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Follow your heart’s desire! ~~ Really?

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Follow your heart’s desire! ~~ Really?

Here is what Alan Watts has to say about following your heart’s desire in this 3 minute video.  From my own experience, he’s right.  He advises against living a miserable life chasing money, doing what’s not fulfilling you and going after “what makes you itch.”

 

Does his message sound unrealistic?  Unworkable for your life circumstances?  Too good to be true?  It’s not.

This is my story.  A little over 10 years ago, I was managing a multimillion dollar budget while driving 300 miles weekly chasing mostly useless meetings.  Tomorrow, I am flying to Sivananda in the Bahamas  for a 10-day paid trip to teach yoga, meditation, relaxation and guided imagery ~~ my heart’s desire.  And I’m going back there May 23-26, 2013.

Yes, it’s true, but it wasn’t necessarily on purpose.  Life had a way of closing other doors on me (and it wasn’t pretty) until I was pointed directly toward following my heart’s desire.

What appeared to be a dream job … [Read more…]

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

  1. Hold your palms in front of your heart with your fingers pointing upwards.
  2. Interlace your knuckles inward at the upper joint.
  3. Make sure the right index finger is closest to your heart.
  4. 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

 

Earthing ♥ Grounding is Amazing

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Guess what?  Just like we need air to breathe and vitamin D from the sun, we really need to be in physical touch with our Earth to be healthy and happy.  The term is earthing or grounding.

So, kick you shoes off and go barefoot.  Not only does it feel great, doing so releases muscular tension and calms your nerves by regulating your nervous system.  It’s fantastic for your heart too.  That means it will lift your spirits and help your heartbeat and blood pressure.  We truly need our Earth more than you realize.  Here’s why…

We are bombarded by EMFs (electrical magnetic fields) and RFs (radio frequencies) from WIFI and our devices with no way to discharge this overload of energy.  This can cause harmful results.  To reverse this for better health, it’s important we spend time earthing, also called grounding.

“The Earth’s surface contains a limitless number of free electrons that are continually replenished through solar radiation and lightning strikes; your body naturally absorbs these particles when you make physical contact with the ground” reports Dr Sinatra, MD.

He says, “In the body, these electrons have an anti-inflammatory effect because they reduce the free-radical activity that causes inflammation and chronic pain. (If you remember your high school science, electrons are negatively charged. Inflammation-causing free radicals are positively charged, which means the additional free electrons neutralize the free radicals.) The energy of the free electrons gained through grounding also helps keep your body’s innate electrical circuitry properly balanced. All of these effects of grounding are extremely beneficial to heart health.”

This disconnection is a result of our modern lifestyle.  A big reason is that wearing rubber and plastic soled shoes blocks us from the Earth’s surface and is strongly associated with an increase of inflammation, oxidative stress, and nervous system malfunctions.  No wonder there’s been high increases in insomnia, heart disease, diabetes and other problems related to inflammation.

A simple solution is to stand outside on the ground barefoot … actually touching our skin to the ground. More options include standing on cement (not blacktop/asphalt).  Brick, stone, or using a specialized pad, or a sheet made especially for grounding work as well.

Dr Sinatra said not to keep smartphones in one’s front pants pocket because doing so for only 20 minutes lowers testosterone by 400% in males.  Avoid holding smartphones directly against your ear too.  Keep it an inch or so away or use speakerphone.  Lower your risk by not using it while it’s plugged in as well.  Write your text then set it on a desk before pressing send.  Small changes make big differences.

Isn’t it remarkable that our Earth protects us from harm and gives us better health.  Let’s not forget that’s really where we get our food and water too.  What a connection, eh?  So, kick your shoes off and find out for yourself!  It’s beautiful out there – there’s nothing to be afraid of.

More resources for you

The Direct Current (DC) circuit of energy flows through every part of the natural universe, including plants, animals, human beings, and the surface of our entire planet, creating a Global Electrical Circuit. This natural DC energy is what the human body uses to function.  Everything from the beating of our heart to the movement of our muscles to our brain’s ability to think require DC energy.

Studies suggest that becoming a part of the earth’s global DC circuit enhances our conductive health. This has far reaching implications to all our organ systems that function off of DC energy and conductivity. This includes, but is not limited to our central and peripheral nervous system, our musculoskeletal system, and our cardiovascular system.

Grounding instantly connects us to this natural energy circuit. It plugs us into this healing energy.  Learn more in this video.  

Reference: The Real Reason Grounding Works by Laura Koniver, MD


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15-minute explanation of grounding/earthing called Down to Earth from Big Picture Ranch on Vimeo.

A 7-minute video reviewing the benefits of Earthing/grounding according to medical studies by Dr. Laura Koniver, MD.  Learn how long is needed for results.

The Schumann Resonance is 7.83 hertz.  This is the frequency of the Earth’s electromagnetic field spectrum, outer space, alpha/theta brain waves (meditative, relaxed, and dreamy), the musical note of C, the Root Chakra /Earth element, and the Sri Yantra. Grounding can connect us to this powerful, healing energy.

Migraine headaches, emotional stress, and other problems can result if we’re ungrounded and shielded from this frequency.

Ancient and modern yogis have said that the Big Bang and deep space sounds like OM.  The NASA video below is the sound of a black hole. Amazingly, it is 57 octaves below middle C.  Does it sound like an OM to you?

 

 

Yoga Mudras for the Hands

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Have you ever needed the benefits from yoga (energy, relaxation, clear mind, emotional balance, etc.) but couldn’t practice a pose because you were in public, not dressed for yoga, or didn’t even know how to do yoga?  This happens to me several times a day!  Luckily, I have found another secret that really works.  It’s Yoga Mudras – yoga poses using hand positions and gestures.

I finally started taking these ancient teachings seriously while I was teaching relaxation training and guided imagery in the Bahamas last spring for the Easter/Passover Symposium on Yoga and Sacred Healing at Sivananda Ashram.  Amy Weintraub (Yoga and Depression) and Joseph and Lilian LePage (Integrative Yoga Therapy) taught them as part of their presentations.  This experience convinced me that Yoga Mudras are very effective, simple and profound.

As soon as I got home, I began investigating and practicing Yoga Mudras more and more.  One morning I was reading a book on Yoga Mudras by Gutrud Hirschi and it described amazing results and reasons to practice Yoga Mudras.  The results sounded too good to be true.  Since I was suspicious, I wanted to put it to the test.

Meanwhile, I was suffering from seasonal allergies –  my nose was running, my eyes were watery and itchy, and I was sneezing.  So I tried Bhramara Mudra.  It worked – and quickly too!  Naturally I shared this with my yoga students and they also reported positive results too.  We were so excited and it convinced us that Yoga Mudras have lots of valuable benefits to offer.

There are Yoga Mudras to help with allergies, feeling calm, lifting energy, headaches, chakra balancing and many more.

So, how can you learn more about yoga mudras for the hands?

1.  My next 2 blog posts will show you wonderful mudras to practice. (use the RSS feed so you don’t miss out – it’s up in the right corner of this blog)

2.  Attend yoga classes.  See my schedule. Let me know if you would like to book me for a workshop.

3.  Joseph and Lilian LePage have been studying Yoga Mudras for 10 years to write a book all about them.  Their book shows 108 hand gestures along with guided meditations and affirmations.  I am honored and excited that they asked me to edit the guided meditations.

Yoga Nidra Teacher Training

Yoga Nidra Teacher
Training & Certification ~ Levels 1 & 2
for Teachers & Health Professionals

 with Julie Lusk, M.Ed., E-RYT-500, YACEP  

Author of

Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation & Stress Relief (NHP) YogaNidraCF.indd

Yoga Nidra Meditations: 24 Scripts for True Relaxation (Llewellyn) 

Numerous yoga nidra, guided relaxation and imagery books & recordings

See Julie Lusk’s qualifications here

Yoga Nidra means “yogic sleep.”  It is conscious, complete relaxation that is tremendously healing for the body, mind, and spirit.  Progressive relaxation skills, specialized breathing techniques, guided imagery, and mindfulness are systematically used to easily create a deeply meditative state that reliably reveals and awakens an inner reservoir of intuitive understanding and unconditional joy. Unique skills are developed for handling stress and tension in the short term and for the long run.  Yoga nidra is fundamental to a complete hatha yoga session and can also be done as a complete practice on its own.

Yoga nidra is based on authentic yoga teachings and backed by contemporary science.  Studies have shown that yoga nidra can boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, decrease pain, and improve other health conditions.  Regular practice can improve memory, concentration, and relieve anxiety and depression.  Using a sankalpa (special, self-selected resolve) during the fertile brain wave states experienced during yoga nidra makes it possible to clear out useless habits and bring about positive and durable changes to one’s personality and life. It’s delightfully replenishing and empowering.

Since yoga nidra is so powerful, it is critical that it is taught to others correctly.  Attending this workshop and training will give you the tools and resources needed to lead others effectively and how to avoid dangerous pitfalls.  You will gain the know-how and confidence needed to offer yoga nidra for groups and individuals.  Your clients and students will feel centered, increase bodymind awareness, enhance relaxation, make positive behavior changes, help heal emotional and physical upsets, and enhance self-understanding.

Who is this yoga nidra teacher training for?

Thumbs Up!These trainings are appropriate for yoga teachers, therapists, healthcare professionals, pastors, and other helping professionals.  You do not have to be a yoga teacher to do this.  This yoga nidra teacher training is approved for CEU’s by the Yoga Alliance.  Other health professionals may qualify for CEU’s.

Here’s what 3 graduates want you to know!

Register Now! Limited enrollment

  • Level 1 – Yoga Nidra Training & Certification – Level 1
  • Level 2 – Yoga Nidra Training & Certification – Level 2
    • TBA
    • Prerequisite – Level 1
    • Hosted by Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville in Virginia
    • Details & registration link

Level 1:  Yoga Nidra Training Objectives

  • Be able to describe the essential principles, practices and benefits of yoga nidra and why it matters
  • Describe yoga nidra’s heritage from its ties to yoga to contemporary science
  • List the benefits, risks, and ethics of leading yoga nidra
  • List the five sequential levels of relaxation: distinguishing characteristics, benefits, and how to experience each one
  • Learn and demonstrate how to help others experience progressive levels of awareness that correspond to the layers of oneself, called koshas, that conceals one’s true Self
  • Learn and demonstrate how to lead relaxation techniques, specialized breathing methods, guided imagery, mindfulness and other mindbody techniques used in yoga nidra
  • Explain how to help clients develop positive, personal characteristics and bring a meaningful purpose to one’s life by setting and using a self-selected resolve, called a sankalpa, during certain stages of yoga nidra
  • Know how to create the right atmosphere and select music. Be equipped at handling distractions.
  • Demonstrate voice quality, wording, sequencing, timing and pacing
  • Experience yoga nidra first-hand and receive its benefits personally
  • Practice leading others to gain the skills needed for your classes, clients, and students.
  • Get your questions answered.

Watch what these graduates say about their experience

Upon completion of Level 1 training, graduates will:

  • Be able to teach yoga nidra for overall health in group and private settings

    YACEP logo Yoga Alliance Continuing Ed Provider
    YACEP
  • Use yoga nidra for personal self-care
  • Have an understanding of the principles and practices of yoga nidra and its uses and benefits
  • Receive a certificate upon completion of the training
  • Yoga Alliance Approved for CEU’s
  • Obtain CEU contact hours (varies per profession)

Textbooks |

Required
Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation & Stress Relief by Julie Lusk 

Highly Recommended
Yoga Nidra Meditations: 24 Scripts for True Relaxation Print Book or Audiobook by Julie Lusk  

Additional training materials will be provided

 Register Now!  Limited enrollment

  • Level 1 – Yoga Nidra Training & Certification – Level 1
  • Level 2 – Yoga Nidra Training & Certification – Level 2
      • TBA
      • Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville in Virginia
      • Prerequisite – Level 1
      • Details & registration link

Level 2:  Yoga Nidra Training Objectives

Level 2 trainings can be customized to cover these and other topics pertinent to the advancement of yoga nidra understanding, practice, and delivery.  Yoga nidra training from Julie Lusk is required prior to enrollment in a Level 2 training.  If you have successfully completed training from another qualified yoga nidra trainer (iRest, Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra, Marc Halpern, etc), please inquire to see if you are you are eligible for this training.

Julie is uniquely qualified to show you how to write your own scripts. By writing Yoga Nidra Meditations: 24 Scripts for True Relaxation, she worked with the leading yoga nidra experts worldwide. This gave her a comprehensive perspective on all the major yoga nidra methods available and how to apply them in a wide range of settings, purposes, and populations.  You’ll confidently write scripts based on the spirit of classical yoga and backed by modern, mind-body science.

  • Use and deepen one’s understanding of yoga nidra’s purpose, principles, techniques and delivery
  • Demonstrate advanced skills, techniques and variations in leading:
    • Relaxation techniques
    • Breath-work
    • Guided imagery
    • Mindfulness
    • Other mindbody techniques
  • Design and demonstrate how to write one’s own scripts
  • Demonstrate how to adapt yoga nidra for specific needs and populations such as:
    • Stress management
    • Physical health (health concerns and medical conditions like insomnia, inflammation, hypertension, etc.)
    • Mental and emotional well-being
    • Behavior change
    • Various age groups / in diverse settings
  • Explain and integrate chakra theory and techniques to enhance yoga nidra
  • Use of mudras (hand gestures) to enhance yoga nidra
  • Demonstrate how to integrate yoga nidra into one’s classes, workshops, and with individuals
  • Get practical tips on designing, marketing, implementing, and evaluating yoga nidra workshops

Upon completion of Level 2 training, graduates will:

  • Be able to teach yoga nidra in groups and private settings in sync with the purpose of the particular trainingYACEP logo Yoga Alliance Continuing Ed Provider
  • Use yoga nidra for advanced personal self-care
  • Have an understanding of the advanced principles and practices of yoga nidra and its uses and benefits
  • Receive a certificate upon completion of the training
  • Yoga Alliance Approved for CEU’s
  • Obtain CEU contact hours (varies per profession)

Textbooks |

Required
1. Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation & Stress Relief by Julie Lusk
2. Yoga Nidra Meditations: 24 Scripts for True Relaxation Print Book or Audiobook by Julie Lusk 
3. One additional Yoga Nidra book of your choice

4. Additional training materials will be provided

Register Now!  Limited enrollment

  • Level 1 – Yoga Nidra Training & Certification – Level 1
  • Level 2 – Yoga Nidra Training & Certification – Level 2
      • TBA
      • Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville in Virginia
      • Prerequisite – Level 1
      • Details & registration link

Trainer 

Julie LuskJulie Lusk, MEd, E-RYT 500, NCC, focuses on opening, balancing, and strengthening the body-mind-Yoga Alliance E-RYT-500spirit connection through yoga, meditation, transformative relaxation, and guided imagery based on more than 30 years of study and experience. She is an internationally published author and recording artist whose books include Yoga Nidra Meditations,  Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation and Stress Relief, and Yoga Meditations: Timeless Mind-Body Practices for Awakening and 30 Scripts for Relaxation, Imagery & Inner Healing, Vols. 1 and Vol 2. Julie is president of Wholesome Resources.  The retreats, trainings, and seminars she presents are relaxing, reflective and revitalizing.  She is talented in bringing the best out in others through her depth of knowledge, natural lightheartedness, and caring nature.  See additional qualifications here.

Contact Julie Lusk to schedule a training for yourself or for your yoga studio, meditation center, or special group.  

YACEP

Yoga Alliance Approved. 

Call 513-248-9642 (ET)

Register Now!  Limited enrollment

 

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