Journey to Wellness – An Inside Look with Haya Baig and The Mindful Missy (TMM)
“Who were you before the world got its hands on you”? – Meher Tareen
In the age of our virtual highlight reels, the pressures to live up to picture perfect expectations have changed people.
Plugged in to social media streams of edited images and glamorous promotions, society has subjected itself to unattainable standards of beauty, lifestyle and contentment – and the result is a complicated, unhealthy relationship with ourselves. Devoid of sincerity, real interactions and the vulnerabilities that make us human, the virtual world is an artificially constructed projection of our social facades: infinitely layered by conformity, material obsessions and flawless presentations of aesthetic beauty.
“Freedom is what you do with what’s been done to you…so how you respond to what happens is more important than what happens.”
As we gradually lose familiarity with our most authentic selves, The Mindful Missy Platform (TMM) has been a fresh source of inspiration on the online space. Dedicated to facilitating an inclusive environment for ‘self reflection, self love and self-care’, TMM aims to bring you closer to who you are – without the external layers and filters.
“I just don’t like labels and so I don’t classify myself a certain way. I don’t call myself a writer, illustrator or a photographer – I just go with artist”.
Initially started as a passion project by Meher Tareen, her instagram account has since been nominated by Weekend Magazine for the Instagram account of the year.
Through the instagram posts on diverse topics, inspirational monthly cover stories and photo shoots promoting body positivity and self-acceptance, they offer empathetic advice and heartfelt personal examples that will help you face your demons, deal with societal stereotyping and labels and ultimately accept, love and believe in yourself.
They encourage you to pay attention to the inner monologue that informs the trajectory of your life, to circumvent conventional beauty standards by simply being yourself, and to engage in a process of self-discovery that gives you true ownership of your well-being.
“It doesn’t have to be perfect, you just have to start. Just go for it.”
The platform is a space for affirmations – a reminder of your potential, and a reminder that you aren’t alone.
“Who gets to define beauty? You.”
TMM recently launched their first event, which was focused on solutions to stress and anxiety. Guest speakers covered the value of practices of yoga and meditation, as well as the benefits of homeopathy and therapy. After it’s huge success, we decided to catch up with one of TMM’s newest members to find out more about their unique, multifaceted project.
Haya Baig has completed over 200 hours of yoga teaching training in Bali, and is also certified in prenatal and postnatal yoga by Sally Parkes. She currently conducts Yoga classes at MUV base and Studio X, teaching prenatal yoga and ‘reflective yoga’ in Karachi.
Hey Haya! Congratulations on your recent initiation into the ‘Mindful Missy’ family! Could you tell us a little bit about your initial experiences with yoga – when did you begin the yoga journey that lead you here?
So I’ve been practising yoga for over two years now. Not going to lie i initially started it as an alternative workout. And as much as i want to say my life changed the first time i stepped on a mat, that’s not the truth. It started off with a physical need but slowly, i saw myself craving to get on the mat. Our lives are filled with so many stress triggers, the few minutes i could sit in silence with my breath and my thoughts was something i craved! I didn’t realize how much my body and my mind needed that time of self love/investment till yoga happened to me.
When did you decide you were going to make a personal and professional commitment to the practice of Yoga?
As ridiculous as it sounds, i knew i wanted to do this for life when i went on my teacher training journey. But to be honest, till then i didn’t fully understand the power/magic of yoga. That month was a roller coaster for me. I cried more times then i can count during that month – more than i have in a while. It was so awakening for me. I spent so much time in self reflection focusing on what my body, mind and soul needs. For once i listened rather than judged. By the end of it , i couldn’t believe how much progress i made, not only physically in my self practice but emotionally and spiritually. I knew thats how i wanted to spend my life. Connecting with beautiful souls, watching them grow!
What is Reflective Yoga?
Reflective yoga is a type of yoga i came up with when i moved back. It’s inner reflection of ourselves.
It not only focuses on physical postures (asanas) but also focuses on the spiritual and mental side of the journey. We do a lot of self reflective work on ourselves every time we get on the mat. Meditation is hard for many, including myself. So i opt for guided meditations and imagery. It’s just a sneaky way of making people meditate.
What do you believe are the fundamental benefits of yoga, short and long term?
They vary from person to person. Clients coming to my classes have different reasons to get on the mat. They do it to get fit and build strength and endurance. Others gravitate towards it because they have sleeping issues. Some have anxiety, some individuals want to work on their flexibility and some just like my music ?. If you are consistent with your practice you’ll start seeing a lot of benefits in your overall life (off the mat). You’ll feel more grounded and connected. It’ll help you with pain you are experiencing, whether physical or emotional, and you’ll be part of a beautiful community of like minded individuals .
Why did you chose The Mindful Missy platform?
So over a lot of time, in self reflection i realized, connecting with people is not only my strength but my passion in life.
I have so many people who come to me, because they have issues with insomnia, depression, anxiety etc.. and i realized, sometimes it helps just to listen. To be there. To be present. I wanted to create a community where people feel safe to discuss their successes, their triumphs, their struggles, their mistakes, obstacles. It’s a safe space.
We all are in different paths in life, and have different journeys. No ones in the position to judge whose demons are bigger.
Coming together as a community, to work on ourselves individually and collectively is the aim of The Mindful Missy platform.
How did The Mindful Missy’s last event ‘Journey to Wellness’ go?
Journey to Wellness, (Mashallah) was a huge success. it was our first ever event in Karachi. The response and the feedback was beyond imaginable. We had a panel of speakers, all beautiful souls, come share their life stories totally uncensored with our audience. The frankness of the speakers, and their willingness to touch souls made the event a huge success! The topic was self healing – which really resonated with a lot of people. We focused on why we need to heal ourselves, our personal journeys, self reflective exercises and finally letting go and moving forward.
What else do you and The Mindful Missy collective have planned moving forward?
We have a lot of interesting and groundbreaking ideas for TMM, both in karachi and lahore. You just have to stay tuned and join us on the journey :)
Do you have any lasting lifestyle tips and advice to supplement a beginners journey into yoga?
Everyone needs yoga in their life. But i believe you find it , when you most need to. When the time is right. So be patient with yourselves. and remember yoga is about union, of the mind, body and soul. You don’t need to go to a yoga class to experience Yoga. Its with you.
If you’re a yoga enthusiast, or just someone ready to invest in your overall wellbeing, check out our in-depth write up on TACTACK and Studio X’s Luxury Yoga Retreat in the heart of Baltistan this September. Apply before May 21st for an ‘early bird discount’.
Written by: Rehan Botejue
