Life Lessons:
Rekha Magon
*Are you happy at the moment?
Yes. I believe happiness is a choice. We have the power and capability to transform our feelings at any given moment. I always challenge myself to find ways to raise my spirit when I’m in a slump either by practicing gratitude, meditating or immersing myself in nature. It all comes down to the power of thoughts. Be aware of your state of mind and consciously choose happiness.
*If you could go back and say anything to your 16-year-old self now – what would it be?
Two things:
1. Trust the universe. It has a magical flow if you stay connected to it.
2. Stop trying to grow up so fast! Keep your child-like faith strong and bask in the carefree joys of youth.
*What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?
A major take away from meeting so many great people and reading incredible books this year was that every child has a spirit vibrating with its own rhythm and beat. Rather than moulding them to fit our ego-centric needs, our job as parents and educators is to guide them to listen to their inner voice and discover their unique essence.
*What do you most want to achieve in the next 12 months?
Bring to market more of our conceptual products.
I want to be an instrument through which children can access the same basic mindfulness tools and techniques used by the world’s top athletes, leaders, entrepreneurs, physicians, and artists by bringing the All-in-one Mindfulness Starter Kit to children worldwide. We also have an unique School Mindfulness Initiative which is picking up a lot of momentum through which we hope to spread mindfulness within the current education system. Watch these videos for a brief 2 minute explanation:
All-in-one Mindfulness Starter Kit
As a social enterprise, a portion of Inner Rhythm’s profits are given to provide mindfulness starter kits to less fortunate children in developing countries.
Inner Rhythm does not measure by the dollars earned, but by the number of children empowered through mindfulness.
*What’s your secret to happiness?
Recharging my battery and staying connected to my source.
*What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?
Taking time for myself to be quiet and still. Sometimes I just sit in silence, write or go for a long walk. I do whatever it takes to feel that presence of something greater within me.
*What’s your biggest regret?
I don’t have any regrets. I believe everything happens in complete perfection.
However, I did love the time I spent traveling South East Asia on my own while on exchange in Singapore during my second year of university. If I had to choose something, I wish I had travelled more on my own before starting a family. By being on my own in different countries and far from my comfort zone, I was able to learn so much more about my inner self.
*What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kid(s)?
Gratitude: we practice gratitude daily.
Staying true to their authentic selves: my children know that being true to their own spirit is more important than trying to be liked or impress anyone else.
*What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?
Trying to please others.
*Aside from motherhood/fatherhood and marriage what are you most proud of in your life?
For both pregnancies, I was put on extremely strict bed rest for over 5 months to the point where I wasn’t allowed to even get up to go to the bathroom or sit up to eat a meal. I didn’t use my legs or sit up at all for over 5 months.
I was determined however to change this perceived challenging situation into a opportunity for growth and inner development. It was during that time in bed that I conceptualized the vision, developed and launched Inner Rhythm, a social-enterprise which specializes in bringing mindfulness to young children, daycares, elementary schools and libraries.
I’m proud that I was able to use that time to listen to my inner voice, have the courage to do the unthinkable and leave a perfectly good corporate job and instead, follow my true calling.
*When were you happiest?
I’m happiest when in the company of inspired souls.
Cuddling in bed with my babies and hubby after a soul stirring family meditation retreat though, is a close runner up. Sometimes, it just doesn’t get better than that!
*What ten words best describe you?
1. Thoughtful
2. Proactive
3. Balanced
4. Positive
5. Self-reliant
6. Genuine
7. Compassionate
8. Generous
9. Edgy
10. Entrepreneurial
Rekha Magon is a mindfulness expert & the co-founder of Inner Rhythm, a social enterprise which specializes in bringing mindfulness to young children, parents, daycares, elementary schools and libraries. Rekha grew up as a youth leader, public speaker gold medalist, president of student council and valedictorian. She has a double major in Accounting & Human Resources from McGill University, Chartered Accountancy Diploma from John Molson School of Business and worked as a Senior Auditor at KPMG for many years before starting her own business.
Rekha’s mindfulness products for children will be featured at Dr. Shefali’s (Oprah’s Parenting Expert) Premier Parenting Event “Destructing Parenthood” in Los Angeles this coming December.
