Introducing Yoga Dance at Nava's Zen!

After nearly 1 3/4 years of experience in the yoga fitness industry and business (Nava's Zen: Nature Oasis), during which we've accumulated a wealth of knowledge and expertise (Yoga & Skincare), we've taken steps to expand our services by introducing yoga dance. Our decision to enter the realm of yoga dance is backed by our own market analysis and research efforts, conducted in a straightforward and genuine manner (Inner Peace or Happiness).

Yoga dance, while not entirely novel, is a fresh addition to our local landscape. We've taken the initiative, and our Sunday sessions from 8-9 am have already attracted a small but enthusiastic group of clients. It's interesting to note that, while traditional yoga remains in demand, there's a noticeable uptick in interest for yoga dance. Led by our founder, Ms. Nava, who boasts a remarkable array of credentials, including certifications as a coach and qualified counselor, beauty therapist, wellness expert, and yoga instructor, our yoga dance sessions at Nava's Dance are truly unique. But what exactly is yoga dance, and what can you expect?

Life Coaching for Personal and Business Branding Excellence

Reflecting on our earlier discussion (The Essence Of Coaching) about the rush to adopt the coach title, it's apparent that more individuals are associating themselves with coaching without credible credentials - a disconcerting trend. From fitness instructors adopting the term wellness coaches to individuals in direct selling labeling themselves as wellness coaches, and even those qualified as mental health responders embracing the title of mental health coaches, the situation is disheartening. This misuse extends to various fields, including consultancy, event management, and marketing, where individuals assume the coach title without authentic coaching credentials.

Startup Lessons: The Unvarnished Truth

Starting and growing a business is a journey filled with invaluable lessons (Business Lessons: Linkedln), often learned the hard way. In my 1 3/4 years of entrepreneurship, I've encountered a multitude of these lessons (Challengers Faced By Indian Woman Entrepreneur). None were anticipated, and all taking me by surprise. The true significance of these "hard-knock" lessons is that they don't hit you all at once but rather over time, gradually instilling wisdom (Social Entrepreneurship: Pull Factors) I'll begin by sharing insights on friends and family.

Inner Peace or Happiness: A Personal Choice

In life, we often come across the decision between two special feelings: inner peace and happiness. Many like the idea of being at peace within themselves, staying calm and balanced no matter what's happening outside. For them, inner peace is like a steady ship in the stormy sea of life. Others, like me, prefer happiness. They believe it's possible to be happy even without a particular reason. For them, happiness is like a bright light that shines from within. It can affect not only them but also everyone around them. It's like a warm, glowing feeling.

Inner Peace: The Calm Harbor

People who like inner peace find it comforting. It's like an emotional anchor that keeps them steady. No matter how crazy the world gets, they feel stable inside. It's all about feeling relaxed and in harmony with themselves. Inner peace doesn't go away when things get tough. It's always there to lean on. It's like a friend who stays with you, even when times are hard (Intriguing Mindfulness).

How To Design A Vegetarian Dinner Party Menu

Throwing a dinner party is the kind of thing you definitely want to get right, and it’s really something of an art because there’s so much planning and hard work to put into making sure everything goes off smoothly. However, when you get it right, and everyone has a good time, you’ll feel great and proud of what you’ve done, and your guests will have a positive and memorable experience. 

If you have a vegetarian guest, it isn’t always easy to make one dish just for them, and what could be an easier option is to design an entirely vegetarian menu. Not only does this make things easier for you, but it’s probably not something your veggie guest has ever experienced before, so they’ll love it. Plus, if you choose the right food and cook it well, your other guests will enjoy it too, and it might even show them what can be done when meat’s off the menu. With that in mind, here are some tips to help you design a vegetarian menu for your dinner party. 

        Photo by Rene Asmussen  

Intriguing Mindfulness: Ms.Nava's Unique Perspective

Mindfulness, a concept open to interpretation, holds a special place in the heart of Ms. Nava. It all starts with nurturing a healthy mind that accepts the uniqueness of every individual's perspective. While academic theories and findings on mindfulness offer a wealth of knowledge, they also invite discussion, disagreement, and debate. Yet, the ultimate choice is ours, shaped by the workings of our own minds. For a deeper dive into my version of mindfulness, let's explore it together. Mindfulness (The Abundance Of Mindfulness), in my view, begins with an understanding of what transpires within and around us. It encompasses our thoughts, emotions, feelings, and how we perceive the world. This mental landscape  (Mental Health) is intimately connected to the heart, where we discover more about ourselves and our interpretations of the external world. In my perspective, the two are intertwined.

World Mental Health Day: Embrace Silence, Nurture Kindness

October 10, 2023 has been declared as World Mental Health Day, yet every day should be dedicated to nurturing our mental well-being. Take a moment to observe your surroundings, and you'll quickly realize that each one of us, including myself, requires positive mental health. This awareness is essential because mental health can encompass both positive and negative aspects. Before delving into the subject of mental health, consider spending just one minute silencing your thoughts to listen to yourself. Only through self-listening can we truly assess our mental well-being. Otherwise, we may find ourselves preaching about mental health to others without addressing our own needs. It's paramount to start with self-awareness.

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.

Business Lessons: The Pitfalls of Hiring LinkedIn Social Media Specialists

Embarking on a business journey is akin to setting sail into the unknown, armed with ambition and a dash of naiveté. In 2022, the genesis of Nava's Zen ushered me into a world of entrepreneurship that was both enlightening and humbling. Here, I'd like to candidly share the invaluable lessons I gleaned along this tumultuous path. The first three quarters of that year became an unanticipated odyssey, as I fumbled through unforeseen obstacles. Mistakes, like unwelcome companions, seemed to stifle my business's growth, casting shadows of doubt. Impatience, my constant companion, whispered that success was elusive.

The Enchanting World of Bunga Kantan/Torch Ginger: A Culinary Treasure for Urban Farmers

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.

Navigating the Turbulence: Overwhelming Lessons from My LinkedIn Journey

In continuation of my transformative 8-month journey (Embracing The Positives Linkedln) on LinkedIn, I must admit that my affinity for positivity (Embarking on a Linkedln Odyssey) faced an unexpected challenge. As I delved deeper into the platform, I encountered aspects that became overwhelming, causing me to question the true essence of LinkedIn.

Repetitive Positivity  
At first, I embraced the positive atmosphere on LinkedIn, but as time passed, I noticed an influx of repetitive content. Many individuals shared similar messages, merely rewritten in different styles. The abundance of do's and don'ts felt like a never-ending cycle, making it increasingly difficult to absorb.

Embracing the Positives: Incredible Discoveries on My LinkedIn Journey

Continuing from my previous post (Linkedln Odyssey), where I embarked on an 8-month LinkedIn odyssey, I'd like to start by sharing the beautiful aspects and meaningful connections that have enriched my experience on this platform. It's been an incredible journey, filled with positivity and growth.

Meeting Amazing Souls 
One of the most rewarding parts of my LinkedIn journey has been the opportunity to connect with extraordinary individuals. Over the last 8 months, I have encountered truly remarkable people who have become an integral part of my network. Their kindness, insights, and camaraderie have filled my soul with joy and gratitude.

Embarking on a LinkedIn Odyssey: A Transformative 8-Month Journey Awaits!

Throughout my LinkedIn journey, spanning over 7 years, I barely scratched the surface of what this professional platform had to offer. It wasn't until November 2022 that I decided to fully immerse myself in the world of LinkedIn, driven by the tales of its vast networking potential and promising business opportunities. Little did I know that the next 8 months would be a transformative experience, filled with eye-opening discoveries and valuable lessons that I could never have anticipated. Today, I want to share my candid reflections on what I learned from being actively engaged on LinkedIn.

The Abundance of Mindfulness: Navigating the Modern World with Nava's Zen

In today's fast-paced world, mindfulness and its practice have become widely discussed and embraced by many. People from all walks of life are finding ways to incorporate mindfulness into their daily routines, recognizing its relevance amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life. It's intriguing how life has evolved from a simpler time, where relaxation and navigating through life seemed more attainable. Now, there is an incessant pursuit of success and grand dreams, yet simultaneously, there is a call to slow down and care for our minds.

The Essence of Qualified Coaching: Beyond Empty Words and Intimidating Stares

In today's world, it seems like everyone is calling themselves a coach. However, the landscape is filled with a mix of qualified and unqualified individuals who are leveraging the term "coach" for personal branding purposes. While some resort to dubious tactics, true coaches bring substance and genuine expertise to their clients. As a qualified coach myself, I understand the importance of continuous learning and strive to provide a positive coaching experience. In this article, I want to shed light on a concerning trend I've observed and offer valuable insights for both aspiring and existing coaches. (Nature Oasis)

The Profound Power of Listening: A Transformative Journey at Nava's Zen

One and a half years into my business, Nava's Zen (Nature Oasis: Nava's Zen), I've come to appreciate the invaluable lessons that personal experience offers in improving and growing as an entrepreneur. As a woman in business (Therapeutic Delights & Eco Friendly Delights), I've discovered that while it's important to heed advice from others, the true strength lies in trusting our own instincts. In this blog post, I want to share a significant lesson I've learned about the art of listening, as it pertains to running a successful business.

Savoring Life: Embracing Guilt-Free Indulgences in a Healthy Journey

Living a healthy lifestyle is not a temporary endeavor that ends once we achieve our desired weight. It is a lifelong commitment that encompasses more than just torturing our palates. While striving for weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight (My Weigh Journey), it's important to understand that we don't have to completely deprive ourselves. Occasional indulgences can be a part of our journey, as long as we approach them sensibly. Instead of viewing it as a day to eat to excess, let's embrace the concept of a controlled indulgence—a guilt-free opportunity to savor our favorite treats.

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 seamless 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.

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 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.