Are you living with intent? Mallika Chopra asks this powerful question that makes everyone wonder. A simple question with profound power. Mallika Chopra, founder of Intent.com, CEO of Chopra Global, daughter of Deepak Chopra, believes this one question can bring massive positive change. Mallika Chopra is also a meditation consultant and author of My Body is a Rainbow: The Color of My Feelings. Her latest meditation picture book is for younger children aged 4-8 years, which, she hopes, will transform the lives of children. 'I wrote the book before the pandemic - it takes a long time for the life cycle of any book, especially an illustrated one,' she says. 'That said, the timing of the release felt right as kids (and adults) needed tools to breathe, connect with their bodies, and feel positive and empowered.'
Helping Kids Understand Stress
Mallika Chopra has long known the benefits of meditation. The author, entrepreneur, and mother began her own practice when she was around nine, taught by her parents. 'The statistics around mental health in kids during the pandemic are tragic. We are seeing more young people dealing with anxiety, depression and even suicide. As adults we need to recognize this is a very serious problem that requires all of us to pay attention,' she says.
'Stress is normal and kids should not feel guilty about it,' she adds.
'I believe that giving kids tools to breathe, be mindful of their thoughts and actions, and know how stress expresses itself in the body can help them feel more control when they are stressed. Kids talk about butterflies in their stomach when they are anxious, sweaty palms, headaches. Helping them connect physical sensations with their internal state of mind can help them breathe or move through these tough times.'
Chopra's big intent is to help kids find calm in an over stimulated world. She says, 'Children today are overstimulated. They are surrounded by noise, by social media, by a culture of non-stop doing. I like to remind parents that we are human be-ings not human do-ings and to give their kids the space to just be. Kids find calm when they can breathe, when they get lost in a project or game, and when they are given freedom to just play.' Her book, My Body Is A Rainbow, is designed as an interactive tool that helps parents, caregivers and teachers offer meditation techniques to preschool children. Chopra’s words help them slow down. The rainbow is woven throughout the book, with beautiful illustrations, and Chopra uses words and illustrations to help children name what they’re feeling.
'As a mom, I saw many of my kids’ friends truly suffering and parents at a loss of how to deal with mental health challenges. I was fortunate to have tools, like meditation and affirmations,' she explains. 'For me it was never about 'coping with kids'. My kids are my everything. That doesn’t mean that parenting isn’t hard. I learned early on to ask for help. I truly believe that our communities, our families, make us better parents but also better people.'
A Movement For Self-Intent
Chopra's micro movement on living with intent has led people to question their purpose. 'You can live with intent by setting one micro-intent daily,' she elucidates. 'Living with intent doesn’t have to be dramatic or overwhelming. It can be as simple as: my intent is to connect with someone I love today. Or my intent is to focus on gratitude today. Take it one day at a time.'
Is it possible to make meditation kid-friendly? 'Yes,' she says, and goes on to explain how: 'First, just breathe. Start with one breath, in and out. Continue with two breaths - you can use your fingers. Touch your thumb to your pinky and breathe in. Now move your ring finger to touch your thumb and breath out. Middle finger to thumb, in. Pointer finger to thumb, out. See how two mindful breaths help you slow down. My books are filled with exercises that include mantra based meditations, movement, mindful eating, gratitude exercise for kids. Different things work at different times. Just don’t force your children to do anything. Best to teach them through your own example, and they may follow.'
The day-to-day to do’s of motherhood, being a wife, daughter and career demands had Chopra run her life on autopilot, it made her aware and pause. 'My father has shaped my life and my work. I am very grateful for that. The most impactful gift he gave me was teaching me how to meditate at a young age. Meditation empowered me to feel connected to something bigger than myself. And through meditation, I always had a way to tap into that sense of infinity. It is very peaceful and empowering.'
'The following verse from the Rig Veda (I think) influences my world view on intent:
You are what your deepest desire is
As is your desire so is your intent
As is your intent so is your will
As your will so is your deed
As is your deed so is your destiny.
Your intents come from that deep place inside of you when you trust your souls deepest desires. Ultimately that shapes what you choose to focus on, what you do and what you contribute to your community and the world,' she adds.
Her biggest lesson in life: 'Don’t take life too seriously.'
Mallika Chopra is trying to reinvent calmness in a restless world. Tap in to feel the energy.