I’d known Lishan as a classmate during my years in Junior College. We were both shared certain classes and sometimes spent breaks chilling in the canteen together. We weren’t extremely close friends per se, but I always found her a really kind and caring person. As we parted ways after those two years, I would still frequently see her interesting statuses pop up on my Facebook newsfeed. Seems like she had spent a lot of time soul searching and achieving different professional qualifications in rather uncommon fields for the average pre-U student in Singapore.

Upon seeing her recent status about organising yoga retreats (Saucha Spirit), I decided to get in touch with Lishan to see how she’d been over the past few years. Perhaps get to know her better as a person, which in the past a was a little shy to do! Prior to scheduling an interview, I went to read a post on her blog on what Saucha Spirit was exactly about. Only then did I realise, during the time I knew her, she was suffering from bulimia and issues related to body image for a great deal of time. Maybe I was obtuse in JC, but I just never realised. Goes to show, the impressions you have of people merely scratch the surface of what may be underneath.

Seems like you’ve quite busy since we graduated from JC. How have you been recently?

Lishan: I’ve been well. In fact I told my dad recently that these 2 years have been the best of my life so far! I guess it’s because I feel I’ve much more freedom to pursue the things I love by getting to know myself better.

How did you get started with taking and interest in helping others with their physical and spiritual well-being?

Lishan: This has always been in me, my interest in how people work. And it started with going within myself more. Both pain and pleasure in life has led me to understand the sufferings and joys in life and how I can heal them within myself. As humans we are multi-layered beings.  Holistic health is my passion now because I felt pain from my mental and emotional struggles which are as significant (if not more) than physical ones but are less recognised. I feel this urge to bring awareness and to let others know they are not alone in their struggle. It can be confusing for us as spiritual beings being confined in a physical body!

Yoga seems like it might be quite difficult for some people who aren’t flexible, making them reluctant to try it. Would you have anything to say to convince them otherwise?

Lishan: There is a quote by Krishna Pattabhi Jois that says “Body is not stiff. Mind is stiff.” The mind is instrumental in our perception of our abilities. Even so, yoga is an internal process more than an outward one. The overemphasis of achieving difficult postures in yoga is quite the antithesis of its essence. The process is what is most important and has little to do with one’s current level of flexibility. In fact, yoga is practised exclusively by men thousands of years ago and muscular strength is equally important in the physical practice. I would advise beginners to keep an open mind and try out a couple of yoga teachers and styles to get to know it better and not let preconceived assumptions get in the way. In fact, the more one thinks of how difficult something is, the more the mind recognises it to be. Pain, whether physical, mental or emotional, all trigger the same response in the brain.

Most of your certificates were obtained overseas! What were some memorable things that happened while you were abroad?

Lishan: The most memorable experiences I’ve had are feeling at one with nature when I’m scuba diving, freediving, surfing or trekking. Our environment can change our perspective of life and the world. Immersing in a different culture and meeting various people from all over the world tells me that life is limitless, diverse and full of surprises!

I feel a little bad that I never knew you were having a hard time during our schooldays together. If you don’t mind, could you elaborate on that?

Lishan: My three years spent in junior college were one of the toughest but most rewarding. A completely new environment is not easy to adjust to although I was used to the academic rigour. I felt like those years were the culmination of my struggles growing up in a stressful and controlling system where achievements and compliance are valued over a person’s well being and self-expression. My body was telling me to face these pent up emotions through my depression, self-harm and eating disorders. It was a clear wake up call to pay attention to my inner needs. I would say it was also rewarding because I get to know who truly cares in dark times when life is not a bed of roses. I am extremely grateful for my pain because without it, I wouldn’t have cultivated as much patience, kindness or wisdom!

Any advice you’d like to impart to our readers?

Lishan: My final advice would be to look for what you’re grateful for and to show appreciation to people, things and situations both good and bad. Life is so transient. Look beyond the daily grind. And most of all, be your best friend, keep understanding yourself and enjoy life!