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Yoga Articles. Videos. Info.  

  • Yoga Resources | Info on how to choose a class.  Yoga postures & sequences. Breathing techniques (pranayama). Yoga Nidra.  Chakras. Yoga Meditations.  Mudras (hand gestures).  Desktop Yoga (r). Inspiring quotes. 

  • Meditation & Guided Imagery Resources | Info on yoga meditations.  Guided relaxation / Yoga Nidra.  Guided imagery & Visualizations

  • Chakra Energy | Learn about and apply info on chakra energy centers. Comprehensive chart. 

  • Desktop Yoga ® | Hundreds of yoga postures practiced sitting down – Chair Yoga

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  • Shop | Get books and audio recordings on yoga nidra, chakra chart, guided relaxation and imagery.

Wellness Info



Sa Ta Na Ma Meditation Research for Memory – Kirtan Kriya

by

I just love synchronicity, don’t you? Right when I was looking for Sa Ta Na Ma meditation research – Kirtan Kriya – Amy Weintraub sent me a copy of her newsletter, LifeForce Yoga.  My eyes popped out of my head with delight because she had compiled an excellent review of the literature on this meditation technique that improves memory.  She generously said that I could share what’s below with you.  I highly recommend Amy Weintraub’s website at LifeForce Yoga: Manage Your Mood. You will also benefit from and enjoy registering for her newsletter and going to her workshops.

Sa Ta Na Ma Meditation Research:  Kirtan Kriya Effects Cognitive Function, Memory and Stress

In three separate studies published this year and in one that is on-going, Kirtan Kriya, as taught by the Kundalini master Yogi Bhajan, was shown to increase short term memory, cognitive function and to reduce stress.  In separate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, and one continuing at the University of California (UCLA), researchers measured cerebral blood flow in the brain (rCBF) using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to determine which areas are more active and which are less during the practice.  One study compared long-term meditators to non-meditators.  Another study compared those practicing the meditation with those who listened to a Mozart violin concerto.  A third study compared the more active meditation to a relaxation exercise.

Kirtan Kriya is a 12-minute active meditation that include mudra (hand gesture), mantra (out loud, whispered and repeated silently), and visual imagery,

In the on-going study at UCLA, those practicing 12-minutes of Kirtan Kriya meditation are being compared with those using a 25-minute relaxation tape.  Preliminary results from the 39 caregivers who have already completed the study (23 practiced Kirtan Kriya, 16 listened to a relaxation audio tape) indicate:

[Read more…]

Desktop Yoga Workshop

Chair Yoga for the Workplace keeps employees alert and productive during the business day. 

Contact Julie Lusk by email for details and scheduling to book her for your Employee Training, Conference, Workshop, and Lunch and Learn sessions. 

Simple chair exercises can help prevent chronic problems such as lower back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other repetitive stress injuries.

A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showed that yoga-based chair exercise and stretches are more effective in reducing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms than using wrist splints or no treatment (Nov. 11, 1998).   Desktop Yoga ™ can also improve morale, productivity, attitudes and attendance.

As the creator and author of Desktop Yoga ™ (Penguin Group, 1998), Julie Lusk has designed ‘do it now ‘ exercises that can be done right at the workstation that are effective, portable and easy.

During a typical session, participants will:

  1. Learn to do self-care chair yoga stretches that can be done at their own desk.  Specific stretches are done for the neck, shoulders, wrists, face, back and legs.  Sequences are also available to increase energy, improve creativity or to reduce frustration.
  2. Take a “2- hour nap in 2-minutes”.
  3. Receive a brief review on the importance of proper ergonomics.

The Business Courier featured the value of Desktop Yoga in the article “Training the Body to Coast can help with Relaxation.” (pdf)

One of the most effective ways of letting go of work stress before you get home is by taking care of it as it arises, said Julie Lusk, author of “Desktop Yoga ®.” Lusk, president of Wholesome Resources, a stress-management company in Milford, teaches people how to do stretches, breathing and relaxation techniques right at their desks to relieve tension and get on with the day.  See this article.

Don Kemper
President, Healthwise, Inc
“Julie Lusk has a unique style of presentation that seems to peer inside each member of her audience.  Her wellness workshops in yoga, relaxation, and stress management include an extra dimension that leaves an imprint of peace and mindfulness on each participant.

Medco Employee
Desktop Yoga showed me how to release stress quickly.  Easy to remember tips.  I feel great!

MedcoHealth

  • I get neck and back and shoulder pain when I work.  It’s already gone after this short Desktop Yoga session.  My muscles felt really loose and relaxed after the exercises.  It’s great!
  • Will help with concentration and stress relief.
  • You can relax at your desk so you will be better able to handle the stress of the day and be nicer to the people you talk to on the phone.  Thank you.  This should help at work and home.
  • It will help to ease some of the stiffness and fatigue that I feel when I sit for too long.
  • I learned how to prevent injury in the future and have more energy.
  • I now have something positive to do when I need a break from my work instead of bothering my co-workers by talking to them.

Fidelity Investments

95% rated the content as excellent or above average

97% rated the speaker as excellent or above average

97% rated the program as excellent or above average.

  • I was amazed at how relaxed and comfortable I felt by the end.  I enjoyed learning by doing.
  • Easy to remember tips.  I’ll be able to focus more during the day.
  • I believe this will help me when I’m at work and I get stressed.
  • I liked learning the relaxed breathing techniques.  I felt much more relaxed, at ease and calm after taking the “2 hour nap in 2 minutes.”
  • I learned how to stop and take a break if I’m stressed and overwhelmed to regroup
  • How to be more aware of how my body is reacting when stressed and what to do

Ethicon Endo Surgery (Johnson and Johnson)

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.

  • I learned to release stress quickly.  The instructor had excellent content.  Very beneficial.
  • It’s important to take time to relax and reduce stress.
  • The stress fighting techniques allow me to be more focused and a better team player
  • 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!!
  • Everything was interesting.  I learned relaxation tips to gain more energy.

Lenscrafters

98% rated the content as excellent or above average

100% rated the speaker as excellent or above average

98% rated the program as excellent or above average

  • I learned how to feel rejuvenated at work.  It was excellent.  I’m glad I attended.
  • Learned a lot in a short period of time.
  • I need to learn how to relax.  My stress level is out of control.  The techniques were easy.  I felt so renewed and relaxed afterwards
  • Great ideas that can be implemented at one’s desk

Book Julie Now

Julie travels from Cincinnati, OH

Julie T. Lusk, M.Ed.
Wholesome Resources
Milford, OH   45150

Greater Cincinnati Area

Click here to email

Chakra Balancing with Toning and Hand Mudras

Chakras, Mudras, and Sound Healing

Learn an Elemental and Chakra Meditation with
Hand movements, Color, Sound, and Intention

The major chakras are spinning wheels of energy that span from the base of the spine to the crown of the head.  They guide the wellbeing of our bodymind and LifeForce energy.

Chakra energy can be balanced, excessive, or deficient.  Being out of balance can negatively influence your actions, relationships, as well as your physical, mental, and emotional health. Use my Chakra Chart to determine if your energy is in balance or not.  You’ll get a variety of helpful strategies to improve your wellbeing.

Yoga Mudras are yoga positions, gestures, and seals for your hands and fingers that facilitate health, healing, psychological balance and spiritual transformation.   They are effective, easy to learn, practical and powerful.  Mudras can be a powerful and effective way to help gain balance and have better health by either increasing or decreasing chakra energy.

Sound healing can also be used for chakra balancing.

Elemental & Chakra Meditation with
Hand Movements, Color, Sound, and Intention

See how the fingers and the thumb are associated with specific chakras and their associated sounds with this color-coded hand diagram.

Bija sounds encode the 5 elements into sound and increase and attract energy.  They are lam, vam, ram, yam, ham, Om, and silence.  They are pronounced with a ‘U’ sound and rhyme with hum.   Vowel sounds decrease and disperse energy.

Experiment & Discover | Hum. Play a variety of sounds, tones, notes, and musical instruments. Use your intuition. Tune in and trust your direct experience by listening and noticing your physical and energetic response.

Mudra Hand Meditation | Tone & touch the thumb to each fingertip on both hands. Try starting on the ring finger (4th finger) for the first chakra. The index and thumb are used for both the 3rd and 4th chakras. Join fingertips and thumb for OM. Reopen hand for silence. Alternatively, try starting with the OM and descend from the crown chakra to the root using the associated finger and sounds.

Tuning Fork Meditation | Listen to unweighted tuning forks associated with the chakra notes. Touch a weighted OM fork to fingertips and center of palm on both hands. Treat both hands.

OM | Find out about the purpose, meaning, symbolism, and benefits of OM.

Chakra Tone Chart and Hand Diagram 2022 | Compiled by Julie Lusk |References | JulieLusk.com Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation & Stress Relief & other books by Julie Lusk | How to Heal with Singing Bowls by Suren Shrestha* | Sreedevi Bringi | Tony Nec


Handy Links

Yoga Meditations: Timeless Mind-Body Practices - Book & CD set
Yoga Meditations: Timeless Mind-Body Practices - Book & CD set
Awaken joy, peace and inspiration with this yoga meditations book. Yoga Meditations contains a wide variety of mind-body practices, such as: * Guided relaxation exercises * Breathing practices * Yoga Nidra * Meditations and guided imagery * Affirmations * Yoga postures and meditations for each chakra * Yoga wisdom for contemplation Get a FREE Wholesome Energizers CD in every book! CLICK the blue title link above to find out more...
Quantity:  
Price: $29.95
Chakra Chart
Chakra Chart
Finally! A complete Chakra Chart with all the chakra names, locations, colors, sounds, yoga postures, breathing techniques, psychological & energetic influences and more. There's handy tips for using the chart on the reverse side. It's 8 1/2 by 14" and laminated. CLICK on the blue title link above to find out more...
Quantity:  
Price: $11.99Price: $13.99 

Chakra-Based Guided Meditations

Real Relaxation: Yoga Nidra CD

Real Relaxation Yoga Nidra takes you into a deeply relaxing and powerful restful state of being fully aware while being in the state of deep yogic sleep.  It helps with balancing chakra energy, and can improve immunity, heart health, relieve stress and give you inner peace and balance.

Get it from Amazon, iTunes, Spotify & other online stores

Chakra Chart of Elements, Directions, Sounds, Senses, Attributes +

Chakra Chart of Elements, Sounds, Directions, Senses, Attributes, and Koshas
Composed by Julie Lusk – Jan 2024

Ancient and modern cultures, countries, and teachings have acknowledged and honored the directions, elements, seasons, and the chakra energy centers and their sounds to help provide them with meaning and purpose.   See more below the chart. 

  Chakra Vedic Sounds
Activating
Dispersing		 Elements
Bhuta		 Direction Senses
Indriya		 Attributes Koshas
Sheaths		 Other  
  Root
Muladhara		  

Lam
(as in Lum)
O
(as in toe)

 Earth
Prithivi		 Below
Down		 Smell
Gandha		 Ground Central Anna
Physical		 Present  
 

Sacral
Svadhisthana

 

 Vam
(Vum)
OO
(two)		 Water
Apas		 Left
East		 Taste
Rasa		 Flow Anna
Physical		 Ida Nadi
   

Solar Plexus
Manipura

 

 Ram
(Rum)
Ah
(awe)		 Fire
Agni		 Right
West		 Sight
Rupa 		  Energy – Action  Prana
Energy
  Pingala Nadi  
 

Heart
Anahata

 

  

Yam
(Yum)
AA
(play)

 Air
Vata		 Inward
Central		 Touch
Sparsha 		  Feeling  Prana
Energy		  Sushumna Nadi
   

Throat
Visuddha

 

 Ham
(hum)
EE
(speak)		 Ether
Akasha		 Back
North		  Sound
Shabda
  Hearing  Mano
Mental
Emotional		  Past  
   

Third Eye
Ajna

 

 Om
Mmmmm		 Light
Jyotis		 Front
South
  Light
Joytis		  Vision – Witness Vijnana
Intuition 		  Future  
  Crown
Sahasrara		 Silence
Ing
(wing)		 All Pervading

———–

Maha Bhuta

 Up – All
Up – All		  Beyond Senses  Space Ananda
Joy
———–
Atman
True Self		  Timeless  

 

Ancient and modern cultures, countries, and teachings have acknowledged and honored the directions, elements, seasons, and the chakra energy centers and their sounds to help provide them with meaning and purpose.

Through the ages, philosophers, scientists, religious organizations, mystics, shamans, and native peoples from the Americas, Asian countries and other areas have used their perspectives personally and collectively to understand, honor, and respect our place in the world around us.  This has been expressed prayerfully and ceremonially, scientifically and soulfully.

Some identify four directions while others focus on six.  Sometimes five elements are recognized. There are 118 elements on the periodic chart.  It’s summer in one hemisphere while it’s winter in the other.  It’s daytime in one part of the world whereas it’s nighttime elsewhere.

Making sense of these variations from reputable sources was both thought-provoking and daunting. It finally dawned on me that there are many right ways to do this. Just because one system says the east connects to the earth and the west with water while other systems say something else doesn’t necessarily make one right or better and another wrong.

The point is to feel these influences and use these connections to better understand these relationships for balancing health and wellbeing personally and collectively.

Don’t be fooled by seeing this information boxed into columns and rows. The lines are there to help clarify the information.  Think of it as an intermingling and as a gradual blending. It’s somewhat like how the colors in a rainbow gradually transform from one shade to another and at the same time a color can stand on its own.  Ultimately, there is no separation.  We are in a unified field of oneness that is as directionless and timeless as it is spacious.  http://JulieLusk.com

I compiled this Chakra Chart from my in-depth studies and understanding of yoga combined with the knowledge I’ve gained from my other interests. It is fluid and changeable.  It is neither conclusive nor comprehensive.  Use it if it helps.  Go for something else or come up with your own.  Get my Complete Chakra Chart.


Handy Links

Yoga Meditations: Timeless Mind-Body Practices - Book & CD set
Yoga Meditations: Timeless Mind-Body Practices - Book & CD set
Awaken joy, peace and inspiration with this yoga meditations book. Yoga Meditations contains a wide variety of mind-body practices, such as: * Guided relaxation exercises * Breathing practices * Yoga Nidra * Meditations and guided imagery * Affirmations * Yoga postures and meditations for each chakra * Yoga wisdom for contemplation Get a FREE Wholesome Energizers CD in every book! CLICK the blue title link above to find out more...
Quantity:  
Price: $29.95
Chakra Chart
Chakra Chart
Finally! A complete Chakra Chart with all the chakra names, locations, colors, sounds, yoga postures, breathing techniques, psychological & energetic influences and more. There's handy tips for using the chart on the reverse side. It's 8 1/2 by 14" and laminated. CLICK on the blue title link above to find out more...
Quantity:  
Price: $11.99Price: $13.99 

Chakra-Based Guided Meditations

Real Relaxation: Yoga Nidra CD

Real Relaxation Yoga Nidra takes you into a deeply relaxing and powerful restful state of being fully aware while being in the state of deep yogic sleep.  It helps with balancing chakra energy, and can improve immunity, heart health, relieve stress and give you inner peace and balance.

Get it from Amazon, iTunes, Spotify & other online stores

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