Exhilarating to have brought a session OnPurpose from the Stanford Alumni Association to Mumbai!

Set to Get OnPurpose!

My observations and learnings below:

• The way we subjectively report our level of happiness (or lack of depression) is not a true indicator of our actual wellness. A study found that those who pursued momentary indulgence seemed to be as happy as those pursuing long term fulfilment. However, their gene expression reflected much lower health parameters such as a lower anti-oxidant defence. Bottom line: don’t get distracted by people who say they’re living it up – their bubble may burst. Emphasise long-term fulfilment and be both happy and well.
• The framework of doing something for money or as a stepping stone or for fulfilment (Job vs Career vs Calling) is a useful tool in assessing how we spend our time and in relating to others we work with. 
• A teacher is great not only for what she shares but also for how she shares. Thank you @Leah Weiss for making our learning effortless. The session was excellently structured: introduction, information, interaction; and takeaways were perfectly balanced.

• The world still looks to India for the manual on life! Like many others before her, the creator of OnPurpose shared how her journey of self-exploration began with a visit to this country. It really is every Indian’s responsibility to discover, preserve and pass on our wisdom and techniques. Swadhyay, Swadharma, Nishkama Karma and a deeper understanding of what constitutes our Self (Antahkarana) are just some of the ancient precepts that help us lead a more purposeful life. 
  
• The mind-body connection is an absolute given: The only way to wellness is a holistic approach! The milkshake study showed that those who believed they were having an indulgent drink were more full than those who thought they were having a health drink. When you know your mind can be tricked, you seek a truth beyond its limitations.
• Sewa = Mewa! In uplifting others you uplift yourself. An fMRI of monks who were meditating and sending out compassion showed that the reward centres in their brains lit up. 
• Today we need leaders who don’t just create great business models but are in fact role models themselves. No wonder the Course from which this workshop is derived is offered through the Business School at Stanford. Purpose, service, ethics and wellness should be part of the curriculum of every great learning institution that aims to shape the leaders of tomorrow.

• You can never put a price to a good education. 25 years after I graduated, I’m still learning from Stanford – the university and my fellow alumni. Our group was made up of highly accomplished and self-aware individuals. I had a super humble and successful buddy in the workshop – learnt so much from him without his knowing it! Indeed, one of the six factors that contribute to growth in yoga (and life) is the company you keep. So grateful for this one!