Russell Simmons is a very successful and powerful American entrepreneur and author. He made a name for himself in the music business, and is often called the godfather of hip hop. Whenever people ask him what they should do to “become more successful” (a common question for him), he replies that they should “begin meditating”. This answer often surprises the person asking, and they write it off as a joke. But Simmons is being completely serious.
He’s not alone in his thinking either. Many very successful people also swear by the efficacy of meditation, including Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Hugh Jackman, and many more. This may be because, as he describes it, we are our most creative selves in times of stillness, because that is the time when we’re most open.
Throughout the book, Simmons approaches the topic of meditation from a business point-of-view, and does not try to convince to meditate because of any idealistic or spiritual purposes. He keeps his arguments matter-of-fact, and rooted firmly in rationality.
It may seem counter intuitive to “do nothing” in order to do great things, and indeed meditation is ripe with paradox. However, in this book, Simmons clearly explains what meditation is, along with the vast mental and physical benefits of meditation – all of which are scientifically proven, and require no greater “faith”.
A few of the benefits he explains include how meditation can help to:
- reduce stress
- reduce anxiety
- reduce judgement
- increase compassion
- lower blood pressure
- lower body fat
- boost the immune system
- create a general feeling of well-being
- increase enjoyment of life
- and many, many more.
The book also debunks many myths about meditation, including:
- meditation is difficult
- I’m naturally “bad” at meditating
- I cannot find time to meditate
- I cannot find a place to meditate
- meditation is religious
- and many, many more.
As someone who deeply respects Russell Simmons, his short, simple, and highly convincing book about meditation was exactly what I needed to solidify my faith in the process of meditation. I can personally attest to the power of meditation. I now regularly meditate an hour every single day (20 minutes in the morning, afternoon, and evening), and my life has greatly improved!