To Improve Your Memory, Concentration & More
Julie Lusk, M.Ed., E-RYT-500
Wholesome Resources for Mind-Body Mastery through Yoga, Meditation, Guided Imagery, Stress Relief, Wellness
by Julie Lusk
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
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:
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.
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
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.
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!
Julie travels from Cincinnati, Ohio
Julie T. Lusk, M.Ed.
Wholesome Resources
Milford, OH 45150
Greater Cincinnati Area
513-248-9642
Yoga Links
The Yoga Alliance is an organization that registers yoga teachers. Registration can take place on at the 200 and 500 hour levels. Finding a teacher who is registered assures you that they have studied everything from philosophy, anatomy and physiology, asanas, teaching methodology, ethics, and techniques. Julie Lusk has obtained registration at the highest level possible. Julie is qualified to offer CEU’s from Yoga Alliance as a YACEP,
The Yoga Journal online is brimming with a wide range of yoga information.
Integral Yoga whose founder is Swami Satchidananda.
Himalayan Institute and the home of Yoga International Magazine
Iyengar Yoga A classic and always inspirational.
The International Association of Yoga Therapists has a wonderful collection of information.
Visit an excellent yoga pose (asana) library at beYogi
Yoga Nidra
Learn more about the history of yoga nidra here.
Yoga Nidra Network offers tons of resources on yoga nidra including free audios in multiple languages, a listing of yoga nidra teachers worldwide, info on trainings, and much more.
Research on yoga nidra, under the direction of Kamakhya Kumar, PhD
Jennifer Reis’s yoga nidra CDs, Mp3’s, trainings and workshops
The Integrative Restoration Institute (IRI), under the direction of Richard Miller, PhD, provides materials, programs and teacher trainings based on yoga nidra. See current, upcoming and planned IRest yoga nidra research
Guided Imagery
Health Journeys, by Belleruth Naparstek is the very best place to go for information and products, especially for medically-related guided imagery. Click here for a collection of research on guided imagery and similar mind-body techniques.
CardPlusCD produces Julie Lusk’s guided imagery CDs. Relaxation music by Tom Laskey is also offered.
Meditation
Loose Leaf Hollow is a wonderful retreat center in Bardstown, KY under the capable leadership of Joe Zarantonello. Joe is an exceptional teacher, poet and the creator of the Integral Journal. Check it out – it is truly a ‘space for grace’.
The Jesuit Spiritual Center at Milford is in the greater Cincinnati area. It provides programs, facilities and an environment which helps people find God in all things and live a life of compassionate service. Julie Lusk teaches classes and offers retreats there and is on their Board of Trustees.
Click here for Meditations to listen to on-line from Thich Nhat Hanh, Sharon Salsburg and others.
Holistic Health
SelfHelpMagazine is a wonderful resource. Please check it out.
The Continuum Center for Health and Healing is located at Beth Israel in NY. Their site has a great resource library on complementary therapies as well as on health conditions.
Wellness Resources
Whole Person Associates makes available the finest books, materials, audio and video tapes on stress management and wellness. They publish and sell Julie Lusk’s Yoga Meditations: Timeless Mind-Body Practices, 30 Scripts for Relaxation, Imagery and Inner Healing, Volumes One and Two and Wholesome Relaxation CD, Wholesome Energizers CD, and Refreshing Journeys audio tape and CD.
New Harbinger Publications is publishing my next new book, Yoga Nidra for Stress Relief. They offer self-help resources that are concise, practical, and factual. Topics include anxiety, depression, anger, relationships, and health and feature the newest research available.
7 Arts Studio is the brainchild of Noreen Wessling. She will inspire you to drum, draw, dream and let your spirit soar. Mostly, you will have fun discovering hidden talents you never knew you had. Cincinnati based.
Jakk’s Magic Beans Workshop: Julie Keefe (a/k/a Jakk) offers Reiki and Feng Shui services, as well as one-of-a-kind creations to encourage, support and enhance your connection to well-being. Visit her website to learn more and to feast your eyes on her wire-wrapped pendants! Cincinnati based.
Mandala Monday is a new feature being offered by Julie Keefe (more about her above). A mandala is a symbolic circle for healing. It feels peaceful to look at and helps you focus too. Even better, she posts a new mandala each Monday for you to color and submit for prizes.
Useful Links:
~~May we be protected together.
May we be nourished together.
May we create strength among one another.
May our study be filled with brilliance and light.
May there be no hostility between us.
Om peace, peace, peace.
OM ~~King and Queen of all mantras ~
OM/AUM is the sound of infinity and immortality. Contains supreme wisdom. Go here to delve into the interesting meaning of its visual image and significance of its sound vibration.
Gayatri Mantra
Om bhur bhuvah svaha
Tat savitur varenyam
Bargo devasya dhimahi
Dhiyo yona prachodayat
~~I reflect on the unity of Divine Spirit, which pervades everything in the earth, the atmosphere and heavens.
May this Supreme Consciousness protect me and illuminate my intellect that I may realize my inherent oneness with That.
I meditate on the great luminous light that enlightens all three worlds.
May it enlighten all.

Namaste’
~~ I honor the light in you and in all – used as a greeting and goodbye
Lokah samasta sukhino bhavantu
~~ May the entire universe be filled with peace and joy, love and light.
~~ May all beings everywhere be happy and free. In some way, may I contribute to that happiness and freedom for all.
Jai Sri Sadguru Maharaj Ki. Jai!
~~ May the light of truth overcome all darkness! Victory to that Light!
Asatoma Sad Gamaya ~ Tama Soma Jyotir Gamaya ~ Mritorma Amritam Gamaya
~~ Lead us from the unreal to the real. Lead us from darkness to light. Lead us from death to immortality.
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra ~ Om Triambakam Mantra
Om Triambakam Yajamahe
Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan
Mrityor Mukshiya Mamritat
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
~~ We worship You, All-seeing one. Fragrant, You nourish bounteously. From fear of death may You cut us free, to realize immortality.
Niralambaya Upanishad (Anusara Chant)
Om Namah Shivaya Gurave
Satchidananda Murtaye
Nishpranchaya Shantaye
Niralambaya Tejase
~~ My heart opens to the power and source of grace that takes form as truth, knowledge, bliss. Always present, boundless peace. Shining source, limitless and free.
Om Sarvesham Swastir Bhavatu
Sarvesham Santir Bhavatu
Sarvesham Purnam Bhavatu
Sarvesham Mangalam Bhavatu
Sarve Bhavatu Sukhinaha
Sarve Santu Niramayah
Sarve Bhandrani Pasyantu
Ma Kaschid Duhkha Bhag Bhaver
~~ Auspiciousness be unto all.
Perfect peace be unto all.
Fullness be unto all.
Prosperity be unto all.
Happiness be unto all.
Perfect health be unto all.
May all see good in everyone.
May all be free from suffering.
Serve, Love, Give by Master Sivananda
Serve. Love. Give. Purify. Meditate. Realize. (x2)
Be good. Do good. Be kind. Be compassionate. (x2)
Adapt. Adjust. Accommodate. (x2)
Inquire who am I. Know thyself and be free. (x2)
Om Tat Sat, Om Tat Sat, Om Tat Sat, Om
Om Shanti. Om Peace. Om Shalom Om. (x2)
Om
(symbol)
~~King and Queen of all mantras ~ sound of infinity and immortality. Contains supreme wisdom.
Om Namo/Namah/Namaha ~Shri
~~ Used to invoke, appreciate and honor a deity Swaha – giving of self, let go
Om Shanti Om Shanti Om or Shanti, Shanti, Shanti, Om
~~ for peace
Shanti
~~ Peace
So Hum
~~ I am that. Universal mantra sound of the breath ~ so is inhalation, hum is exhalation.
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
~~ to the divine in-dweller in all. Oneness
~~ Om and salutations to the divine One who dwells in all
Hari Om
~~ Purifies and removes obstacles. Opens the heart. Awakens prana (natural energy) in the body.
Sita Ram ~ opens the heart and celebrates love
Om Shri Saraswati-ya Namaha ~ for help & inspiration in art, music, literature
Om Shri Kali Durga-ya Namaha ~ dispels negativity, provided protection
Om Shri Rama Namaha ~ Ram is a name for God. It engenders God consciousness, truth, blessings
Om Namah Shivaya ~ honors the divine within oneself & others – destroys negativity & replaces with positive
Om Gum Ganipati-ya Namaha ~ to remove obstacles and bring success
Om Shrim Lakshmi-ya Namaha ~ for noble abundance, prosperity, beauty, grace
Om Tara Tu Tara Tu Ray Swaha ~ for rescue & benevolent help – for compassion
strength & healing
Gate Gate Para Gate Para Sum Gate Bodhi Swaha ~~ Gone beyond the beyond to enlightenment (Buddhist)
Om Mani Padme Hum ~ the Jewel of the lotus of the heart (Buddhist)
Chakra Bija Sounds for Activation1 Lam
2 Vam
3 Ram
4 Yam
5 Hum
6 Om
7 Silence or Ommmmmm
1 O as in toe
2 U as in two
3 Ah as in awe
4 A as in play
5 E as in speak
6 M as in mmmmmmm
7 Silence or Ommmmmm or NG as in wing

Aim
Saraswati,
Art, Music, Literature, Wisdom
Hrim
Parvati
Purification,Transformation
Klim/Krim
Kali
Fiercely conquers obstacles, energizes
Dum
Durga
Warrior of Protection
Shrim
Lakshmi
Abudance, Beauty, Grace
Tam
Tara
Mercy, Compassion, Removes fear. Protects.
“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
Audiobook 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