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By Julie Lusk

Time: 12-15 minutes

Summary: Energy flows like a river in this guided imagery exercise. Sitting in a meditation posture is more effective than lying down for working with the chakras because the physical alignment encourages and amplifies the flow of energy.  Reprinted with permission from Yoga Meditations: Timeless Mind-Body Practices for Awakening by Julie Lusk.

Guided Imagery

Each of us has internal currents of energy within that flow like rivers. This energy is what gives us life and activates us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It influences everything from the concrete to the abstract. For instance, our flesh and bones are activated into life by this energy source. It gives us inspiration to accomplish our meaningful ambitions. Primarily, these rivers of energy span from the base of the spine up through the top of the head and move up and down, in and out, as well as forward and back. Furthermore, there are many other tributaries that extend throughout the rest of our being.

When this energy is open, flowing and balanced, we’re able to express our full potential and interact with the outside world. It enables us to easily receive information, love, and resources from outside of us. We’re also able to manifest our dreams and life purpose, liberate our awareness and actions, and free up energy to take action. It’s important for this energy to flow in a balanced, continuous way. Too often however, areas of energy become overly stimulated and excessive, or it bogs down to a trickle. It can get blocked, leaky, or hyperactive.

The purpose of this guided imagery is to balance these rivers and currents of energy in a wholesome way.  So, in your own manner, set an intention to balance and align your energy flow so it serves the greater good for yourself…others…and in the world.

So, in your own way, become aware of a constant source of energy and power that is plentiful…and it’s readily available to you as well as to all others… There are many ways of experiencing the energy as it flow and you can use your senses to experience it…perhaps you can see it, feel it, or hear it… it may have a color, a shape or a sound … It may possibly sparkle…it may glow… How does the presence of energy occur to you?

Imagine tapping into this energy supply right now. Feel it moving and flowing now.

Let’s refine and focus on this energy more attentively by experiencing it as a fountain that flows from below your feet… and into your legs… and into the base of the spine… and it moves upward to the top of the head and beyond…a constant fountain of energy that flows, and moves and is alive…actively flowing through the core of your body from the base to the top…imagine this energy lighting up your awareness…increasing your freedom…and liberating you.

And now, imagine this energy as it showers down like a waterfall. It originates above you and pours down through the crown of the head, down throughout the core of the body, and back to the earth…Experiencing streams of energy running downward through you as it boosts and enlivens your thoughts, dreams, and aspirations into reality…and clearly imagine your dreams taking shape in the world.

So now, this energy flows evenly and fluidly…gracefully moving up and down…up and down the central core that spans from the top of the head to the base of the spine and back to the crown of the head…It can even extend from the earth, through you, and into the sky and back down again.

Imagine and allow this energy to continually flow…automatically…fluidly…and elegantly… whether or not you are paying direct attention to it.

Now it’s time to experience this flow of energy in a new way… This river of energy influences your incoming and outgoing interactions …so hold your attention on the whole length of your spine, from its base to the top. …Allow a wellspring of energy to radiate constantly through the length of your spine, …and feel it start to move in and out…forward and back… and sideways…. … Imagine a constant, abundant supply of energy radiating out from your core…Energy shining out through the front…out the back…to the sides…and all around…making it possible for you to express your self in your life… including your work …touching your relationships…and the world you live in …as this energy moves along the length of your spine, radiating outward in all directions.

And now, this energy returns to you, moving from the outside to the inside…replenishing your energy…receiving it in its many forms…in the form of information…thoughts…and love…being returned to you…naturally flowing into you until it begins flowing in and out like a dance…evenly…smoothly…and effortlessly…continuing to flow, whether or not you are paying attention to it.

And somehow, energy currents are flowing in all directions…up and down…in and out…in unison, balancing and blending and harmonizing…cooling and calming down where the energy is excessive and too strong…and activating and energizing where the energy is too weak or blocked.

And part of you steps out of the way so this can happen naturally…and this part of you notices how all this happens.

This energy source is inside you and all around you… It is constant and supportive…and it guides you…balances you…and makes you feel whole and complete.

It’s time to reawaken to your surroundings…Listen to the sounds (name some as they occur)… become aware of your breath…feel the air on your skin… feel your body, your physical presence…and when ready, stretch and open your eyes.

Author’s Note: Anodea Judith inspired this guided visualization. May her energy be abundant and a blessing to her and to all others.

Chakra Energy Flow – Julie T. Lusk © 2005 – For Personal Use Only – Not for duplication or recording.

Reprinted with permission from Yoga Meditations: Timeless Mind-Body Practices for Awakening by Julie Lusk.

Get more guided meditations and guided imagery from Julie Lusk at Wholesome Resources.com

It stimulates your energies, boosts immune system, and relieves pain.

• Place the fingers of either or both hands in the center of your sternum at the thymus gland.  Tap for 15 – 20 seconds.  Use your thumb and all your fingers.  As you tap, breathe slowly and deeply in through your nose with your tongue at the roof of your mouth and out through your mouth.

• Tap or rub the neuro-lymphatic spleen points firmly for about 15 seconds.  They are beneath the nipples of the breasts and down one rib.

• Tap or rub the spleen acupuncture points located on the sides of the body about 4 inches below the armpits. As you tap, breathe slowly and deeply in through your nose and out through your mouth.

• In the future, use either the neuro-lymphatic spleen points or the spleen acupuncture points if one set is more tender than the other.

• See more mind-body tools and techniques from Julie Lusk at WholesomeResources.com

Decide now whether this year will be full of the season’s stressful traps or fulfilling with plenty of treasures to be thankful for.  Take some time to set priorities and make the necessary changes so the holidays are inspiring and energizing instead of a drain.  Pay attention to what your needs and wishes are for your body, mind, and heart while finding the balance with sharing with others.

Operating on automatic can add even more stress causing unhappiness, sickness, poor relationships and lack of energy. Improve your ability to handle stress by practicing the following effective ways to cope with stress.   DARE to Relax includes: D = Diet; A = Attitude and Awareness; R = Rest, Relaxation and Relationships; E = Exercise.

DIET: Don’t deprive yourself of essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals that can help you reduce the effects of daily stress.  Stress uses up your supply of vitamins A, B and C which can lead to feeling irritable and tired.  Calcium is essential for your central nervous system to function normally.  Without enough, your nerves become frayed.  If you consistently eat well-balanced meals, you can fortify your system giving you the nourishment to guard against the harmful effects of stress.

Eat a nutritious breakfast

Choose fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains

Choose baked or broiled food instead of fried

Cut down on too much fat, salt, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, additives and preservatives

Maintain a healthy weight

Choose holiday foods with care.  Eat the special things that are delicious and bring  you in touch with warm memories.  You really don’t have to eat everything to get the taste of the holidays.

ATTITUDE AND AWARENESS: Research shows that as much as 75% of illnesses are the result of experiencing too much stress.  Not being able to handle stress properly can decrease the effectiveness of your immune system.  Become more aware of how you respond to tension and stress in your life and begin to make adjustments.  Are you responding appropriately?  Could you be over-reacting?  Is it possible to avoid or change a situation that causes you anxiety?  By improving your awareness and improving how you react to stress, it might be possible to avoid some of your headaches, stomachaches and other problems.  Try laughing.  Laughter is like internal jogging.  It aids digestion and improves alertness and productivity by sending blood and oxygen to your brain and increases the production of the body’s catecholamines.

Learn to accept situations you can’t change; give in once in a while

Learn to communicate with others; talk your worries out

Take one thing at a time; don’t take on too many changes at once

Manage your time more effectively; don’t procrastinate

Be positive and realistic

Express your feelings in healthy ways

Create variety in your work; do old things new ways

REST AND RELAXATION: It is much easier to handle stress if you are rested and know how to remain calm.  Getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night is essential.  Although recreation and being diverted from stress is helpful (playing a sport, watching a movie) true relaxation is different.  It involves giving yourself an honest break from activity and excess stimulation.  Breathing deeply, smoothly, slowly and from the diaphragm is relaxing since it too sends a fresh supply of blood to the brain and throughout the body.  It oxygenates your system and even slows down the heartbeat.

Plan leisure time; take breaks

Spend time on a hobby; seek new interests

Schedule some quiet time alone every day; meditate; pray

Have fun, play and laugh

Cut down on noise levels at home and work; turn the radio or TV off

EXERCISE: When under stress, there is an increase of adrenalin in the system as part of the flight or fight response, which can drain you of energy if not effectively released.  Exercise regularly to work stresses off positively.  This can improve your productivity and increase your energy.  Be sure to choose physical activity that you enjoy.

This may be the year to tamper with holiday traditions so the spirit and meaning of the holidays are once again filled with tidings of comfort and joy.

This guided meditation opens the door to your inner awareness and transports you to a place of deep inner stillness by focusing your awareness upon the inner pulsation that is seen behind the closed eyes.  Yogis have used this practice for thousands of years.  Reprinted with  permission from Yoga Meditations: Timeless Mind-Body Practices for Awakening by Julie Lusk.

Time: 15-20 minutes

Begin with settling your body/mind in a meditation posture that is comfortable for you. This may be sitting upright on a firm chair, or on the floor with or without a meditation cushion. Choose a position that allows your spine to be upright and erect, respecting your knees, hips, shoulders, and back.

Refine your seat by settling more firmly onto your sitz bones…level your pelvis…circle your shoulders up, back and down…lift your sternum…place your chin so it’s parallel to the floor…and lift the crown of your head gently upwards.

Place your hands either on your lap with one had cradled into the other with your thumbs touching or place one on each knee and touch the pads of your thumbs to the tip of your index fingers. The hands can face up or down.

Speaking from your heart, quietly set an intention by saying something like “I’m going to be still for 15 minutes focusing my consciousness. As soon as I notice I’m thinking or distracted, I will let it go of the distraction and return to my consciousness.”

Take a few moments to get in touch with the sensations present in your body … ask for and receive permission from your body to meditate.

Get in touch with your thinking mind …and your emotions … ask for and receive permission from your mind… and emotions to meditate.

Ask for help and grace from your inner teacher and your connection to the divine (Jesus, Buddha, the Divine Mother, etc.)

Follow your breath for a few minutes, or use whatever method works best for becoming centered.

Take a moment to offer your meditation to be of benefit to all sentient beings.

With your outer eyes closed, become aware of your inner eyes by looking at what you see behind your eyelids …turning your attention inward to your consciousness… simply observe your own inner world with your inner eye so you can become more aware of what you actually see behind your closed eyes…

Perhaps you see a field of gray…or a mosaic of color…something like the night sky… a ruby red…or a bluish-gray light … The shapes and color you see doesn’t matter at all, what’s important is to impartially watch whatever you see as you see it.

You are looking at mind stuff; the inner consciousness…this is the place from which all thoughts, feelings, perceptions and sensations arise and subside. It’s the energetic ground.

If you would like to spark your inner experience, blink your eyes tighter, even though they are already closed and pay attention to what you see…Another way is to rub your eyes through your closed eyelids very softly and tenderly.

Now notice the dynamic quality of this inner consciousness…Notice if what you see constantly shifts and changes, forming new patterns of subtle movement …a kind of dance of images…color…or shapes…vibrating and pulsing… expanding and contracting… …this is your inner consciousness and it’s made of energy… merely watch the pulsation and it’s ongoing nature.

Take as much time as you wish to follow the patterns of the coming and going of the designs that are a part of your inner world of awareness.

When you notice your mind has drifted into thinking, bring your awareness back to looking behind your eyelids.

If you would like to deepen your experience, find a point of inner awareness that captures your attention right now and in this moment…perhaps it’s a darker, or maybe a brighter spot, and focus there…watching and witnessing …and allowing it to take you inward still…and deeper.

It’s time to make the transition back…Bring your attention back to your breath and without changing it, follow along with your mind’s eye…following the inhalation and exhalation and the coming and going of your breath.

Focus your attention on the rest of your body … shift your weight … and stretch a little bit…and return to being still.

Open your eyes just a sliver and then close them, returning inside for a little longer…slowly blink your eyes open, being aware of blending the inner sight with the outer world…Sit a bit longer and gradually open your eyes and stretch more fully. Notice any changes that have happened since your inward journey into the eye of consciousness.

Author’s Note: This practice is one I discovered on my own as a little girl. More recently, I have returned to this form of meditation and it is particularly effective for capturing my attention and holding me in the moment. This rendition was inspired by Sally Kempton and is included in her book named “The Heart of Meditation: Pathways to a Deeper Experience” published by the SYDA Foundation in 2002. Sally shares a wealth of her vast knowledge and experience in her book and it is one of my favorites.

Reprinted with permission from Reprinted with permission from Yoga Meditations: Timeless Mind-Body Practices for Awakening by Julie Lusk.

Get more guided meditations and guided imagery from Julie Lusk at Wholesome Resources.com

Today is the day that daylight savings time switches over and we gain an extra hour in the morning.  So if we would just keep getting up at our “regular time’  it will be an hour earlier on the clock.  Voila’ – extra time!  Time that can be used for yoga, meditation, journaling, walking, singing, drawing, sipping, reading something inspirational or whatever else would help each of us to get off to a good start to the day.

I’ve found that the way my day starts has a direct bearing on how the entire rest of my day goes.  It’s not really that hard and it is so worth it.

See you next time (te- he)

Julie Lusk was interviewed for an article in Yoga Journal (Feb. 2006) on Desktop Altars. -  Here’s what  Toni Klym McLellan wrote.

“You’re reeling from a stressful conference call when another pile of papers appears on your desk, requiring a late-night work session.  It’s the kind of thing that could send you over the edge – but after a few deep breaths you’re feeling calm again. Your stay-cool tool?  The desktop altar you’ve made to keep yourself centered.

To collect the items for such an altar in your workspace, Julie Lusk, a yoga teacher in Cincinnati and author of Desktop Yoga: the Anytime, Anywhere Relaxation Program suggests sticking to simple objects that are linked to a specific memory, belief, or goal.  That might mean a special shell, stone, photograph, flower, fountain, book, plant, or even a simple saying that inspires you.”

“An altar need not scream “Spiritual!” says Lusk. “What makes your collection an altar is your intention – which can be as simple as your desire to return to the present each time you see it.”

FAQ:  Desktop Altar

What is your definition of a  “desktop altar”.

Personalizing an area of your workspace to remind you of your higher values/self in a way that is personally inspirational, meaningful, uplifting and keeps you grounded and centered.

How might a desktop altar help people supplement their yoga or meditation practice, even in the midst of a hectic workday?

A desktop altar serves as a reminder to breathe, be mindful, and practice Desktop Yoga ™ stretches.

What items would you suggest in creating a desktop altar?  Please include space-saving considerations.

Select something that is personally meaningful.  Start by stilling yourself and become aware of clues from your inner self for some things that are just right.

Suggestions include a special shell, stone, photo/picture, flower, cloth, something to hold, art, fountain, a book, plant (i.e. prayer plant, or a violet to care for), feather, finger labyrinth, or a gift from someone special. A saying or a significant symbol could be used as a screensaver.  Under various circumstances, a calendar with inspiring sayings or artwork may be just right.

Any tips for how to keep it under the radar of coworkers or bosses, but still give it private significance?

• Use an ordinary object with personal significance that is linked to a belief, memory or a goal.  Consider blessing it first.
• Keep it ‘for your eyes only’ by tucking it away, like in a drawer that you use often.

What items (if any) should be avoided?

• Candles (fire hazard)
• Items that could offend others (things that could fall into the realm of religious, sexual, racial, or political bias)
• Things that are distracting.
• Anything against office policies.
• Things that you are not willing to explain, discuss or defend.
  

Can you give some examples of altars?

• I have a statue of an angel that was given to me by someone special, a quartz crystal wrapped in a beautiful cloth, and some pictures are beside my computer.
• Coworkers of mine and I passed around a tiny angel when times were especially challenging.  We took turns with ‘hosting’ her and felt divine support and protection as well as the support of one another.   We kept it as long as it felt right and then passed it along. The angel was always floating around among us.  This happened at a large and busy medical clinic.  I no longer work there and she was in my care at the time I left – of course I passed it along so it would keep working it’s magic.
• A friend of mine wears a mala on days when she needs extra strength and courage.

  See more mind-body tools and techniques from Julie Lusk at WholesomeResources.com

• Stimulate blood flow to your brain for mental clarity
  
• Reduce mental congestion
• Help overcome insomnia
• Open the crown chakra to higher inspiration

• Start with your thumbs on your temples with fingertips resting at the middle of your forehead.
• Apply pressure and slowly pull your fingers apart, stretching the skin.  Breathe deeply, in through your nose and out through your mouth.  Repeat if it feels good.
• Place your fingertips at your hairline and repeat the stretch.
• Repeat this pattern starting at the top, center, and back of your head.  Continue until you reach the base of your neck.

See more mind-body tools and techniques from Julie Lusk at WholesomeResources.com

Why do people want it?  Because listening to it for an hour equals 4 hours of sleep.  Not only do you feel extremely relaxed when listening to it, you’ll feel energized afterward.  It’s a great remedy for insomniacs too.  My next post will explain how and why it all works.  Click here  if you want more info and to get one.

Real Relaxation and Yoga Nidra CD