A Wandering Yoga Girl

Image courtesy of istockphoto.com Birthdays are so exciting. Well, forget about the age. I am excited for the cakes, food and how everyone cherishes me on my born day. It can be a time to ponder on your past year and how you can change your direction for the upcoming year. This year I thought of making a self note of  all the things I have learned in my life time. More like a self diagnosis of how far I have come and how I shall steer my life forward. Happy birthday to me! Lessons learned: 1. Prayers can heal and transform. 2. Discipline and consistency will be rewarded. 3. Choose to be kind everyday. 4. Take care of yourself. Fill your cup before you fill somebody else's. 5. Music can be healing. 6. When everything is negative, walk away and be quiet. 7. The healthiest meals come from your own kitchen. 8. Stay away from social media and indulge in simple pleasures. 9. Love unconditionally. Don't judge and just accept. 10. The old...

Back at it with a breakfast recipe. I've been under the weather over this holiday season and all I can eat are food with porridge consistency. For the most of part of, I can't taste or smell anything. How timely! With mandarin oranges and durians in season, I can't smell or taste! Oh well, I had to feed myself and with the high-on-meds-tipsy-brain that I've got, I made a bowl of oatmeal for myself this morning. All you need are some kitchen staples, at least my kitchen staples, and cook away in 10 minutes. Did I tell you about my chia seeds obsession? You can see it in all my breakfast recipes. Things you need: * Rolled oats - as much as you want * Rice milk/any plant based milk - to cook the rolled oats * A pinch of salt * Toppings - Honey/ maple syrup, chia seeds (Get creative and add anything you like) Cooking method: Add enough liquid until the rolled oats are covered and use a medium flame to avoid your oat meal from sticking to the bottom. 10...

I have always loved smoothie bowls. I think it's way better than sugar loaded ice cream. Green smoothies are great but sometimes the fibers can be a put off. My new found love is a sweet and tart strawberry smoothie. Absolutely easy and a delicious breakfast. All you need is a handful of strawberries, one banana, a splash of plant based milk (I used vanilla rice milk) and some chia seeds. Freeze your berries and bananas as soon as you get them and just blend up a smoothie for breakfast. Add any topping as you desire. Some granola bits will taste amazing too. It's a great way to kick start your day with some fruits and seeds and trust me, it does fill you up for almost 2 and a half hours. I wish you health and happiness! 

January 1st is when most people hit the reset button and attempt to make serious life and fitness affirmations. I am totally IN for that. Having an awareness to make a change is wonderful and everyone who is determined to achieve their goals deserve an appreciation. Be it small or big, every effort counts and it is precious. Kudos to each one of you trying to stay motivated and getting a step closer to your dreams every day. 2017 was challenging but hey, growing up ain't easy. Here's what I've learnt in 2017: Patience, my darling Practice, practice, practice Stay soft and be vulnerable Love and kindness always win Move even when you don't feel like it Balance  When the going gets tough, SLEEP Self love and self care is mandatory Good health comes from what you eat Don't stop dreaming For 2018, I aspire to become a better version of myself and I foresee unstoppable growth this year. Another year of learning and enhan...

As fabulous as all the bendy, twisty and inverted yoga pictures look, I can guarantee it took ridiculous amount of practice to get there. It's always worth it. Dedication and discipline does reward you, not just physically but mentally as well. I always encourage my students to add another day or two of self practice besides the once a week yoga class. Okay, I'm steering off topic. Let me tell you about my struggles with backbends. Not that I want to rant, but those crazy poses are so hard that I avoid it.  My upper back is as tight as a jam jar. Haha! 6 weeks ago I signed up for a yoga workshop called the 'Hatha Awakening Series' by Yogatara . I highly recommend it. Being a student after a long time has really changed my outlook on yoga pratice. I really owe it to the teacher. She is so grounded and inspirational. With her guidance, I am practicing more frequently and here begins my journey to discover those tough backbends. This picture shows my first attempt to...

In recent times, my practice is revealing new perspectives. After July 2015, I would say my growth hit a plateau. I was struggling to keep a focused mind and my body was no longer cooperating with me. I was slacking in strength and I was distracted. Trying to teach amidst this was chaos was too difficult and I made many mistakes. I would say, you have to hit rock bottom to rise. The past two years was a real eye opening phase of my life and I believe it was to teach me or rather show me what are my REAL priorities as an individual. I also had some teachers, books and many spiritual videos that lead me to discover a new self and purpose.  Now, these are my life mantra.  1) Health over physical appearance should be your real goal.   2) I choose yoga as a lifestyle and not an exercise regime. Move and move more.  3) The kind of food you consume determines your physique, energy level, productivity, mental and emotional well being. 4) Water and rest! ...

Well, let's talk about the rainy season again. Apples are abundant around this time of the year. I give a lot of importance to my breakfast. I like it wholesome and variety is key. This was an experimental oatmeal with ingredients lying around my kitchen. I presume a little bit of nut milk would have made it creamier but I didn't have any in hand. Overall, it was an interesting experience. Ingredients: Rolled oats - 1 cup Apples - 2 Cinnamon powder- 2 generous pinch Brown sugar - 1 tablespoon Honey - 1 tablespoon Salt - a pinch Let's make oatmeal. It's so easy peasy. Add the oats, chopped apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, honey, salt and water in a pan and let it bubble away on a medium flame. Let is cook for 20 to 25 minutes and voila! Your breakfast is ready. Top it with more honey, almonds, flax seeds and chia seeds. More fresh apple slices! Why not? Bon appetite!

There's nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup during this cold season. These rainy days have got me craving for all kinds of vegetable soup. Oh! Binge watching and lazing on bed too. I have always loved a good bowl of pumpkin soup and I think it's ridiculously overpriced at restaurants. So, I did some online research and created my own version of vegan pumpkin soup with the ingredients I had at home. My version has no cream, cheese or vegetable stock but doesn't lack love and pleasure. I got a big pot of soup that could have fed my entire family and I had leftovers. More comforting soup the next day! Ingredients: Medium sized onion - 2 Garlic - 4 cloves Pumpkin - 400g Carrots - 3 medium sized Turmeric - A pinch Ground pepper - 1 tablespoon Paprika - 1 tablespoon Mixed herbs - 1 teaspoon Salt - According to your desire Water/Vegetable stock Olive oil Let's make soup! 1) Roughly chop onions, carrots and pumpkin. 2) In a large pot, brow...

No matter what happens, my inversion practice never fails to perk me up. It uplifts my mood and definitely shuts down every other unnecessary worries or thoughts. I try to look for inspirations on Instagram to try out new poses and challenge my body a little bit. Oh well, I'm pretty impressed with my achievement and trust em, this becomes an addiction. After nailing one after the other, you will be driven to push yourself further. Think it's impossible, not at all. I came across a quote recently that said "I want to see what happens if I don't give up" . This really sparked my thoughts and made me re-evaluate my feelings, my emotions and my outlook toward my job, yoga practice, eating habits, lifestyle and day-to day mental activity. It's a baby step for sure and what's working for me will certainly not work for everyone. Do what you feel the most good about. Whatever, yes, whatever that gives you contentment and makes your brim with a smile, do it. ...

Photo credits: http://danetomas.com/the-path/ I haven't posted anything for over a year and a half. I had to take a minute to pause and process that thought. Here I am, a little over 21 months later, lost my voice, sick for over 6 days and feeling really beaten up by everything life throws at me. Trying this one more time. I am not fond of looking back in time unless it is a happy memory. I realized people forget and they forget to tell the truth. Oh well, late 20s kinda sucks. It literally sucks everything out of you and nobody warned me about this. Although, I haven't figured out a solution for all my crisis, I believe good things are yet to unfold. I did discover my strengths and weaknesses during this course. I had to experiment various techniques to find temporary fixes. Ermm, my yoga practices were kind of choppy. To my surprise, I can effortlessly do a handstand now compared to 3 years ago. I had to take up a job and change a several and settle at one place where ...

Am I too late for the party? I'm aware I haven't been blogging as actively as I used to. But hey, things happen and sometimes people get diverted. The big deal is coming back. Returning to where you belong and to stay true to yourself. So, be bold, admit, reflect and rectify. That's what I have been holding onto during this recovery/return phase. I hope everyone who come across my blog had a splendid new year. With resolutions or no resolutions, we all deserves good things and positive growth in life. I wish you all a happy 2016 filled with happiness, success and true love. Oh and a speedy recovery for me as I've been quite beaten up with my immune system letting me down right after the new year. Hope to hear from you all soon and I will be back with my next post. Toodles. 

Have you experienced days where your appetite has just been sucked out of you completely? That''s me today. I've had it before and I usually turn into a water fast. Simple! Drink water, more water and only water. I have friends who ask me why do girls always starve themselves when they are emo. So, why not say, we are just water fasting. Haha. Of course, water fasting when done with regular intervals has some physical benefits too. Like a basic cleanse, giving a rest to your digestive system and perhaps, just indulging in the raw taste of water. Whatever reason it maybe, allow yourself to feel your core emotions, listen to yourself and do whatever your gut feelings tell you. It's okay to be not okay. Water fast or stuffing yourself, do what it takes to help you push that extra mile today. Take care!

Uhm, here's an embarrassing fact about me. I couldn't swim. At least till August this year. My recent snorkeling adventure brought my biggest fear out. Then, I decided to face my fears and take up swimming lessons. So, usually I spend my Sunday being beaten up in the pool by my swimming instructor. But hey, to my surprise, I have got better at it and I see myself improving over time. At least I am able to float, flap a little like a fish and I'm confident I can somehow survive in water. Haha. Sometimes I crack myself up. On a much serious note, what this experience taught me was it's never too late to learn something new. In the end of the day, it's the spirit to make yourself better and the intention to invest some time/effort for yourself that really counts. That's one down and another 99 new things left in life to learn. Chiow! 

Oh! I've gone MIA after my day off 5 days ago. Hahaha...One day off and I get back on my hurricane schedule, which is super amazing, of course, but I start slacking on my Blogtober and my challenge. I just have to get it together. Surprising schedule changes are incredible and a shock to my system at the same time. Oh well, I have a 'take whatever comes your way' kind of attitude. Everything is under control and I'm still surviving and smiling. Alrighty, let's FOCUS! It's all about the NOW, right? I had the most exhilarating, exhausting and busy day. Besides the usual yoga class teaching, I got to be apart of a beautiful yoga open day at Organica Lifestyle, here in KL. What an amazing crowd and amazing positive energy all around! Such a privilege to join the team and to get an opportunity to do a demo at their studio. My special thanks to Shantini, the founder of Organica and Amy for always making me feel at home and allowing me to share my yoga journey with...

I indulge myself with sleep, practice and friends. Having an entire day all to myself gives me the freedom to do a lot of things which I haven't been doing.  1) Not waking up to an alarm. 2) Take my practice really slow and change up my routine. 3) Tuning inwards and reconnecting with myself. 4) Allowing the silence of my surroundings to spark some fresh ideas and I have to warn you, it can easily turn into loneliness and sadness, but that's alright.  5) Catching up on my girly times. 6) Since I'm a girl likes to be out and about all the time, catching up with a bunch of good friends is what makes the happiest most. 7) And... of course, Facebook, Instagram, music, cute dog/cat videos and more music! I really had a joyous day and I hope you had the same :)

Starting a new class, a new opportunity always makes me feel renewed. Touching many more lives and hearts through the gift of yoga. Moreover, the privilege of meeting new people, new ideas and discovering an amazing space like Organica are just some of the perks of my life. The first time I walked into Organica, I was immediately attracted to their fresh and one of a kind concept. It's such a brilliant idea to incorporate a yoga studio, an organic store and a cafe serving whole food and juices all under one roof! Hoping for an exciting journey from this point forward, I had a very pleasant day and I'm ending this post with a bright smile :)

The older I grow, the lesser time I spend at home. Although my work routine, social life, financial independence and time freedom have opened new doors of life for me, I don't spend much time with my family as I used to. For a change, I agreed to help my mother to run some errands and unexpectedly, one blunder led to another and she ended up staying at home the whole evening. To look at the brighter side, we decided to cook dinner together before my class. What I make out of today is, sometimes things may not happen according to your plan, disaster and setbacks occur when your least expect them. What matters during these times are how you decide to look at the scenario, keep yourself composed, and your reaction/actions will also affect the reactions/actions of the people around you. There is no set of rules to teach anyone. Personally, my yoga practice has helped me a lot to stay composed and even when I'm not, I tend to bounce back from these restless emotions way faster than...

Day 1: Commit! They say change is the only thing constant in life. It takes an open mind, courage and persistence to keep rolling with our ever evolving life. The rainstorm in Kuala Lumpur right now, at precisely 3.53 pm on the 30 th of September, is adding an extra punch to this life sentiment. Haha! After spending the last 5 months “out of focus”, I admit I finally hit the wall this time. I took things for granted. I neglected my responsibilities. I don’t know how many yogis have been in my shoes, but I dare to confess. Whatever said and done, I have to keep moving forward. Realizing was my first step, so it will only be appropriate to take the necessary actions next. For day 1 of blogtober, it’s all about committing! Sounds simple, but you have to put your heart, soul and mind into it. Blogtober and my Instagram yoga challenge is my commitment for this month. My blogtober series for this month is all about doing little things/changes towards contentment. Let's say 3...

Good day to you! While pondering on a blog post idea, I thought why not share something that sparked my spirit recently. A mixture of good times and bad times is life. The circle of life as they say it. While experiencing a series of good things can be joyful and make you feel contented, it's the down times in life which  really puts us into the test and may possibly bring the worst out of us. Another cliche statement that I've heard is you get stronger as you get older. I beg to differ from this statement. At whatever age you may be, IT'S OKAY to be vulnerable and weak. One of the most important lessons taught to me over my two years course in yoga is to avoid suppression(thoughts and feelings) and masking emotions. Every individual, every thought and every emotion is valid. What I've noticed among my other Generation Y peers is that, vulnerability, freedom of expression and down to the simple aspect of being emotional is labelled as a weakness. This is when I reali...

Let me say hi to whomever that may come across this post. If you're seeing my blog for the first time, I must say that I've been missing in action for the past 4 months. My blog space has been super quiet and basically, abandoned. Oh no, I don't feel guilty at all because I was too busy living my exciting life. Ever since returning from my adventurous trip from Kerala, I was provoked to go out and explore more exciting things in my city. I kept myself open to new activities, new events, new people and new experiences. New Facebook account, weddings, holi festival, new braces, street feeding, movie premieres, fellowship parties, beach vacation, snorkeling, and a whole bunch of new friends, just to name a few things that happened while I was away. I think photos can speak for themselves. Holifest 2015- Colors of Malaysia International Yoga Day Celebration 2015 Street Feeders of KL - June 2015 International Yoga Instructors Evaluation Snorkeling for the...