Bay Leaves: Healing Manifestation Therapy

For the many individuals reaching out to us about yoga fitness, nearly 70% are seeking manifestation healing therapy. Manifestation involves bringing desires or intentions into reality through thought, belief, and action. Despite our explanation that we offer manifestation healing therapy through coaching and counseling, many are primarily interested in someone healing them, seeking manifestation for various life challenges. The list is extensive, ranging from, mainly health problems, apart from financial constraints and aspirations for success, position, and power.

Nava's Zen: A Harmonious Haven for Nature's Melody

Birds naturally gravitate toward Nava's Zen, already a mini eco-world (Eco Living) in a residential area where squirrels, butterflies, and even stray cats coexist with nature, adding to its natural charm. The charm lies in the beauty of the universe, consisting of nature, animals, and of course, humans.

The presence of birds and their chirping is such an amazing sound. Listening to the crisp chirping breaks down mental barriers and brings a soft rush of calmness to the mind, acting as natural therapy (Quieting The Mind). The presence of bird nests in your compound indicates that your environment is in harmony with nature, portraying a healthy and inviting ecosystem. This is considered a positive omen, symbolizing the renewal of life and affirming that your surroundings provide a safe and suitable environment for nesting and raising offspring.

Eco Living: Small Changes, Big Impact in Nava's Zen Philosophy

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.

Eco-Friendly Delights on Banana Leaves: Nava's Zen Culinary Harmony

I feature my culinary creations on banana leaves, courtesy of the cultivated banana trees in Nava's Zen (Cultivating Sustainable Living). The advantages are diverse:

Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable and sustainable, reducing the need for disposable plates and supporting environmental conservation.

Antimicrobial Properties: Natural compounds in banana leaves may inhibit harmful bacteria when in contact with food.

Enhanced Flavor: The waxy coating imparts a delightful flavor, elevating the overall dining experience.

Gongura/Roselle Recipes: A Nutritional Powerhouse in Culinary Delights

Gongura, also known as roselle or sorrel, stands out as a nutritional powerhouse, offering a spectrum of health benefits that cater to various aspects of well-being. Renowned for its digestive properties, gongura aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system, promoting optimal gut function.

Moreover, this versatile plant contributes to heart health, assisting in managing cholesterol levels and supporting overall cardiovascular well-being. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a valuable addition for those seeking natural ways to alleviate inflammation within the body.

"Sustainable Elegance: Pandan Leaves as Culinary and Decorative Wonders"

Over time, the evolution in my home has been a conscious departure from plastic flowers and decorations. Cleaning them posed a constant hassle, and they merely accumulated dust. As an advocate for sustainable development, with a deep commitment to preserving the Earth and nurturing nature (Cultivating Green Living), I firmly believe in relinquishing old habits tied to plastic, a material contributing to pollution and waste.

Moringa Stir Fry Magic: Enjoying the Superfood Blend

Nature, with its gentle touch, generously shares treasures, cradling those who marvel at its wonders. A testament to the perpetual dance of growth and care emerged when a robust moringa tree replaced one lost to strong winds. Beyond its abundant fruits, moringa unfolds leaves brimming with the nutritional richness bestowed by nature (Cultivating Green Living).

Wrapped in antioxidants, these leaves act as guardians against life's subtle stresses, providing essential nutrients crucial for orchestrating our bodies' balance. Promising to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, moringa extends a friendly hand to health-conscious individuals.

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).

Turmeric Wrapped Grilled Fish Platter: An Experience in Culinary Mindfulness

Mindful eating is all about savoring each bite as an expression of love for food. While the saying "we are what we eat" holds true, it doesn't mean settling for bland meals. Indulge in delightful, mind-loving, and delicious food with just a touch of mindful thinking. Crafting wonderful meals becomes part of your mindful eating journey.

Consider this Malaysian platter: 

A modest portion of steamed basmati rice 

Grilled aubergine mixed with raw shallots, chillies, and lime juice

Turmeric-wrapped fish marinated with fresh turmeric juice, a dash of salt, a hint of chili powder for a spicy kick

Our local Malaysian herb, Ulam Raja, also known as King Salad. 

Malaysian Vegetarian Korma Curry: A Culinary Harmony of Homegrown Flavors

Can I express how the aromatic wafts of Korma Curry permeate my home with a delightful warmth? Well, it's not merely about preference; it's a culinary delight, especially for my significant other, who has an insatiable craving for curry. Thus, approximately every two months, I embark on crafting a Korma dish, each time experimenting with a different twist (Muglai Style Vegetarian Korma). The variety comes not from drastic changes but subtle tweaks to the ingredients, creating a unique Korma experience on every occasion.

Cultivating Sustainable Living in Urban Spaces: A Personal Journey

We take immense pride in our contribution to sustainable living as the founder of Nava's Zen. It is not merely a business concept for us but a core philosophy embedded in our ethos. Our commitment to nature-inspired fitness and zen living extends beyond our business - it's a reflection of our unwavering love for the environment. Before Nava's Zen evolved into a sustainable fitness zen, my passion for gardening spanned two decades (Cultivating Convenient Garden). It all began in my home, where I dedicatedly invested in creating a therapeutic space for breath, body, mind, and soul. The journey started with the installation of a pergola and substantial investments in plants, soil, and all essentials for sustainable living.

Embracing the Fiery Passion: The Indispensable Chillies in Malaysian Cuisine and Gardening

In Malaysia, the love for spiciness runs deep in our culinary culture. Chillies, with their fiery punch, are an essential ingredient that adds a delightful kick to our dishes or serves as a zesty accompaniment. As Malaysians, we simply can't imagine our meals without that familiar spiciness. Whether it's a dash of sliced chillies mixed with lime juice and soy sauce or vinegar-soaked chillies, the craving for that distinct heat on our palates is insatiable. Join me as I share my experiences of seeking chillies abroad, the joys and challenges of gardening them, and the intrinsic connection between chillies and our well-being.

Embracing Roses: Lessons in Resilience and Growth

Those who've been following my social media and blogosphere journey are likely aware of my deep passion for gardening (The Enchanting World Of Bunga Kantan/Torch Ginger). Gardening is not just a pastime for me; it's my pride, my joy, and the heart of my fitness sanctuary, Nava's Zen. I have a special affection for herbs, plants, fruit trees, and, more recently, roses. Initially, my attempts with roses were less than successful, but I dedicated myself to mastering the art of rose cultivation. Now, I take pride in the thriving blooms that grace my garden. Roses, with their exquisite beauty and enchanting fragrance, have found a special place in my heart.

Bunga Kantan/Torch Ginger: Urban Farming's Culinary Gem

Discover the captivating allure of Bunga Kantan, also known as Torch Ginger or Torch Lily - adelightful flower that can transform your urban or home garden (Ylang Ylang) into a culinary wonderland. This exotic plant not only adds a touch of elegance to your space but also infuses local Malaysian, Indonesian, and Thai dishes with its mesmerizing fragrance. Join me as I share my journey of growing and using Bunga Kantan to elevate my culinary adventures.

Growing Journey and Lessons Learned

A decade ago, my first attempt to grow Bunga Kantan ended in disappointment due to improper soil preparation, causing the roots to rot. Not one to be discouraged, I gave it another shot four years back, this time in a spacious pot. However, the plant seemed constrained, longing for more space to thrive. Deciding to transfer it to the open ground outside my zen space proved to be the turning point, as it began to flourish, rewarding me with its exquisite flowers.

Nature's Oasis: Transforming Spaces for Inner Peace and Wellness at Nava's Zen

Welcome to Nature's Oasis: Nava's Zen, where spaces are transformed into something truly extraordinary. As the founder of Nava's Zen, I want to share with you the remarkable connection we've forged with nature. We often think of nature in terms of expansive landscapes and outdoor sanctuaries, but at Nava's Zen, we've taken that magic indoors. Step into our world and be captivated by the blend of lush greenery and carefully placed plants. Our studio comes alive, invigorating your senses with the calming influence of nature's embrace. However, what truly sets us apart is our ability to transform unexpected spaces into havens infused with nature's essence.

Exploring the Versatility of Brazilian Spinach: A Hidden Gem in the Culinary World

Discovering new ingredients is always an exciting journey, and my encounter with Brazilian spinach, about four years ago, was nothing short of a delightful surprise. Prior to that, I had never even heard of this leafy green vegetable. Its origin remained a mystery, intriguing me to delve deeper into its background. Today, I not only grow Brazilian spinach myself (Eco-Friendly Delights) but also relish its diverse culinary applications. Join me as we explore this fascinating ingredient and its simple yet flavorsome Malaysian-style stir-fry recipe.

Growing and Cooking with Butterfly Blue Pea Flowers

The Butterfly Blue Pea flower, also known as Bunga Telang, offers numerous benefits. You can easily grow them with the seeds, whether in a pot or on the ground, and they will sprout easily, even without fertilizer. This makes them a convenient choice for gardening enthusiasts (Cultivating Convenient Gardening). The plant is well-suited for the Asian climate, thriving in warm and tropical environments. 

In Nava's Zen, zen blooming urban garden, I cultivate these flowers on the fence, enjoying their vibrant blooms and reaping the benefits they offer. I harness their extract as a natural and preservative-free ingredient for cooking. One delightful dish I create is Butterfly Blue Flower Rice, or Nasi Bunga Telang. 

My Weight Journey: Overcoming Setbacks and Rediscovering Self-Confidence

For the longest time, I never considered myself overweight. Being an active person, practicing flow yoga, and tending to my beloved Zen blooming garden, I always maintained a healthy weight. However, in mid-2020, things took a turn. The scale showed a sudden increase from 48kg to 52kg, and the consequences became evident as my clothes no longer fit comfortably. 

The weight gain was primarily due to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which limited my urban gardening activities and consumed my time with preparations for the launch of Nava'z Zen. It was a wake-up call, as I had taken for granted that my yoga practice alone would prevent weight gain, oblivious to the fact that I wasn't burning enough calories while indulging in snacks during my planning sessions.

Revitalize Your Senses with Lemongrass Honey Tea: A Refreshing Wellness Brew

Lemongrass holds many healing properties and can be grown in pots or on the ground, thriving in Asian climates. When combined with the renowned health benefits of green tea and the natural sweetness of honey (though it should be used sparingly if controlling sugar levels), Lemongrass Honey Tea becomes a readily available homemade beverage. Start your day on a refreshing note with this invigorating and calming drink.

Zen Blooming: Ylang-Ylang's Therapeutic Delights

Ylang-Ylang, a cherished part of Nava's Zen, is a natural essence that perfectly aligns with our zen yoga-fitness-oriented nature therapy. As the gardener (Cultivating Convenient Gardening) I, Ms Nava, made sure to include this plant in my garden from the very beginning. Over time, it has grown to a substantial height, but I carefully trim it to maintain its size. 

The delightful aspect of ylang-ylang lies in its vibrant yellow flowers and their captivating scent. To enhance this aromatic experience, I even place some of the flowers in our rainwater barrel, where they gracefully float and infuse the water with their enchanting fragrance.