Russell Simmons On How Meditation Helps With Entrepreneurship And Creativity
Russell Simmons has signed a new deal with HBO, according to Variety. Simmons’ All Def Digital will develop projects for the network, with whom Simmons has an existing relationship. As news of the agreement was announced Thursday, New York Magazine published a different kind of interview with Simmons: one that focused on meditation, animal rights, and wellness.
Simmons, who sold his stake in Def Jam Records in 1999 for $100 million and Phat Farm clothing company in 2004 for $140 million, is a highly successful entrepreneur. He told New York that his meditation practice is essential to his personal happiness. When done correctly, meditation helps people become present, which is necessary for bursts of enlightenment and creativity.
“Meditation gives you a longer life, better memory, and better brain functionality. The left and the right side of the brain start disconnecting at age 8. When you meditate, they start to integrate back together. You can never have an ‘aha’ moment, any kind of entrepreneurial or creative idea, unless you’re present, and meditation is the greatest tool known to bring people back to present.”
The truth is that nothing promotes happiness like a quiet mind.
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) July 30, 2015
Simmons is also a well-known vegan. In the New York interview he described animal products as unhealthy. He said he does not hide anything about his eating habits, admitting he’ll sometimes eat fish and feel guilty. He has been known to have some vegan cake now and then.
Michael Lombardo, the president of programming for HBO, called Simmons a “unique” and “intelligent” creative voice. As part of the new deal Simmons will be producing a 25th anniversary Def Comedy Jam special. He co-created the series in 1992 and it launched such well-known names in comedy as Jamie Foxx, Kevin Hart and Chris Tucker.
.@AllDefDigital & @CelsiusOfficial are always bringing the hottest comics to the #AllDefComedyLIVE stage. pic.twitter.com/aN8QolkSvd
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) July 30, 2015
Simmons, who has two young children with his former wife Kimora Lee, told New York he meditates with his kids every morning before taking them to school. His routine with his children follows his own morning yoga and meditation practice.
“Meditation or quiet time is essential; it reboots your brain and makes you happier.”
He said a quiet mind is “bliss,” and that is his own route to happiness.
“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized cloudy is not my realm. Focus is my realm. Yoga practice, meditation — these are the tools, and they’ve been recommended over and over again for a thousand years, so I trust them.”
[Photo by Eugene Gologursky / Getty Images Entertainment]
