In
today's Zen Style spotlight, let's explore the serene world of home attire.
Let's start with a simple question: What's your go-to outfit for lounging at
home? This seemingly straightforward inquiry often invites introspection. Do
you immediately have an answer, or do you pause to reflect?
As for me, comfort reigns supreme: I opt
for shorts and a t-shirt, a choice deeply rooted in familiarity and ease.
However, memories of my upbringing alongside my late mother remind me that
wearing shorts was once frowned upon in our cultural context. Nevertheless, as
I've journeyed through life, I've embraced this relaxed attire, a preference
that persists even at the age of 59.
Two months ago,
my husband was hospitalized for dengue fever. During his week-long stay at the
medical center, I couldn't help but notice something concerning among the staff
- quite a number were overweight or obese. This raised a red flag as even some doctors
displayed protruding stomachs and sluggish movements. It's ironic that while
doctors advise patients on diet and exercise, they themselves struggle with
obesity.
As
the founder of Nava's Zen (Nature's Melody) and your in-house yoga coach, let me share a bit ofmy journey with you. For me, yoga isn't just about striking poses or sweating
it out on the mat - it's a profound practice that touches every aspect of our
being (Menopause & Yoga Discovery).
I've
seen many people miss the true essence of yoga, reducing it to nothing more
than physical exercise. But let me tell you, it's so much more than that. It's
about finding balance in every breath, every movement, every thought, and every
emotion.
So,
if you're expecting a simple workout routine, you might be in for a surprise.
Because yoga, my friend, is a journey - a journey that takes you deep within
yourself, where you discover strength, flexibility, and resilience you never
knew you had (The Power Of Yoga).
There's
a common saying that inner beauty outweighs outer beauty. Yet, when faced with
hole-ridden spinach, doubts arise (Spinach Lentil). Allow me to clarify - these holes signify
freedom from pesticides, a testament to natural produce. Despite this
reassurance, some remain hesitant, while others embrace it (Brazilian Spinach Stir Fry).
The irony of comparing inner and outer
beauty becomes apparent. Interestingly, pesticide-free produce not only boasts
rich nutrients (Malay Style Vegetarian Coconut Milk Spinach)but also offers a delightful taste. Next time you shop for leafy
greens, consider whether you prefer flawless, glossy ones or those with
imperfections, signaling authenticity (Spinach Cottage Cheese & Spinach Turmeric). Now, shall we delve into yoga
mindfulness (Quieting The Mind).
Formerly
recognized as Restoran Poh Yap, this establishment underwent refurbishment a
few months ago and now goes by the name KKSV Restaurant. The makeover includes
an expanded, air-conditioned dining area. While some familiar stalls, like the
Pork Noodles, remain, new additions have also been introduced, creating an
exciting blend of the traditional and the novel (Exploring A Kopitiam).
(Updated Version) In Malaysia, bay leaves are somewhat unfamiliar,
with many people unsure of their appearance or uses. Some wonder if these are
the same leaves used in biryani rice - referring to the dried ones commonly found
in stores. It might seem surprising, but bay leaves offer a wealth of health
benefits, making them a valuable addition to any pantry (GROWING SPRING ONIONS IN URBAN GARDENS).
Health Benefits
of Bay Leaves
Here are some
key health benefits of bay leaves:
Heart Health
Bay leaves help
lower bad cholesterol levels and strengthen blood vessels, reducing heart
disease risk.
How do salads come to life in my kitchen? It all
starts with a quick scan of my fridge and pantry - spotting veggies and fruits
that might not last much longer. Waste is something I’m mindful of, so I
prioritize ingredients that need to be used up soon. For me, this approach is
part of mindful living (INDIAN VEGETARIAN KACHUMBER SALAD).
The vegetarian
salad recipes I’m sharing are incredibly easy and adaptable. They incorporate
what are traditionally considered Western ingredients, which have become
staples in Asian kitchens, including here in Malaysia (TURMERIC EGGS).
Ms.
Nava, the visionary founder of Nava's Zen, has been a vocal advocate for
sustainable living, green practices (Eco Friendly Delights On Banana Leaves), and the urgent need to save our planet.
While urban gardening remains a powerful tool in the fight against climate
change (Human Impact On Climate), there are numerous other avenues for individuals to make a positive
impact. It's time for everyone to play their part in preserving our
environment, and one compelling option is adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle. Eco
living encompasses a broad spectrum of choices, and a simple yet effective
change is opting for walking over driving whenever feasible. Not only does
walking contribute to savings on petrol, but it also saves time spent searching
for parking spaces and promotes personal fitness. Of course, practicality
should guide this decision, taking into account the achievable distance and
weather conditions.
In
every collaboration at Nava's Zen, I maintain the tradition of treating my
collaborator to a meal - a small token of gratitude for their time and
contributions to my growth. I usually opt for online ordering, focusing on
healthy food. Despite established choices in the healthy food industry, my
recent preference was deliberately a smaller-scale restaurant. This decision
aligns with my commitment to supporting small businesses, recognizing the
impact of mutual support in our growth journeys.
Using Grab, I ordered from Toyo Bowl
(Jalan Kenari, Puchong Jaya), selecting Lemongrass Lime Chicken (RM24.90) and
Veg Portobello Bowl (RM18.90).
What
happens when the mind refuses to shut down? Sleep disorders, insomnia - the
inability to sleep, and the challenges in quieting the mind
lead to a world of struggles with sleep (Modern Struggle: Quieting The Mind). The severity of this issue, affecting
individuals from the young to the elderly, including myself occasionally,
cannot be understated. Whenever we receive yoga inquiries, the recurring
concern is difficulty sleeping, prompting questions about yoga's efficacy in
addressing this issue.
It's essential to recognize that yoga
offers a comprehensive natural therapy for sleep. However, the challenge lies
in some clients expecting immediate miracles or magic from yoga. Consistency is
key, and results typically manifest after practicing yoga for at least 2-6
months. Natural therapies, by their nature, require time for noticeable
effects. The expectation of instant results is a common hindrance to
experiencing the full benefits of yoga (Yoga Discovery).
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:
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.
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.
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,
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).
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).
