Idanim Inspirations ft. Manish Behl | What is Mindfulness | Mental Health & Emotion Regulation

How did Manish Behl Start his Mindful Journey?

He shared about his initial interactions with meditation and the mindful journey. At the age of 7, he embarked on this path, guided by his yoga guru, Dhirendra Brahmachari. It was through this mentorship that he was introduced to the intricate art of subtle yoga practices, unveiling the science and wisdom behind the world of yogic art and meditation. He developed the habit of rising early in the morning. This simple yet transformative habit paved the way for a morning ritual that would later become instrumental in his exploration of various meditation practices and disciplines. Manish fondly remembered himself as a hyperactive child with boundless energy. Meditation and mindfulness practices helped him channel a positive force that would shape not only his behavior but also his mindset, education and career.

Advice to people who expect to be thoughtless while meditating

Manish puts a simple yet profound insight into a common misconception about meditation by saying,

“Thoughts and breath come from the same place. You cannot control it. The more you try to control it, the more it becomes prominent.”

He explains that thoughts are like flowing streams. Just as you can’t control the course of a river, thoughts naturally flow in the mind. However, what you can control is your relationship with these thoughts. This is where mindfulness comes into play. It’s about creating a space between yourself and the constant flow of thoughts and emotions, observing them from a distance.

How does mindfulness impact one’s decision-making?

Manish Behl is renowned for his expertise in guiding and coaching both businesses and individuals. When asked about the impact of mindfulness on decision-making, he highlighted a vital connection that often goes unnoticed. Decision-making involves an interplay of conscious and largely subconscious processes influenced by our daily actions, biases, social conditioning, genetic predispositions, and situational factors.

What does ‘non-judgmentally’ mean in the context of mindfulness?

Manish add’s quote 

 ‘Mindfulness is the awareness that arises through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, non judgementally”. – by Jon Jabat Zinn

He explained that practicing mindfulness with a non-judgmental attitude signifies a crucial aspect of this practice. He elaborated on this by highlighting the essence of accepting the present moment exactly as it unfolds, devoid of any desire to alter it to fit our preferences. This approach embodies what he termed as “non-judgmental mindfulness.” Being non-judgmental involves embracing the present moment without imposing any biases or expectations. It’s about looking at the situation as it is, without the lens of trying to immediately make it better. He stressed that when we cling to expectations and view things from a singular standpoint, our thinking becomes confined, limiting our ability to explore various viewpoints. Being non-judgmental opens the door to being fully present in the moment. It fosters a sense of inner calm, attentiveness, and focus.

How does mindfulness impact people’s personal lives and overall well being?

Manish explained a very straightforward perspective on the power of mindfulness. When one practices mindfulness, it doesn’t just stay in one corner of your life—it spills over into every aspect. It is like a mirror that helps you peel away the layers and reveal your true, authentic self. This self-discovery journey impacts not only your personal life but also your professional sphere. It’s a holistic transformation. Mindfulness enables you to cultivate empathy, a precious quality that allows you to genuinely connect with others. It encourages you to be fully present in each moment, making your interactions with people more meaningful and profound.

Final words

Manish is a skilled meditator with years of experience, he began his journey into meditation to establish a deeper self-connection. In this interview he candidly shares his personal transformation, illustrating the profound impact of meditation on his life and how people have improved their way of living using some simple meditation techniques. He touches upon how mindfulness can act as an effective tool in corporate well-being, leading professionals to operate at the maximum potential.