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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

Resources: Books, Recordings & More

Get Audio Downloads here

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 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...

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.

Real Relaxation: Yoga Nidra CD (Shop @ Amazon / iTunes = We are sold out temporarily)

This takes you into a deeply relaxing and powerful state of being fully aware while being in the state of deep sleep.

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.

CLICK the blue title link above to find out more...

Yoga Nidra: Guided Meditations for Relaxation & Renewal Download

Get clear guidance to experience 6 levels of relaxation done lying down. This meditation replenishes energy. It delivers mental clarity as restless thoughts and emotional upsets fade away. Specialized breathing, guided imagery & mindful awareness are used. An inner reservoir of heartfelt peace, intuitive understanding & unconditional joy is revealed. One hour of practice equates to 4 hours of sleep.

SPICES for Life ©

A comprehensive approach to wellness and stress management that includes all the components needed for creating and maintaining professional and personal power.

Wellness goes far beyond the freedom from illness.  It emphasizes each individual’s uniqueness along with the importance of self-responsibility and a positive attitude for personal well being.

SPICES represents the six components of wellness:

They are Social, Physical, Intellectual, Career, Emotional and Spiritual health and well being.  Each dimension is equally important to living a well-rounded, successful life.  Paying equal attention to each aspect by developing and balancing them throughout life is important and results in wholesome living which is stimulating, productive and vital.

• A person who is Socially active and alive is one who is able to establish and maintain meaningful relationships with others.  He or she is comfortable being and working with people from different age groups, cultures and backgrounds. Socially aware people are attentive to issues affecting their community and work for the welfare of the community by volunteering, voting and being involved.
• The Physical dimension of wellness is much more than getting the right amount of exercise.  It also means eating balanced, nutritious meals; maintaining proper body weight in relation to the frame size and paying attention to safety (i.e. wearing seat belts, preventing fires; locking doors; and not drinking and driving.)  Physically well people don’t get sick very often and make lifestyle choices that help prevent future health problems. Choices and actions are taken to protect the earth’s environment by recycling, reusing, renewing and reducing the amount of resources used.
• Intellectually healthy people tend to engage in creative, stimulating mental activities.  They are active problem solvers and learn from mistakes.  They set short and long-term goals and take steps to achieve their goals.  Intellectually alert people are open to new ideas and change.  Also included is the interest in current events, arts and entertainment.  Curiosity, the interest in learning, and the development of new skills throughout life are also signs of intellectually well people.
• Career Development is another side of a well-rounded person.  Having a goal or direction in life is as important as taking the steps to achieve these goals. The satisfaction gained by one’s work, whether in school, on the job or at home, and the degree of enrichment that is felt are measures of career health. A positive attitude towards one’s work and maintaining balance is also important.
• Emotional well being is related to one’s awareness and acceptance of feelings and the ability to express feelings in a positive, productive manner.  Emotionally healthy people generally experience and appropriately express a wide range of emotions and feelings.  They also accept others’ expressions of feelings.  They feel positive about themselves and are enthusiastic about one’s life and self and are able to cope with stress.
• Spiritually well people are involved in the on-going development of a purpose and philosophy of life.  They are involved in the internal development of a personal set of values, beliefs and ethics and strive to live by them. They acknowledge and appreciate the depth and expanse of life.  Their spiritual nature supports and enhances their mental and emotional nature.

SPICES for Life ™ is working…

The Hurricane Katrina Resiliency Project is using SPICES for Life as a wellness and stress management tool for mental health professionals associated with recovery efforts.  Workshops are being held in New Orleans starting in the fall of 2007.  (Yes, recovery efforts are will underway).

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine is using the SPICES concept and acronym in a comprehensive health and wellness resource guide for all incoming first-year medical students starting in the Fall of 2007.

Thomas M. Wolf wrote about SPICES for Life in his book: To your Health:  Achieving Well-Being during Medical School.

SPICES for Life Workshops provide an introduction to wellness and motivates people to make appropriate changes for improving health and well-being.

Additionally, SPICES for Life can also provide a structure for a well rounded employee wellness program.  Ideally, this format starts with an introductory session which trains participants on the concepts and advantages of professional and personal well being and motivates them to pursue lifestyle improvements.  Sessions on each wellness dimension follow to further understanding and prompt individual lifestyle changes that are positive in nature.  Each session will help participants:

1. Understand the dynamics and importance of overall wellness as well as for each dimension of well being
2. Provide a self assessment to measure personal well being
3. Motivate participants to identify and undertake lifestyle changes that meet their individual needs

→ Julie Lusk, M.Ed. is available to speak about SPICES for Life ® and a variety of wellness and mind/body topics at your special event.