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Yashini PADAYACHEE: a South African who Flourishes through Travel

Join us for another enlightening conversation. This time on our excitingly ongoing series of interviews, we hear from Yashini PADAYACHEE, a South African living in Istanbul—who loves to travel, is a life-long learner, and explorer. Yashini is passionate about astrology, numerology, and all the ‘woo woo’ things. She works in TV news as a Presenter and aims to tell the stories of the unheard. 

Welcome to ARE Living’s ongoing interview series where we get to share how you ARE living!

Living to Raise My Heart Rate and Walk Along the Water

No day is ever the same. Some days I start my morning at 4 am and am in bed at 8 pm, while others I get up at 8 am and go to bed at 11 pm. But these days, most involve several hours of work and then time at the gym, raising my heart rate and then a walk along the water, reminding myself of the beauty of every day. 

Yashini PADAYACHEE
Yashini Surrounded by trees in Hogsback, South Africa

Yashini PADAYACHEE’s Idea of Wellness?

Every day, just before getting out of bed, I place my feet onto the ground. I say thank you, thank you, thank you! It’s this little act of gratitude that guides me through the day. Artful wellness is practicing gratitude in as many moments as you can, from admiring natural beauty, to placing your hand on your heart and feeling the beat of a rhyme that guides you.

Serenity Near a Body of Water

I enjoy sitting close to a body of water, closing my eyes, and taking a few deep breaths.

First Time Plant Parent’s Black Thumb Turns Green

I am possibly the worst plant parent! I killed a cactus : (.
However, I do have two plants that I’ve managed to keep alive for more than a year. I am exceptionally proud of this achievement. I also have grand ideas of gardening but fear I have the black thumbs and have steered clear of taking any other plants to their impending deaths.

One Thing that Delights Me

Videos of my niece. The last time I saw her in person was March last year, but watching videos of her growing up absolutely warms my heart and automatically makes me smile.

The Meaning of Nourishment Lies Deep Within

Nourishment isn’t just physical. It’s what we feed our minds and souls. It means to take care of every aspect of our being as best we can.

What is your favorite food at the moment?

Lentil soup is perfect for cooler weather and one of my favorite things to have in Turkey. I’m not big into cooking, so I definitely use YemekSepeti way too much!

Last Recipe Made? 

I’m afraid I can barely remember the last time I followed a recipe (due mainly to the total anxiety cooking gives me)
However, I’m a big fan of bowls. I make several individual things and toss them all into a bowl with olive oil and I’m good to go.

kas, turkey
 Kaş, Turkey

Yashini’s Go-to Movement?

I love lifting weights. It makes me feel strong and healthy. I also love the post-workout sore muscle pain : ).

Coffee or tea? Or, pass me the matcha or lemon water?

Coffee at work and Turkish coffee or chai after a meal when I’m out. At home, it’s water and lemon.

One word that describes YOU

Curious.

Yashini PADAYACHEE is a South African living in Istanbul. Who loves travelling, learning, exploring and growing. Astrology, numerology and all the ‘woo woo’ things are of great interest to her. She currently works in TV news as a Presenter and aim to tell the stories of the unheard. 

Love getting a sneak peek into the lives of people seeking wellness and balance in life? Read more from our interview series:

Tiny Sparks of Joy: Sneak Peek into the Day of a Ceramic Artist

One Daily Gratitude Routine of this Istanbul Designer

The Art of Finding Joy in Daily Life

How Caring For Plants Inspires Wellness

One Thing This Blogger and Food Photographer Does Daily

Ashley Altan

Ashley Altan is an author, food photographer, and prize-winning recipe writer. She has a strong desire to transform common, traditional ingredients into delicious, wholesome meals for her family.