Cassandra Green

Welcome back to my series on food and the chakras.  If you haven't already, I highly recommend you review the prior posts (Parts 1 , 2 , and 3 ) and go in order from there.

The 4th Chakra, Anahata, is located at the heart center.  It's the energetic home of everything you can imagine in terms of true love, compassion, and kindness.  It's also the critical balance point of the chakra system, the division between the earthly and the etheral chakras.

The heart chakra is directly located over the heart and lungs and its element is air.  This makes it an ideal area of the body on which to focus the breath.  You can practice a beautiful meditation by simply watching the breath move in and out of the heart center.

Many people have experienced trauma or have been hurt over their lifetime(s) and have successfully built a "heart chakra wall", closing off their heart to the world to some extent.  In practicing the healing arts such as Reiki, the most common emotion I feel from people from Anahata is grief. 

Working to open or re-open the heart to experience greater love and compassion is very powerful.  In looking at food to facilitate this process, I have two recommendations:

1. Practice putting love into your food!  Have you ever noticed that something tasted special when you know love went into it?  Based on quantam physics, the things we think dictate our reality so having positive thoughts and vibrations going into food is very important as we take on the qualities of our food cell by cell.  I love to sing or think mantras when cooking.  An excellent mantra is Om Nama Shivaya (I honor the divine, my highest self).   You will truly make the world a better place by doing this!  If you want to take it to the next level, call your local charity (e.g. Ronald McDonald house) and see what food you can bring by to help those in need.

2. Give and receive.  The heart is all about giving but it's also about receiving with grace.  The next time someone is humbling themselves to serve you, ask for what you really want.  I know it's easy to say "Oh, whatever is easiest to make" but truly ask for what you want and receive it as a gift of life and love.  This can extend well beyond food into other areas you may need support with.  What's stopping you from letting others assist you in your life?  It's probably the ego or the "heart chakra wall".

Generally speaking, light and airy foods such as leafy greens are attributed to positively impacting Anahata.  I like herbs and veggies that are both green and purple since both these colors represent this chakra.

Ultimately our hearts have NO LIMIT...that's right NO LIMIT for compassion.  That means you can care deeply about a million people (or beings) or causes and treat them all with loving kindness.  You will never run out of compassion!

I will end with words from the Dalai Lama because this is such an excellent summary for our goals concerning this chakra and will branch nicely into our next chakra, the throat.  "Be kind whenever possible.  It is always possible."

Until next time, eat your vegetables :)  In the next post, we'll explore the throat chakra and how to speak your truth when it may hurt someone--yikes!

In light and service,

Cassandra

Welcome back to my serieis on food and the chakras.  If you haven't already, I highly recommend you review my first two posts, Part 1 and Part 2 , and go in order from there.

As we discuss the 3rd chakra, Manipura, you can think of it as a burning ring of fire at your belly.  That's right, your third chakra is all about heat and purification.  It's also the center of strength, determination and willpower.  This chakra gives you the ability to get things done and 'take care of business'!

As you may guess, with all this fire in the stomach area, this chakra has a great deal to do with digestion.  When this chakra is in balance your digestive fire is strong.  Have you ever met someone that could eat just about anything?  I almost guarantee you this same person has a lot of willpower to manifest things in their life (whether they are exercising it or not).

When out of balance, this chakra can lead to stomach problems and, in extreme cases, severe digestive disorders.  Those seeking extreme control and power may suffer from heart burn, cramping and constant pain (and gas) as Hitler did.  In contrast, if the third chakra is weak, digestion may be stifled. 

So what can you do to balance your third chakra?

First is coming to an awareness of where you stand with it. 

Overactive

How determined are you?  Are you someone that makes things happen?  If so, you may be pretty balanced or a little over-active.  If you feel like Manipura may be overactive, you may want to avoid spicy and acidic foods.  It is beneficial to consider eating raw foods and adding digestive enzymes to your routine.

For example, I have a pretty strong third chakra and when I was proving myself in the corporate world I ran into extreme digestive issues with acid reflux and heartburn.  Until I addressed the situation, I could not have anything acidic (which at the time was a bummer because I was on a Margarita kick). 

Beyond food, you must deal with what is driving your overactivity.  If you feel like you're out to prove something and constantly in an adrenaline state, you need to slow it down. Stress is one of the leading causes of disease and it's my belief overactive third chakras can easily guide us down this path. 

If your third chakra is overactive you're going to need to take the time to smell the roses.  While you may enjoy vigorous activities, try restorative or yin yoga.  Cultivate quiet reflection and meditation into your life.  Also, identify areas you're holding onto.  Relenquish some control in your life--I promise you can do it!

Underactive

If you feel like you lack confidence, focus or never get anything done, you may be experiencing an underactive Manipura.  From the digestive perspective, you're going to have to build your fire.  Chew your food well and avoid drinking during meals so that the stomach acid can do its job without being quenched.  Foods slow cooked or fermented will help your body because in a way they are pre-digested.  You will also benefit from digestive enzymes (over or underactive both benefit) to assist in breaking down the food to a molecular level.

There are a variety of activities you can work with to enhance the subtle side of this chakra.  My thought for boosting this chakra is just get out there and DO something.  Quit worrying about it, thinking about it, and analyzing it.-- just do it.  Additionally, more vigorous exercises, such as heated yoga can often boost drive and self-confidence.  If there are certain insecurities that are holding you back, it's really important to work on those in whatever way seems most benefiical to you.

BONUS

Before I leave you on this topic, I have a fun video bonus, "Yoga for Willpower" , that I'd love to share with you.  It's a bonus video from my Nutrition for Yoga Students Program.   All you have to do is request it here and I'll email you the link.

I hope you have a great week and I'll be back next time with my favorite chakra, the heart!

Welcome back to my series on chakras and food.  If you haven't already, I highly recommend you start with my first post, Part 1-Root Food , and go in order.

Whether the title of this post makes you think of 1) cooking up hot soup or 2) sex, either way, you are right on.

The 2nd chakra, Svadisthana, is all about creation, creativity, fluidity and movement.  This center of creation is physically focused on the sex organs and kidneys.  Svadisthana influences many things including sex, guilt (imagaine that) and creation.  It also regulates our life's flow, especially money.  Some people even say if you drink more water, it could help bring more money through your bank account.

To know where you stand with Svadisthana, ask yourself about your sexuality.  Is it healthy and balanced?  What about your creativity?  Are you giving yourself time to explore creative outlets?  And that doesn't mean you have to be an artist.  You can rearrange the living room furniture, make a music mix or cook...and that's where I come in today with food.

For this chakra, I'm going to recommend soups, aphrodisiacs, and sensual foods (think juicy things like chocolate covered strawberries, people!

SOUPS

Soups and stews nourish more than just the body. Cooking these wonderful one-pot meals can assist you in stimulating your creative side. Trying new recipes, improvising (which is important with soups) and creating our own special soups make this an art form all its own.  See all my recipes for ideas.

APHRODISIAC

My favorite aphrodisiac to recommend is dark chocolate (70% or more).   Dark chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that bring on feelings of pleasure which is deeply connected to Svadisthana. It also contains the chemical serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant.  Meanwhile, flavanoids in dark chocolate act as antioxidants protecting the body from oxidative stress.

JUICY STUFF

Juicy fruits like peaches, pomegranates, and berries are so healthy and are really great to cool summer heat.  In context of the 2nd chakra however, they can actually "heat things up".   Eating berries can help increase blood flow as well as zinc levels that regulate testosterone which aids in healthy sexual function.  Pomegranates and peaches both aid in urinary tract or kidney health and peaches are also rich in zinc.

WATER

Drinking adequate amounts (at least 64 oz.) of water can help you in many ways.  It's easy to go around dehydrated and not realize it and this is a key area I always recommend in my health counseling practice.  Beyond this physical improvement, however, drinking water can get lots of "stuck" energy moving.  Notice the flow of energy,  passions, money and more in your life.  When you start drinking more water, you'll be surprised what startsmoving!

RITUALS FOR THE 2ND CHAKRA

There are many rituals and activities besides foods that can help you balance your Svadisthana.

• This week, take a nice long bath being very intentional about washing away anything that is "stuck" or holding you back.  

• Dance...go dancing with your friends or just dance around the house.  Move your body, shake your hips, have fun!

• Create!  Find your creative side through cooking or whatever your passion might be.  Start from a place of ahimsa or non-judgement.  Just have fun!

NEXT WEEK

Next week, I'll focus on the 3rd chakra, the center of willpower.  Plus, I'll offer a limited bonus video, "Yoga for Willpower"

Until then...in light and service,

Cassandra Green

The chakras are an energetic system of the body that deal with the inflow and outflow of energy.  If you've ever gotten a good or bad "vibe" from someone, then you've experienced the chakras.  While Western science may not embrace the chakra system, they are part of the ancient science of yoga.  Chakras, or wheels in Sanskrit, are spheres of energy along the major nerve ganglia of the spine.

So why should you care about the chakras?  My best answer is that they regulate every interaction you have with another person (the exchange of energy) and they invite harmony into your body, physical and energetic, when balanced.

For seven weeks, I'll share with you information about each chakra, how to get "in tune" with it and foods to eat to enhance it.

THE ROOT CHAKRA

The root chakra called Muladhara, is located at the base of the spine.  On a physical level, it has a huge amount to do with elimination.  Invariably when I talk about this in class, the discussion turns to (and this is no technical term for you science types) poop.

One way to know where you stand with your root chakra is to think about how you eliminate when you travel.  Do you retain and not go to the bathroom for a few days or do you go the minute you step foot in the airport and every two hours thereafter?

The link between travel and the root chakra is because it deals with stability, home and your foundation.  Some people can travel anywhere and the entire world is there home.  Others, however, have difficulty adjusting because this chakra is out of balance, either overactive (pooping all the time) or under active (retaining).

Emotionally, the root chakra allows you to feel confident that you have a right to exist.  More physically, it is that your basic life needs are met; food, shelter, security.   How important is your home environment to you?  Do you cling to it (as I do...that's my Cancerian nature) or would it be easy to up and move?

TUNING IN

How do your "roots" feel based on this brief discussion?  To tune in deeper, go to a quiet place a sit for a few moments.  Bring your awareness to the tailbone area and imagine you are growing roots deep into the earth.  Use lots of specific imagery such as layers of dirt and see your root system growing.  Then allow a red glowing light to surround this area.  With each breath you take, the light becomes more intense.  Stay here for a few minutes, noticing any sensations, thoughts, or intuitions about your root chakra.

FOOD

Protein is the food of the root chakra.  If you have an overactive root charka, you may be eating too many of these foods.  If you feel like your root chakra needs a boost, try incorporating more protein rich foods into your diet such as healthy, hormone/antibiotic free range meats, high quality soy, mushrooms or legumes (beans).  I find foods that balance the root chakra, no matter where you stand and aren't as heavy, are root vegetables.  There are a variety of lovely stews using beets, potatoes, onions, leeks, garlic and more of these subterranean delights.  Another benefit is that a lot of these root foods are anti-inflammatory as well!

LET'S GET PHYSICAL

Physical activity really supports the balance in this chakra and I recommend 30-60 minutes 3 or 4 times a week.  Being outside with nature is one of the best forms of exercise for this chakra so get out and explore!

NEXT WEEK

Next week we'll visit the 2nd chakra.  There are lots of really GREAT foods to experience and I'll give you some tips on some sensual activities that support it.  Ooh la la.

Until next time, have a beautiful week!

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