hatha yoga: Mind Over Money: How chanting and Hatha Yoga help this Director manage stress and sharpen leadership skills

In an interview with ETMarkets, Rathi, who has 20 years of rich experience across financial services in insurance broking, said: “I practice Hatha Yoga which involves sun salutations and various yoga kriyas, concluding with Pranayama. I enjoy yoga tremendously as an exercise form for 8 years.” Edited excerpts:


With more than 20 years of experience, how does chanting and meditation help you control stress?
I have been following Buddhism as a life philosophy for over 10 years, as a part of which, I chant for an hour daily. The practice of chanting clears my mind and works as a power charge to begin the day.

Is there a specific technique you are following or a discipline you are following on a daily/weekly basis?

Chanting is part of the Nichiren Buddhism philosophy, a very practical life philosophy based on prayer followed by action. A central tenet of the philosophy is the universal law of cause and effect or “Karma”.

Chanting is the starting point; it has helped me tremendously in my professional journey and to make decisions based on courage and wisdom that dwells forth as a result of this practice.

It provides a step-by-step guide on basic management principles, teamwork, and creating a work culture of positivity, perseverance, and excellence.

You also practice Yoga. Is there any specific form you practice? How has your experience been?
I practice Hatha Yoga which involves sun salutations and various yoga kriyas, concluding with Pranayama. I have enjoyed yoga tremendously as an exercise form for 8 years.

I practice it about thrice a week. It keeps me flexible, fit, and energized throughout the day. It is a great healing tool, many of the kriyas and the practice of pranayama techniques help me to maintain hormonal balances in the body, as well as increase immunity.

Why do you think it is necessary for everyone to practice some form of meditation or an activity to help calm the mind?

Chanting or meditation is essential for all of us, to take time out of our regular routine and step back, focus on silence and self-awareness.

It helps to rationalize the mind, strengthen self-belief and positivity, providing the discipline to work towards realizing our best potential.

Any key learnings on applying principles of meditation, yoga, or swimming that help you in your leadership style?

The practice of chanting daily along with exercise by way of yoga or swimming gives a supercharge to every day. It creates a rhythm and discipline in life that helps to maintain both physical and mental well-being.

Moreover, it creates a meaningful balance that strengthens the mind to cope with stressful situations with grit and determination.

The practice of chanting/medication brings perspective and patience and helps me take full control and responsibility even in the most challenging situations.

It provides emotional strength, courage, and resilience as a leader, to be able to rationalize and make well-weighed decisions and have the courage to take a tough stand and at the same time, build a work environment that is compassionate, without compromising on results and performance.


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