Religionism & Mental Health in Selangor Hindus: Yoga Healing

Author

Ms. Krishnan N, a Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at 58. With 22 years as a lecturer, including 13 years in the Curtin University of Technology Perth, Australia Degree Twinning Program, she is now a certified yoga instructor, coach, and counselor. Her expertise enriches her current work.

Abstract
This article explores the intricate interplay between religion, mental health, and the practice of yoga among Hindus in Selangor, Malaysia. While yoga is deeply rooted in Hindu tradition, serving as a pathway to self-awareness and spiritual growth, modern interpretations often distort its essence. The article examines how contemporary societal pressures, social media, and the emergence of self-proclaimed "yoga masters" contribute to a disconnection from the authentic teachings of yoga. 

It highlights the importance of grounding practices in spirituality and the need for individuals to navigate their faith with humility and authenticity. By emphasizing yoga's role as a healing practice, the article advocates for a mindful approach to spirituality that fosters mental well-being and a deeper connection to one's cultural heritage.

Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani: Spice-Infused Rice Classic

(Updated Version)

Let’s dive into the world of Hyderabadi Biryani. Known for its unique dum cooking method, this dish combines marinated meat and rice, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. You have two varieties: kacchi (raw meat cooked with rice) and pakki (pre-cooked meat and rice layered together). It’s a fusion of Mughlai and local Andhra cuisines, often served with mirchi ka salan and raita for a truly delightful experience.

Easy Prawn Laksa Recipe: A Delicious Noodle Dish

(Updated Version)

Are you intimidated by the thought of making laksa? Please don’t be, and don’t let others tell you it’s difficult. People love to boast, claiming that making laksa is a complex task, but in reality, it’s not.

Here’s a guide to help you out
Varieties of Laksa
As far as Ms. Nava knows, there are two main types: asam laksa (ASAM LAKSA VARIETIES) and curry laksa (SINGAPORE LAKSA: MS. NAVA'S VERSION). Let’s not delve into the versions that have been altered beyond recognition - let’s stick to the basics.

DUBAI, UAE: Tourist Discovery

What started as an unexpected twist turned into a thrilling adventure I didn’t see coming. After boarding my flight in Turkey (MUST-VISIT SIGHTS IN TURKEY), the plane stayed grounded for nearly an hour due to “technical hiccups.” Two hours later, we took off, but by the time we landed in Dubai, I had missed my connecting flight to KLIA. With nothing to do but wait for the next flight the following day, the airline arranged a one-day stay at the Copthorne Hotel Dubai, including meals.

Vegetarian Noodle Soup: Chinese Choices and Variations

(Updated Version)

Did you know that soup can nourish not just the body, but also the breath, mind, and soul? This is the essence of Zen cuisine - a mindful way of eating where simplicity and harmony are at the heart of every meal (5 EASY VEGETARIAN RECIPES).

 

There’s something almost magical about a Chinese soup infused with herbs, veggies, and ladled over tender noodles. The flavors blend together in a sensational way. While I’m not strictly vegetarian, I enjoy both meat (like my Chinese Herbal Pork Soup) and meatless meals. Nothing beats the depth of flavor from a homemade vegetable stock, which is key to a truly nourishing bowl.

Foot Creams Review: Dry Skin & Cracked Heels

How are your feet doing? Mine have already become rough, tough, and full of character, with lines and wrinkles forming a natural pattern. Honestly, I don't mind the wrinkling - people rarely notice my feet. Well, maybe they do when I’m conducting yoga sessions, but even then, I embrace the lines and wrinkles. What I do struggle with, though, is the rough, dry skin. At times, I can feel the skin flaking under my fingers. Being an urban gardener and taking care of household chores that involve frequent contact with water makes this almost inevitable.

The real concern for me is if the dry, flaky skin will start peeling and expose raw skin underneath  -  thankfully, that hasn’t happened yet. For some, dry feet can lead to cracked heels, which can be quite painful. Once the cracks deepen, they can bleed, making every step excruciating. Luckily, this hasn’t been my issue, but I’m always mindful of it.

Biskut Semperit (Kuih Dahlia) - Malaysian Custard Cookies

(Updated Version)

Have you ever tasted the delightful crunch of a Semperit cookie? Whether you call them custard cookies, Biskut Semperit, or Kuih Semperit - also known as Biskut Dahlia or Kuih Dahlia when shaped into a dahlia flower - these cookies evoke nostalgia and celebrate a cherished heritage (EASY EGGLESS VANILLA BUTTER COOKIES). These Malay heritage cookies are beloved for their crumbly texture and attractive appearance. 

They hold a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate them and will never go out of style during festivals, especially during Hari Raya, where they are often served as a treat for guests and enjoyed with family (CHILI CHOCOLATE COOKIES).

Singapore Laksa: Ms. Nava's Version

(Updated Version)

Confession time: This Singapore Laksa might not be the traditional, authentic version. While I’ve tasted what’s labeled as "Singapore Laksa" here and there, I must confess - I’ve never actually been to Singapore. Strange, right? Despite a few plans, none ever materialized, so I’ve yet to taste the famed Singapore Laksa in Singapore.

But here's the thing - I’m a big fan of laksa, whether it’s the curry or asam version. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed them many times and even made several variations of curry laksa myself (HOMEMADE VEGETARIAN CURRY LAKSA, SARAWAK LAKSA & ASAM LAKSA VARIATIONS). After some reading, I realized there’s not much difference between Singapore Laksa and Malaysian Laksa, except that Singapore's version is said to be more lemak (rich and creamy), thanks to the extra coconut milk.

Cempedak Goreng Rangup: Crispy Delight with Black Sesame

Aha! We Malaysians are incredibly familiar with cempedak, and if you’re in Indonesia or Thailand, I’m sure you know exactly which fruit Ms. Nava is referring to! Cempedak is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia, closely related to jackfruit but smaller in size. Its outer skin is rough and greenish-brown, while the flesh inside is soft, yellow, and sweet with a distinctive aroma. The texture is creamy, and the flavor is a blend of banana, mango, and durian, making it truly unique.

Wardah UV Shield Essential Gel Sunscreen

How many of you actively defend your skin against the sun? It's crucial to acknowledge that indoor lighting, as well as the light from laptops and smartphones, emits rays that can harm your skin. Today, I want to focus specifically on facial skin.

Neglecting to shield your skin from sun exposure and indoor light sources can lead to several adverse consequences:

Accelerated Skin Aging
Prolonged exposure to UV rays can result in fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

Increased Risk of Skin Cancers
UV radiation can damage the DNA in skin cells, raising the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma.

Skin Inflammation
The blue light emitted from electronic devices is linked to various skin issues, potentially causing inflammation and contributing to conditions like acne and pigmentation disorders.