The Modern Struggle: Unravelling the Challenges of Quieting the Mind

Maneuvering modern living poses a significant challenge, with the elusive art of quieting the mind at the forefront. Despite a plethora of advice, the struggle persists, whether due to a lack of knowledge, indifference, or sheer unawareness. In the yoga business, this refrain is not just common but almost a norm, as minds remain alert yet yearn for respite.

The modern struggle to relax has multifaceted roots:

Delicious Vegetarian Tofu Recipes: Thai to Malay

Tofu has long been a favorite in my household - loved for its versatility, affordability, and ability to satisfy vegetarians, vegans, and even meat lovers. Widely used in Japan and Korea ((KOREA THROUGH MY EYES, HOKKAIDO WANDERLUST & OSAKA SUNSETS). tofu has become a global favorite, with endless possibilities for simple yet satisfying dishes.

Today, tofu is easily available, from traditional markets to high-end stores, offering many varieties. While I appreciate all types, my go-to is the soft, organic Japanese tofu, free of preservatives. Its mild flavor may seem simple, but it’s perfect for absorbing the bold, spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors of Malaysian and Asian cooking.

What makes these recipes even more special is that many of the ingredients come from my own garden at Nava’s Zen - chilies, basil, and spring onions that I carefully grow. 

(Vibrant Sabah chillies in purple, red, and green, grown fresh in Nava's Zen garden)

These tofu recipes are healthy, vegetarian, and ideal for anyone looking for quick, flavorful plant-based meals.

Thai-Style Tofu

Steam or microwave tofu for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Transfer the tofu to a plate and top with chopped or sliced cucumber, tomato, and chilies.

Drizzle with lime juice and sprinkle with Thai basil leaves and salt to taste.

Korean-Style Tofu

Steam or microwave tofu until warmed.

Garnish with crushed peanuts, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, chilies, salt, and fresh cilantro.

Chinese-Spiced Sweet Tofu

Lightly fry sliced tofu until golden and crisp. Set aside.

In a pan, heat oil and sweat chopped shallots until translucent.

Add chopped tomato, chili sauce, tomato sauce, a splash of soy sauce, salt, and spring onion. Cook until the sauce thickens.

Incorporate the fried tofu into the sauce and cook to achieve your desired texture.

Malay Achar Tofu

Slice tofu and set aside.

Heat oil in a pan and sweat chopped garlic and shallots until fragrant.

Stir in dried chili paste and chopped tomato. Add vinegar and salt, and cook until the mixture thickens into a sambal.

Add the tofu slices and cook until the tofu reaches your preferred texture.

 

Note: Adjust ingredients according to your taste preferences.

 

Chong Kok Kopitiam: Delightful Heritage Flavors

When my breakfast crew suggested heading to Klang's Chong Kok Kopitiam for another morning feast, I, being the enthusiastic foodie, readily agreed. I heard tales of this Kopitiam being a stroll down heritage lane from years back, adding to the allure. As we negotiated the usual challenge of finding parking in Klang, we eventually secured a spot in one of the backlanes.As we crossed the road in front of Chong Kok Kopitiam, a sudden realization hit me - I've been here before. While I couldn't recall the name initially, revisiting the same eatery posed no issue.

Bharat Spice: Indian Cuisine Flavors and Experiences in Kota Kemuning

Yet another Sunday dedicated to our food explorations, and this time, we stayed local in Kota Kemuning (Asian Fusion Seafood & Kalyana Virunthu Cafe). Our destination was the recently opened "Bharat Spice," a fresh addition that has taken over the space formerly known as Saffron Spice. Surprisingly, not much has changed - the ambiance retains its familiar feel, and even the menu seems to be a recycled version of the one from Saffron Spice. 

Turmeric Eggs: A Holistic Culinary Wellness

Turmeric, a vibrant yellow spice widely embraced in Indian culinary traditions, has earned acclaim for its diverse health benefits, primarily attributed to its active compound, curcumin. Within its myriad advantages, the aspect that resonates profoundly with me is its robust antioxidant capabilities - an all-encompassing tonic for the breath, body, mind, and soul. Beyond its culinary significance, powdered turmeric stands as an indispensable element in Indian kitchens, diligently procured and stored for its versatile applications (Turmeric Black Cumin Rice). 

In the realm of cooking, reaching for turmeric powder has become second nature - not just for its rich flavor but also for its remarkable ability to neutralize odors, particularly from poultry and meat (Mutton Bone Marrow Curry). It has undeniably become a culinary staple (Spinach Turmeric Stir Fry).

Medication or Holistic Wellness Yoga: My Menopausal Journey

Experiencing a resurgence of menopausal symptoms at 53, following an initial bout at 50, took a toll on my well-being. Seeking answers at the medical center due to issues like body pain, insomnia, and overall health concerns, I found myself overwhelmed and in tears. The fear of a serious health problem added to the emotional strain, also, emotional feelings (Mental Well-Being) which I believe I have been bottling up, causing me to work my mind harder, making this relapse more severe than the first.

6 Thai Canned Sardine Recipes: Easy and Delicious

(Updated Version)

It’s not just Malaysians like me who stock up on and enjoy canned sardines - Thais do too. There’s a fascinating connection between Ms. Nava's Zen Cuisine and Thai culinary traditions. It’s truly soul-touching and fulfilling (BANGKOK SOLO ADVENTURES LIFETIME). Yes, that’s right! And did you know you can eat canned sardines straight from the tin? Shhhh - don’t let the health-conscious Indians hear this, or they might start questioning the health benefits of canned sardines, as they often do with other foods (TOM YAM TEMPTATIONS).

Roselle: Exploring Health Benefits and Uses

(Updated Version)

Roselle, a variety of the hibiscus family (Hibiscus sabdariffa), is known by many names worldwide, including Sorelle, Gongura, Karkadeh, and Bissap. Its glossy, bright red bloom is truly eye-catching, but there’s more to Roselle than its looks. This plant is packed with incredible health benefits that make it a popular choice in both traditional and modern wellness practices. Let’s dive into some of Roselle’s top health benefits and versatile uses.

Health Benefits of Roselle

Rich in Antioxidants
Roselle is a powerhouse of antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and anthocyanins. These antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, promoting skin health and overall wellness.

Mandarin Orange Recipes: Reviving Leftover Sustainable Eats

The festival season and our current Chinese New Year, marked by communal meals and expressions of love, often leave us with delightful leftovers. Even the fruits, integral to these celebrations, like mandarin oranges and others, may find their way into the surplus. So, what do you do with these remnants?

Before delving into creative recipes, let's take a moment to consider those around the world who may not have enough to eat. This reminder prompts us to embrace sustainable living, a crucial aspect of sustainable development. As a first step, consider freezing or storing both the leftover dishes and fruits, as I'm about to guide you through some fantastic recipes to make the most of them (MANDARIN ORANGE PLEASURES: WELLNESS CAKE, SORBET & MARMALADE). 

Kalyana Virundhu Cafe - Dining Experience

On this particular Sunday, the delightful quest for a dining spot led us to Kalyana Virundhu Cafe (10G, Jalan Kemuning Prima F33/F, Kemuning Utama Shah Alam, 40400 Selangor), an addition to the Indian food scene and conveniently situated not far from our residence in Kemuning Greenville, Shah Alam. As always, my husband's unwavering love for Indian cuisine (The Grand Mapillai) contrasts with my enthusiasm for exploring diverse culinary experiences (Exploring A Kopitiam), making the decision a harmonious one in our culinary journey.

Asian Fusion Seafood Curry House: Noodle Adventures

My fondness for noodles, especially the Chinese-style variety, is beyond dispute, and my preference leans towards the comforting soup-based options rather than their dried counterparts. In my quest for diverse broth and soup-based noodle experiences, it was fortuitous that my other half-half stumbled upon the Asian Fusion Seafood Curry House: U31, U, 25, Jalan Anggerik Vanilla, Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam (Manjoe Taiwanese Dumpling & The Charcoal Grill), 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor), proposing it as our next culinary expedition. His love for seafood and the mere whisper of the word "Curry" were reason enough, influenced by his inherent appreciation for the flavors ingrained in his Indian genes. He persuaded me to try the curry house, and I willingly agreed, anticipating noodle creations.

Moringa/Drumstick Leaves Stir-Fry Recipe

(Updated Version)

Packed with nutrients, the moringa tree - along with its flowers and drumsticks—is a true blessing for humankind. In the 21st century, where the race for success and wealth often takes a toll on our health, moringa leaves offer a powerful Zen solution. Although cleaning the leaves by pulling them from the stems can be time-consuming, the effort is absolutely worth it, as moringa leaves are celebrated as a Zen superfood. I’ve made this moringa and drumstick leaves stir-fry countless times, both in vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions. The only difference lies in one ingredient: you can choose to add dried shrimps or dried anchovies, or simply leave them out.

Nava's Zen: Cultivating Green Living in Urban Zen

The passion for sustainable living (Cultivating Sustainable Living) seamlessly transitioned into the heart of my nature-inspired fitness zen, Nava's Zen. This time around, I expanded the concept to embrace the essence of green living. Bringing this vision to life required significant self-financing, involving a substantial portion of my savings and a contribution from my husband. The transformation began with the porch of our zen, nestled in a double-storey link house adjacent to our home. This space underwent a complete makeover, with the contractor's fee, soil addition, and various other necessities being covered to convert it into a haven of green living (Cultivating Convenient Gardening).

Manjoe Taiwanese Dumplings (Kota Kemuning): A Rainbow of Colors

A few days ago, while in the midst of grocery shopping for our home, I stumbled upon Manjoe Taiwanese Dumplings in Kota Kemuning. The Rainbow Dumpling immediately caught my attention with its vibrant colors:

Earthy Green Spinach/Chives 

Bright Yellow Pumpkin/Signature 
Soft Red Beetroot/Spicy Kimchi 
Vibrant Blue Butterfly Peas Flowers/Fresh Prawns 
Original/Fresh Fish 
Mellow Black Charcoal/Cabbage  ...........all crafting a holistic wellness color allure on my palate.

Turmeric Fish Recipes: Healthy Fried, Grilled & Wrapped Creations

(Updated Version)

Turmeric, often referred to as the "golden goddess" of the kitchen, is a staple ingredient in mine. How about you? Is this vibrant, golden-yellow spice a regular in your cooking? If not, it's worth considering. I personally use both dried Indian turmeric powder for curries (INDIAN FISH AND SALTED FISH PUMPKIN CURRY), stir-fries, and more, as well as fresh turmeric, known as kunyit hidup in Malay. At Nava's Zen, we even grow fresh turmeric in a large pot. Although some advice me to dry and grind it, I prefer using it fresh, along with its leaves, especially in my Malay dishes, which I prepare frequently.

Radiant Aging: Dignity Through Holistic Wellness

As an ardent advocate for anti-aging, let me unveil the true essence  - it's not about chasing fleeting youth or cosmetic fixes. Instead, it's an artful practice of presenting your best self at every age through self-care. Imagine yoga as the enchanting melody in this anti-aging masterpiece, harmonizing mind, body, and soul for a resonant aging journey.

For me personally, yoga has been a profound mentor of mindfulness - revealing my identity, strengths, and weaknesses. It has guided me in recognizing my tribe, influencing how I conduct yoga sessions with mindfulness as a vital component. This heightened awareness has expanded my thinking, becoming an integral part of my journey as I age with dignity.