God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can – and the wisdom to know the difference.
Photo by Anna-Rina
When I told people that I am taking a year of break from KL to see the world, many raised eyebrows and concerns. Among the reactions that I received were,
“Why? You have everything going for you here!”
“You must be one of the participants for The Amazing Race Asia 4!”
“Are you pregnant?”
. . . . . .
You want the truth?
Photo by Joe Low
I am tired of KL.
Forget about the system that doesn’t work and the embarassing political nuisance – I am mostly sick of people’s ignorance.
I kept fighting for the yoga I believe in as I know that when MORE PEOPLE DO YOGA + PEOPLE DO MORE YOGA – they will take care of their health & environment more & this country will be a better place for us all to live in.
And just so when I repetitively asked myself one last time “Am I making the right decision?” and “Am I ready?” – this morning I was informed that ASTRO will NOT air my episode of Project Alpha that is scheduled on HITZ.tv (Astro Ch 705) tonight because ‘QC dept said that under the Fatwa law, they couldn’t air a Malay person teaching Yoga’.
Of course this is not unfamiliar for me.
[ Read THIS ]
WHAT, I can’t play here?
.. I know I am making the right decision here.
. . . . .
God knows I have done almost everything I can to change what I thought could be changed.
God knows my faith is far from shaken or stirred.
God knows the more Yoga Sutra I read, the more translation of Holy Qur’an I get.
God knows how I feel closer to Him the closer I get to know every fibre in my being.
God knows that by every breath I inhale when I’m on my mat, the more I realize that it is MY responsibility to extend this life and this health I am given.
God knows that the more flexible I get & the longer I can stand on my two hands, the more patient & humbled I become.
God knows how yoga has changed me from a girl who had low self-esteem for always having been the shortest everything in her life – to a person that sees everything positive, that thinks impossible really IS nothing.
My impossible behind one of the world’s seven wonders
I have set my foot in Amsterdam, New York, Toronto for the past month and the further I go, all the more I know my calling is not here.
I have China, India and LA on my itinerary next and I don’t plan to come home anytime soon although a big part of my heart is here.
I’ll come back when you are ready for me.
But as for now, let me go..
An NYC-inspired yoga practice space along the lush green neighbourhood of Saujana Resort, Malaysia. For class schedule, fees and location, visit 
its a shame on how the effort of a small group of close minded people would use the “religion card” to completely undermine a person unnecessarily.
for one i believe that Malaysia is a great place to live in, its just the small number of morons that live in this country that makes the place look bad.
hang in there, you’ll be fine.
Teh Tarik Drinker
4 Jul 10 at 12:35 PM
You go and do what you need to do and work it babe!
audz
4 Jul 10 at 12:49 PM
You have no idea how much you’ve inspired me.
Keep doing what you do.
All the others can say whatever they want to say.
At the end of day, it’s gonna be between you and God.
Diyana
4 Jul 10 at 1:20 PM
I cannot tell you how much this post has inspired me. Don’t listen to what the world is telling you, follow your heart and do the things you want to do. Its you life, and you only get to live it once.
Meagan
5 Jul 10 at 7:43 AM
go conquer the world girl! human nature is such – they will always talk. it won’t matter what you do, as many people that will praise you there’ll be just as many that will villify you. don’t let it get to you.
hmm by the way, you should put perth in your itinerary as you are most welcome to stay with me!
Gaik
5 Jul 10 at 9:58 AM
Hey Ninie,
I admire your strength and determination, and your courage to go for whatever that you truly believe in.
I feel the same way about Malaysia itself, having traveled for quite a fair bit myself.
I say “don’t let the bastards grind you down”, you do what’s right, and you go girl! You’re that powerful lighthouse, I’m sure.
xx
Bernard Tan
5 Jul 10 at 10:44 AM
you go girl! i’m tired of Malaysia too but for other reasons… i admire your courage and the strength to ‘just do it’
maybe i’ll join you soon but to other countries la ;P
take care hun!
Ms Road Runner
5 Jul 10 at 6:51 PM
Hmm… good for you babe. I agreed with everything you wrote.
Just know that no one can deter what you want.
…
Just don’t forget to inspire us if you ever decide to explore other continents darl… Muaks!
Sarclover
5 Jul 10 at 7:32 PM
All this unjustified ruling about yoga is nonsense. And when i read the article on CNN, i was shocked and ashamed. That our country is allowing things like this to happen. ive been practising yoga for about a year now, and i have swear not to even lift weight for exercise. A part from my daily prayers, it calms the body and the mind. As a pilot, i find that yoga not only increase my awareness but also give me the ability to control my emotions and increase my vitality.
Back to the subject, They say that yoga is haram because it comes from other religion, and by doing it so it is considered a sin. How about the Olimpics? The Olympics were of fundamental religious importance. the greeks started the games to honor the god Zues, so are we not allowed to do sports as well?. In islam we are encourage to question our leaders and to understand our way, not just blindly follow them. Even when i am the only muslim in my yoga class, i am proud and i am with knowledge. Do what you must, and may peace be with you.
Ps : go to Paris!
hamzah
5 Jul 10 at 9:53 PM
I think people should live at where their efforts are appreciated and can live their life to the fullest. I think Malaysia is not really a right place for you..although you are born here but I believe open-minded people in overseas will welcome you because your attitude, your strength, your personality and your beliefs in yoga.
you go girl!! you always have my support.
tc~
p/s- have bn reading ur blog for a long time
Miss S
5 Jul 10 at 10:03 PM
IM GLAD YOU FOUND OUT YOUR SOUL’S DESIRE …. THE WORLD IS ONE BIG PLAYGROUND, PLAY ON THE EARTH THAT WELCOMES YOUR FEET [OR HANDS] ON ITS GROUND
juliana
6 Jul 10 at 1:09 AM
I agree with what YOU and everyone says here. My only request is, whatever you decided to do in life which I’m sure will always be right for you, is to never stop blogging! You have and will continue to inspire us all
Jessie
6 Jul 10 at 8:07 AM
You don’t know how much you have inspired me…
No matter where you go, keep blogging and inspire us with ur stories.
Perhaps u’ll consider Bali for your next destination ?
I’m so into your class ninie, but for now i’m staying in Jakarta.
qimqim
6 Jul 10 at 10:37 AM
if you are coming to singapore to teach …pls tweet abt it ok !
i want to come to your class!
lynnmaharet
6 Jul 10 at 11:36 AM
What Diyana & qim qim said. You’ve inspired a lot of people including me (even tho I am not into yoga since i havent try it yet lol). I dont see the need of saying “you can do it” to you cus you are the model of “you can do it” itself and also “just do it” Ninie and I just love that.
Just keep going alright. Cus you rock!
Nono Fara
6 Jul 10 at 1:51 PM
I dont know why, but i dreamt last night that u were married, with a solitaire ring and all. And to a mat salleh. Believe me, I’m astounded, because I dont think I even know you?
Anon
6 Jul 10 at 1:52 PM
THANKS EVERYONE, I shed tears reading and feeling your support & love! I promise I’ll keep blogging (AND inspiring if I somehow did) wherever I’ll be.
You guys inspire me in ways you’ll never believe!
Anon:
Funny you said that. A couple more friends e-mailed me the same (the I got married to a mat salleh in their dreams)! I guess we shall wait and see if YOUR dream comes true one day, LOL!
Ninie
6 Jul 10 at 2:21 PM
I am a yoga beginner in this land of Masala&Tandori. Having practice yoga for a year, and I’m not less Muslim than others. I pray five times (to Allah) a day and an avid follower of Astanga yonga.
Bangalore, India.
[Final year MBBS student, TKC thoroughbred]
shaine ali
6 Jul 10 at 5:04 PM
ermm.. i thought i saw u and a mat salleh guy at gardens last weekend. oopss maybe i was mistaken.
good luck ninie! like lynn said, if you decide to teach in spore, please let us know.
zu
6 Jul 10 at 10:18 PM
Love your blog and frequently read it time to time. As a Malaysian, I totally understand the political aspects on whats going on with this country. That’s one of the reasons I left, as people unwilling to accept changes.
Hope you strive for your goal!
Zairina
7 Jul 10 at 6:26 AM
Ninie, be strong! Remember to keep us posted about your adventure! All the best and God bless you! ^^
wendy
11 Jul 10 at 1:30 PM
but we need more people like you right here in KL, and while you might not be able to change these things all by yourself, without you the fight by others will be that much harder.
KY
11 Jul 10 at 3:54 PM
Malaysia will lag behind the rest of the world in many sectors. Open hearts, but closed minds. Only you can make the difference. The world is your oyster. I support your efforts.
BungyJumper
11 Jul 10 at 3:57 PM
You are a good example of a true loyal and faithful Malaysian. Unfortunately, people with low faith are given power to control us….
Don’t worry. god knows you are on the right path. Just go and conquer the world. Proud of you..
ravin
16 Nov 10 at 1:37 AM