I find it rather curious, or perhaps understandable, that among 10 Indians, only one or two would indulge in pork. While this doesn't particularly bother me, it's quite a phenomenon when dining with them, as they tend to avoid eateries serving pork dishes. This preference is more prevalent among the older generation, although a fair number of younger individuals do enjoy pork. Interestingly, those who abstain from pork often struggle to articulate the reasons behind their choice. Some perceive pork as unclean, while others cite religious beliefs. Many were simply not exposed to pork consumption by their parents, leading to a perpetuation of dietary habits. In general, Indians tend to favor familiarity over culinary exploration, which contrasts with my own adventurous palate.
Saturday, May 13, 2023
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Rotkohl (German Red Cabbage): A Taste of Tradition
My
culinary journey began long ago, but it truly intensified after I got married.
At first, cooking felt like a monotonous chore - repeatedly preparing the same
dishes to please my husband's palate. It seemed as though cooking had been
conveniently handed to me as part of my marriage responsibilities. Yet, as the
years passed, I discovered the therapeutic joy of cooking. I began
experimenting with dishes from around the world, eager to explore new flavors
and techniques.
While my husband remained somewhat hesitant to try new foods, there were occasional surprises. When I introduced him to Rotkohl, a traditional German dish, his reaction was unexpectedly positive. He savored the soft, tangy bites of this vegetarian delight, a departure from our usual fare.
Monday, May 8, 2023
Discover Your Zen: Yoga for Everyone
Beginning
on a zen yoga journey can feel intimidating, especially if you're new to the
practice. It's natural to have concerns about flexibility or past experiences
with strict instructors. But rest assured, yoga (yoga magic) is truly accessible to
everyone, regardless of age, experience, or body type.
I often hear questions like, "Am I
too old to start yoga?" or "I've never done yoga before, can I still
join?" These doubts are common, but they shouldn't hold you back. Some
individuals hesitate to join despite reassurances, while others have had
negative experiences that left them feeling discouraged and lacking confidence.
Friday, May 5, 2023
Yoga Magic - Ms. Nava's Journey To A New Lease Of Life
Zen
yoga is undoubtedly at the heart of holistic wellness, a concept that continues
to resonate in our modern world. It's the epitome of natural therapy, nurturing
the breath, body, mind, and soul, with the power to reshape lives in unexpected
ways.
However, it's essential to recognize that while yoga is a potent tool, it should never replace medical care. Doctors are vital in our healthcare system, offering essential services such as emergency care, managing chronic conditions, and collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive patient care. Yoga can complement traditional medical treatments but should never be seen as a substitute.
Friday, April 28, 2023
Nava's Menopause: Zen Yoga Healing
Menopause,
once cloaked in silence, now steps into the spotlight, shedding light on a
journey often veiled in secrecy. As an Indian woman, I've traversed this path,
navigating the turbulent waters of hormonal shifts and societal whispers. But
remaining silent was not an option; I knew that by sharing my story, I could
extend a comforting hand to others walking a similar path.
At 45, my body began its farewell to the reproductive years, yet the journey of menopause had commenced long before. It tiptoed into my life, casting shadows over my days and nights. The symptoms arrived uninvited: hot flashes, restless nights, and tears flowing without cause. Seeking guidance, I consulted medical experts, only to receive responses ranging from dismissive to disheartening. It was a male gynecologist who finally offered the advice I needed.
Thursday, April 20, 2023
Tantalizing Tomyam Fish: A Flavor Explosion
Tomyam
- a name that resonates with food lovers worldwide, synonymous with the bold,
unmistakable flavors of Thai cuisine. It's a culinary journey I've savored for
years, honing my skills after exploring every nook and cranny of Thailand's
diverse gastronomic landscape.
From the bustling streetside stalls to the refined elegance of upscale eateries, Thailand's culinary scene offers a spectrum of delights. Yet, amidst the array of options, one dish stands out - Tomyam. Its fiery spiciness can be a challenge to stomach at times, but oh, the rewards are worth it.
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Challengers Faced By Late 50s Indian Woman Entrepreneur - Ms.Nava (Part 2)
Competition
Competition is inevitable and keeps me on my toes. It's not about comparing myself to others in the industry, but staying aware of their offerings. Nava's Zen, with its unique nature-inspired approach, stands apart. Yet, should we reinvent our wheels or lower prices to capture our target market effectively? Staying ahead of competitors requires time, money, and brand building—especially as a solopreneur.
Social Harassment
Digital marketing exposes me to both expected and unexpected challenges—social harassment being one of them. Being active on social media platforms is essential for personal and business branding. However, age and race seem to attract unwelcome attention. As a liberal Indian woman promoting my business through dance and yoga outfits, I face sleazy comments and direct messages. Dealing with these disgusting incidents is a choice between ignoring, avoiding digital marketing, or accepting that some individuals in society are irrational.
Age
Age itself is not a major obstacle, but it
does come with its realities. Energy levels may decline, and the fact that my
biological clock stopped ticking 18 years ago sometimes affects me emotionally.
Palpitations, anxiety attacks, and nervousness arise occasionally. Though my
mindset helps counter these challenges, I cannot halt the natural process of
biological aging.
Managing the Husband
Managing the husband alone is a challenge in itself. I won't shy away from admitting it. Perhaps, it's rooted in the cultural upbringing that glorifies Indian men, placing them on a pedestal. How do I navigate this Indian social norm while still being the all-rounder managing household affairs? Complicating matters, my husband is comfortably retired while I, in my late 50s, remain an ambitious go-getter. Honesty prevails: managing the husband is no smooth ride.
Sunday, April 9, 2023
Challengers Faced By Late 50s Indian Woman Entrepreneur - Ms.Nava (Part 1)
Truth be told, sometimes I feel I should have been contented as a full-time wife and mother after leaving my job as a Senior Lecturer (Unveiling The Pull Factor) And for the first three years, I actually was content. It felt like a major relief to bid goodbye to the years of slogging at my career while managing home affairs and enduring peak hour commutes. However, three years later, my soul was torn apart as I yearned to return as an alpha female constantly reinventing myself. Thus began my late 50s social entrepreneurship journey, reinventing myself, upgrading my knowledge, and venturing into the health and wellness business with Nava's Zen.
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Malay Style Turmeric Rice/Nasi Kunyit
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
New Delhi - Nava's Travel
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Chandigarh, North India - Nava's Travel (Part 2)
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Chandigarh, North India - Nava's Travel (Part 1)
Friday, February 24, 2023
Ms. Nava's Late 50s Social Entrepreneurship Journey - The Pull Factors
Assuming you have already familiarized yourself with Ms. Nava's push factors (Ms. Nava's Push Factors), it's time to delve into the other side of the coin—her pull factors. Pull factors, as we explore today, are the positive motivations that compelled Ms. Nava towards her path as a social woman entrepreneur. This captivating topic has been extensively researched and discussed in academic forums and journals, continually evolving in the literature review section. Unlike push factors, which involve external influences, pull factors are rooted in intrinsic motivations. They can be classified into various categories, such as the need for achievement, freedom, a desire for a challenging lifestyle, and the pursuit of financial success. Now, let's take a closer and personal look at Ms. Nava's pull factors.
Friday, February 17, 2023
Ms. Nava's Late 50s Social Entrepreneurship Journey - Unveiling the Push Factors
Step into the extraordinary story of Ms. Nava, a remarkable woman who embarked on her social entrepreneurial journey last year, defying age stereotypes and embracing boldness. At the ripe age of fifty-eight (58), she took a leap that left many wonderings, "Starting a business now? How intriguing!" Even Ms. Nava herself couldn't believe it at first. With hundreds of doubts clouding her mind, she pondered the challenges ahead. But as the saying goes, "You never try, you never know," and she understood that without risk, there can be no reward. Ms. Nava thrives on new challenges, ready to conquer whatever comes her way. Fascinating, isn't it? The intrigue only deepens.
Monday, February 13, 2023
Kullu Manali - Nava's Travel (Part 2)
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Kullu Manali - Nava's Travel (Part 1)
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