Redefining the Business of Wellness with Manoj Dias

Episode Description

For the next few weeks, we'll be exploring the idea of multiplicity in spirituality and wellness. To kick off this series, we're speaking with meditation teacher and Open co-founder, Manoj Dias. [0:10:00] Manoj explains his experience of fundraising for his in-person meditation studio in Australia [0:15:00] Manoj answers the question of what it was like to transition from being a solo founder and running his own business to having multiple co-founders at Open [0:17:00] Michelle and Manoj discuss the importance of developing self-care by cultivating a sense of life outside of work [0:21:00] How else does OPEN take care of their team’s wellness? [0:32:00] Money versus greed— what really is the root of all evil? [0:44:00] Manoj explains the why behind OPEN and what the end goal is [0:51:00] Manoj describes what inspired him to begin teaching meditation and what keeps him in practice today

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“I don't think that protecting yourself is necessarily bad. But I also think that having the choice to show up how we want to and show different elements and aspects of ourselves, put us at the risk of being rejected by people who've already accepted us because they're perhaps going to reject another version of us.” – Michelle Pellizzon

“I'm sure there's a lot of compromises, a lot of sacrifices, but there's definitely above anything else —- lots of learning.” – Manoj Dias

“I really missed the ability to go and see a friend or even talk on the phone, that was probably the hardest part. And the second hardest was when I and my partner split up.” – Manoj Dias

“There will definitely come a point where there'll be competing ideologies, and we'll be stretched in ways that we can't come back together. But I feel very secure, and I feel very held by my two co-founders in our vision of creating accessibility of creating connection and creating a presence with everyone else.” – Manoj Dias

“In our sacred work, part of what we're here to do is enjoy life.” – Michelle Pellizzon

“Money isn't the root of evil. It's the greed.” – Manoj Dias

“Our teachers are the heart and soul of OPEN, and we have a very rigorous process in selecting them.” – Manoj Dias

“The real magic is in cultivating a community within the community.” – Manoj Dias

“No matter how hard work is, I think being a parent is the greatest test of one's character.” – Manoj Dias

“What most excited to me about this opportunity was the ability to bring people to a space of mindfulness through the body, mind, and the breath, which is something that I think is quite unique, combined that with the support of a genuine community and a genuine group of people that surround. I think has the power to change the world.” – Manoj Dias

Show Notes

  • [0:01:00] The idea of multiplicity – our topic over the next few weeks

  • [0:02:00] Simplified version of us versus our complex self

  • [0:03:00] Why do people cancel people?

  • [0:05:00] The risk of being rejected by people, including those who've already accepted us

  • [0:08:00] One of the many lessons of this COVID season: going with the flow!

  • [0:09:00] A little history of how OPEN started and how it grew and still growing

  • [0:10:00] What was the fundraising process like for Manoj?

  • [0:12:00] Manoj’s experience as a solo founder of OPEN for over six years

  • [0:14:00] Compromises, sacrifices, and learnings – for Manoj and his team

  • [0:15:00] Transitioning from being the solo founder to having multiple co-founders

  • [0:17:00] Developing self-care by cultivating a sense of life outside work

  • [0:19:00] The strange paradox about having a business within the world of mindfulness and meditation, and spirituality

  • [0:20:00] A glimpse to OPEN’s internal processes, which revolves around connection --- having get-togethers, lunch out, and alike

  • [0:21:00] How else does OPEN take care of their team’s wellness?

  • [0:24:00] How OPEN selects their investors?

  • [0:27:00] A Buddhist virtue: “Never teach for money”

  • [0:31:00] Is sacrificing yourself for your purpose always necessary?

  • [0:32:00] Money versus greed – which really is the root of evil?

  • [0:34:00] The heart and soul of OPEN

  • [0:35:00] The magic in cultivating a community within the community

  • [0:38:00] Reducing yourself down to the purest version of who you are

  • [0:39:00] Crisis of consciousness and crisis of identity during COVID season

  • [0:42:00] The greatest test of one's character – parenthood

  • [0:44:00] Why OPEN and what’s the end goal for Manoj

  • [0:46:00] OPEN’s “Why we do this?” slack channel

  • [0:49:00] Michelle’s personal experience with OPEN

  • [0:50:00] Reaffirming the mission and the vision of what we're doing and why we do it

  • [0:51:00] Why Manoj started teaching in the first place?

  • [0:53:00] How to try out OPEN for 30 days?

Resources and People Mentioned

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arbswellness, wellness practitioner, breathworkComment