et: Nutritional considerations are discussed. For example, stress depletes Vitamins A, B, C, and calcium. Dietary recommendations are given to maintain proper nutrition.
Attitude and Awareness: The stress response is activated by the way a person perceives an event. Becoming aware of stressors can help a person modify their thoughts and behavior so their reactions are healthier. The mind/body connection is addressed and mind/body interventions are demonstrated and practiced to reduce stress.
Rest, Relaxation and Relationships: Discovering the difference of active and passive relaxation is taught. A relaxation exercise is done so participants can learn experientially. Information is covered on the recent research on relationships that shows the negative effects of loneliness on health.
Exercise: The benefits of exercise are well known. In particular, physical activity helps burns off the bio-chemical effects of stress. Participants are encouraged to maintain a practical exercise routine.
DARE to Relax Testimonials
Ethicon Edno-Surgery, Inc.
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
- Everything was interesting. I liked the relaxation exercises.
- I learned relaxation tips to gain more energy.
- I learned how to relax in short periods of time. I liked the 2-minute nap.
- I learned techniques to help relax and reduce stress. I hope some of these techniques will help reduce my stress at work.
- The program reiterated things I know, but was good to have confirmed. I liked the stretches.
- I learned to release stress with little time and quickly. How food plays a part in stress and illness. The instructor had excellent content. Very beneficial.
- It’s important to take time to relax and reduce stress.
- I appreciated the ideas that were relevant to my situation.
- Thank you
Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems
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.
- The stress fighting techniques allow me to be more focused and therefore a better team player
- How to relax at work when things get you down. Reinforced healthy eating and its benefits
- Things I can do to minimize the effects of stress on my life
- The info and exercises motivated me to start exercising again and to start yoga
- To try and think more positive thoughts
- I’d like more information on journaling
- 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!!
Mike Sterling, Director of Human Resources, The Art Institute of Ohio writes:
Dear Julie: Thanks for sharing the Dare to Relax session with our staff. I have received several positive comments about it, especially the “2- Hour Nap in 10-minutes” segment.
Our staff received several valuable tips on reducing stress and the consequences of stress at work and in our personal lives. It was definitely time well spent. Mike
Rebecca Laney
Director, Center for Yoga and Health
Julie is a petite powerhouse!
SPICES for Life is featured in
Book Julie Now
Julie travels from Cincinnati, Ohio
Julie T. Lusk, M.Ed.
Wholesome Resources
Milford, OH 45150
Greater Cincinnati Area
513-248-9642
Yoga Nidra FAQ: Real Relaxation, Meditation & Much More
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
How to Experience Yoga Nidra: Like all worthwhile things, regular practice yields the best results. It’s as easy as 1-2-3.
- Listen to Yoga Nidra Meditations: 24 Scripts for True Relaxation | Audible – iTunes – Amazon
- Read about it and get free audio downloads in Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation and Stress Relief (New Harbinger, 2015).
- Experience yoga nidra on video/audio.
- Attend a virtual yoga nidra class held weekly on Zoom.
- Take a yoga nidra teacher training course and earn a certificate.
- Get yoga nidra downloads here.
The map of consciousness technique is used on the Yoga Nidra for Sensing Inner Strength & Balance CD and the Real Relaxation: Yoga Nidra CDs listed below. Chakra awareness and balancing is featured on both of these recordings. Yoga Nidra: Guided Meditations for Relaxation & Renewal puts a different twist on this technique. Relaxed breathing, mindfulness and guided imagery are incorporated as well.
A progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) technique is used on Yoga Nidra for Unshakable Peace & Joy. Every muscle group is consciously tensed and released during progressive muscle relaxation. Specialized breathing techniques follow along with ways to calm restless thoughts and feelings are done.
The autogenic training technique is the focus on Yoga Nidra for High-Level Living. Statements are silently repeated to produce sensations of heaviness and warmth throughout the body are used. The paradox of opposites is featured as well as mindfulness, the awareness of witnessing one’s experience, are also used.
Resources: Books, Recordings & More
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.
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