Cassandra Green

Excellent question.  Well, it was Mick Jagger who sang, "Tell me, who do you love?"  Thank you to The Rolling Stones for asking this important question.  With Valentine's Day upon us, I think we owe them an answer and it's a question we should ask ourselves as yogis (or better yet as humans) everyday.

Back to the question, "Who do you love?"  Mick wants to know! 

And, how do you expand agápe-esque love to someone that you didn't give birth to? To take this even deeper, does unconditionally loving someone mean that you must be (or stay) in a relationship with them, approve of their life, or know their every desire?

My personal answer is no.  In a way it's very liberating to step back, even from people you are close with, and have the realization that without the kids, the history-- whatever it is-- that you can offer them something deeper in terms of love. 

Let's address that strangers question...how do we love someone who just flipped you off in traffic or that we've never even met?  My biggest offering here is to go into your day honoring that every person wants to be happy, that is their True Nature and birthright.   Here are four simple tips:

1. Be patient
2. Try to see other's side of things
3. Exude love with awareness at least one time each day to many who need it
4. Be aware you are part of something greater

I'll end with Paramahansa Yogananda answering how we balance unconditional love with being a doormat:

"Whoever has control of feeling follows truth, shares that truth wherever he can, and avoids annoying unnecessarily anyone who would not be receptive anyway. He knows when to speak and when to be silent, but he never compromises his own ideals and inner peace. Such a man is a force for great good in this world."

Now tell me, who do you love?

In light and service,

Cassandra

As a yoga instructor, I am blessed to meet so many amazing people.  I am in the position to be with people when they are vulnerable ( like taking yoga for the first time), and it is humbling.  I'd like to share 5 things I really want you to know but maybe aren't obvious.

1.  I do notice you.  I may not be able to compliment everyone by name but I do notice your effort and work in class. I notice how you are at the desk when you come in and how you are when you leave.  I always like to say goodbye to you and I hope to see you next class.   When you're not there, I notice that too.

2.  Farts and sweat don't bother me.  In terms of farts,  It happens ALL the time...really.  If I can, I will always to avoid making any comments whatsoever about it and if need be I'll try to make you feel better by making light of it. If you are sweating, I am not offended or afraid of it.  At some point our sweat may drip in a pool together as I help you with a twist.  No biggie!

3.  I like to know more about you than just yoga stuff.  As an instructor I often only see one aspect of people.  I'd love to learn more about you; your career, your passions, your family-life, what you enjoy doing.  While there is a level of formality, know that I'd love to have a greater appreciation for just who you are and what you're all about.  Don't hesitate to chat for a moment if it's slow or tell me how your day really was when I ask.

4.  I want you to use yoga props and modifications...especially when they are being offered and, in some cases, pushed under your rear by yours truly.  They are your friends and I want you to be safe.  Think of props as extensions of your arms, legs, etc.  Sometimes I coach a whole sequence with props and then practitioners have to use them.   Why can you be so stubborn about this?  :)  In terms of modifications, the most common one I notice is that  practitioners will NOT come to their knees for high plank to low plank.   Sometimes I end up calling a practitioner out by name or talking to them after class.  This is not to embarrass them but to keep them safe.  Think about both of these areas and commit to being more aware of how you might need to use these more in your class.  If you're not sure, ask your instructor.  Both will save you from injury and help you grow in your practice.

5.  Know that your yoga poses don't define you as a person.  Be neither proud or down on your asana (pose) practice.  I don't care if you can do a headstand or not.  I care that you are there, seeking to uncover your True Nature.  While I may challenge you in your postures, I hope I challenge you even more to do the true hard work...the daily practice of awareness. 

BONUS  I know I said 5 but I couldn't help myself.

I learn more from you than I teach you.  I cannot tell you how much you teach me week in and week out.  You teach me not just as I lead class, but by what you share as humans, as part of our collective light.  Because of you, I have to work hard to stay diligent in my studies and to be authentic in my life.  Thank you for that.

I hope you remember some of these next time you are with me or your yoga instructor(s).  Ask them if this stuff is true, share, smile and be yourself.  -Cassandra

Do you feel like you have to suppress your "negative" emotions because you're on the yogic path?  Not so...this video will give you some helpful tips I follow to deal with my Cancerian tendencies to supress and repress. 

I often look at the ingredients on packages of granola in the store and opt to make my own:  #1 because it's healthier, #2 because it's more economical, and #3 because you can add variety.

What you will need:

• 4 cups oats (rolled or thick cut)
• 1 cup of sliced almonds
• 1 cup of non-sweetened shredded coconut
• 1-2 teaspoons cinnamon, to taste
• 8 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
• 1 stick of butter or 8 tablespoons coconut oil (vegan option), melted
• 1/2 cup coconut oil (so if vegan 1 1/2 cups coconut oil), gently melted
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. and grease a large baking sheet

Place dry ingredients in a large bowl.  If using honey, heat it gently so that it stirs in well.  I generally will melt it with the butter.  Stir in the honey (or agave nectar), butter (if using), coconut oil, and vanilla extract until evenly distributed.  At this point you can taste your granola and see if you'd like to add more spices and adjust to taste.

Spread evenly over the baking sheet and cook for 20 minutes, stir and let bake 10 more minutes.  Stir one last time and bake until golden brown (about 10 more minutes).

Serve with your choice of milk or yogurt adding your favorite fruits.

As we have officially moved into the winter, our need for warming meals increases.  Full of anti-inflammatories, you will love this easy soup!

You may have a ton of pumpkin left over from the fall and I have a great use for it in this amazing soup.  To a crockpot on high add the following:

• One 14 oz. can of thai coconut milk
• One roma tomato diced (or subsitute canned)
• One pound pumpkin (or butternut squash--canned is okay)
• One cup of lentils or split peas
• Four cups of water
• 2 large vegetable stock cubes
• 2 tsp tumeric
• 1 tbsp cumin

In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of coconut or olive oil.  To the oil add:

• 1 tsp mustard seeds until they stop popping, then add
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 clove of minced garlic
• dash of salt

Add all of the skillet to the soup and stir in.  To finish the soup add:

• 1 tbsp honey
• 2  tbsp lime juice

Let soup cook for 3-4 hours until lentils or peas are soft.  Enjoy!