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Yoga Nidra and Sleep

Who couldn’t use some extra shut-eye? Sleep is vital to our health and sleep experts tell us we need an average of eight hours at a shot. Even if there’s time for sleep, many of us have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep. Let’s take a look yoga nidra and sleep. Yoga nidra can help in replenishing ourselves, can be used as a natural sleep aid, and more.

Yoga nidra means “yogic sleep” and has many documented benefits for your body, mind, and spirit. It is when your bodymind is actually in deep sleep but with one big difference – you remain consciously aware. This is done by going through a series of techniques to systematically get physically, energetically, mentally, emotionally relaxed. In addition, yoga nidra sparks intuition, unconditional joy, and a timeless, spacious sense of being. Witness consciousness is experienced and even surpassed. Due to the fertile brainwave states experienced, it’s also entirely possible to make positive behavior and personality changes. See the yoga nidra FAQ on setting intentions and sankalpas here.

In fact, while not a substitute for actual 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) With practice, you’ll eventually be able to enter the delta brainwave state but remain aware. It resembles what it feels like to be on the verge of being awake and asleep. The conscious experience of deep sleep is what makes it so restorative and unique.

Yoga nidra can also be practiced at bedtime as a sleep aid. Layer after layer of stress is cleared out so it doesn’t follow you to bed and disturb sleeping. Using yoga nidra techniques as a sleep aid should not be confused with the yoga nidra experience itself. Be careful or you will find it difficult to practice yoga nidra itself and will fall into deep sleep instead.

Yogic sleep is also a play on words of sorts. It refers to how most of us are walking around “asleep” and unaware of our True Self, the indestructible aspect in each of us that is already peaceful, joyful, wise, soulful, luminous, and loving. Whereas, the yogi is awake to one’s True Self no matter what the state of consciousness – waking, dreaming, deep sleep. Realizing this enables us to recognize the true nature of oneself and reality so we are not swayed by the changeability and unpredictability of thoughts, feelings, beliefs and such. Yoga nidra helps us experience and realize this.

In short, yoga nidra is super sleep!

How to Experience Yoga Nidra

Like all worthwhile things, regular practice yields the best results.

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 a book or audio below.

Get Related article:

Sleep Solutions: Yoga-Style

Resources: Books, Recordings & More

Get yoga nidra downloads here.

Sleep Well | Yoga Nidra CD

Use deep relaxation, soothing flute music & ocean waves to go to sleep. "I slept like a log." Downloads available. By Julie Lusk, Yoga Nidra Meditations author.

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...

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 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.

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

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

Purna Hridaya Hand Mudra for Mental/Emotional Stability

Mudras are yoga positions, gestures, and seals for your hands and fingers that facilitate health, healing, psychological balance and spiritual transformation. Some mudras use the whole body and breath. They are effective, easy to learn, practical and powerful, and anyone can do them.

This hand mudra is called Purna Hridaya. It can help promote mental/emotional stability. Breath capacity and the immune system also can improve. It can bring relief when you’re feeling the blues.

How to do the Purna Hridaya hand mudra

Hold your palms in front of your heart with your fingers pointing upwards.
Interlace your knuckles inward at the upper joint.
Make sure the right index finger is closest to your heart.
Stretch your thumbs downward and touch their tips to form the shape of a heart.

This 4-minute video explains more.

Buy a video download of Yoga Nidra for Emotional Wellbeing that uses Purna Hridaya hand mudra.

https://youtu.be/QZhzWTNcu7Y

More about Hand Mudras

Yoga Nidra for Stress Relief book ~~ On the Way!

December 9, 2013 by Julie Lusk

Here’s how it all happened ~~ thanks to my lucky stars!

Last February, while I was teaching at Sivananda/Bahamas, I had my Vedic astrology chart read by Krishna Das. This was a first for me.

After describing me better than my own Mother could, he went on to say that the stars and planets and moon were lining up in May exactly as it was when I was born as well as at the age of 30. He said it was going to be a very productive time for me and would bring with it writing, teaching, learning, traveling and such.

I questioned him about the areas that I might concentrate on and gave him a list of things I’m interested in.

Right away, he said that yoga nidra would fit in perfectly with my chart. Next, I asked if I should pursue opportunities and he replied that would not be needed since opportunities would find me.

Can you only imagine the look on my face when I got an email “out of the blue” in May from New Harbinger Publications asking me if I would like to write a book for them on … Yoga Nidra for Stress Relief! Yoga Nidra is the totally relaxing and deeply healing aspect of yoga.

After checking them out and doing some discernment and soul-searching, I agreed. Next, they wanted a book summary, outline, authors bio, and a couple sample chapters. That took me a few months. The contract has now been finalized!

Could you please help me? Something that will really help the book come alive are stories. Would you be willing to share what Yoga Nidra feels like for you? Do you have a Yoga Nidra story about how it has helped you in some way? If so, please send them to me.

Why wait until the book and the new audios are released (it takes a long time). To celebrate, my Real Relaxation: Yoga Nidra CD is on sale for $5 off. This special offer is valid during December 2013.

Here is a (pdf) FAQ sheet on Yoga Nidra on

1) What is Yoga Nidra?

2) Is it different than meditation and hypnosis?

3) How it is done. How often.

4) Benefits

5) Resources.

ENJOY!

Playing Tips | Flute Care | Troubleshooting | Native American Style Flutes

MusicSmith Flutes | A Native American Style Flute | Handmade by Dave Lusk

Native American flutes were first created and played by Native American people. They are instruments of beauty, magic, ceremony, healing, and entertainment. They bring out the music that dwells in all of us.

This instrument has a full, warm sound. Made from western red cedar, it’s protected with non-toxic waterproofing, inside and out. Each flute is embellished with a unique design handcrafted with a wood-burner. A thumb-rest is offered. This innovation stabilizes and balances the flute while playing by positioning your lower hand correctly. Place the thumb of the lower hand against the bottom of the thumb-rest. The index finger covers the hole right above.

Playing your Flute |There are no wrong notes! All notes harmonize melodically. Reading music is not needed.

Press your lips against the mouthpiece to gently seal it.
Cover the holes with the finger pads, not the tips or nails.
Adjust the air pressure until notes sound clear.
The note played with all the holes closed is the key of the flute. It’s called the flute’s fundamental note.
Use the fingerings shown below. Cover and uncover the holes one at a time in order.
The third hole down on a 6-hole flute always stays covered to play the minor pentatonic scale and uses all the notes shown on the chart.
For a major scale, start and land on the second note up from the bottom of the flute.
Start going up and down the flute, slowly and evenly. Gradually pick up speed. Next, vary the rhythm. Play melodies by playing the basic scale but put intervals between the notes. For example, cover all the holes followed by another finger pattern. Doing so will always sound melodic and harmonic.
Embellishments and more scales can be added for more musicality once you’re proficient.
Have fun!

Tip: The third hole down always stays covered in the minor pentatonic scale and uses all the notes shown on the chart. For a major scale, start and land on the second note up from the bottom of the flute. Once proficient, embellishments and more scales can be added.

Caring for your Flute | Keep your flute at a steady temperature. Do not let it get too hot or cold. Temperature variations expand and contract wood. This can cause your flute to crack. If the flute is cold, warm it with your hands and gently blow warm air into it. Do not leave it in a car when it’s either hot or cold. Avoid direct sunlight.

Remove the block after playing to dry the flute out. Wipe off any moisture. To retie the block, position the front edge of the block at the back edge of the sound hole. Tie tightly. Experiment with its placement for the best tone. Push it slightly forward to raise the pitch higher (sharp), move it back to lower it (flat).

Caring for Yourself with Hand Warm-ups | Here’s an easy 5-minute series of hand movements & mudras to help your fingers, wrists & hands with easy-to-remember names for each one. Great for musicians & anyone with stiff, painful fingers, hands or wrists. Learn the Hakini Mudra, Beak, Bug, Claw, Paw, Seed, Web, Wings, and the Eagle & Hridaya mudras. Thank you Christine Stevens at Upbeat Drum Circles for interviewing me.

Troubleshooting | Fuzzy, unclear, sour, airy, or shrillness

Cover the holes completely or else it will squeak or sound airy.
Adjust air pressure. Are you blowing too softly or too much?
Make sure the block is tied down tightly (see above).
Poor tone quality occurs when moisture collects inside the flute, especially between the mouthpiece and the block. To remove it, hold the flute tightly and briskly shake the whole flute. Try covering the sound hole with a finger and blow hard to push the moisture out. Release your finger while still blowing. Wipe off.
The bottom note is the hardest to play. It’s important to make sure all the holes are completely covered. Use a mirror. This note will jump an octave if too much air is used.

MusicSmith Flutes info, tips, etc. (pdf to download/print)

Music Lessons | Music lesson details and registration

Handy Links

Contact us anytime about flutes & lessons.

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