The Stillness Within Chaos

A few years ago, I met a man named Arjun at a leadership retreat. A self-made entrepreneur in the food & beverage industry, he had built a thriving business from the ground up. His restaurant chain was expanding across cities, investors were pouring in, and his brand was becoming a household name.

But when he sat across from me during a break, he didn’t look like a man at the peak of his success. He looked exhausted.

"Sheetal, I should be happy, right?" he said, stirring his coffee absentmindedly. "I have everything I ever wanted—a growing business, a beautiful family. But I feel like I’m drowning. The emails don’t stop. The phone never stops ringing. Even at home, I’m there, but I’m not there."

His voice dropped, and he hesitated before admitting,

"Yesterday, my son Aryan asked me why I don’t play with him anymore. I didn’t have an answer."

I could see it—the classic trap of modern success. We chase achievements, thinking they will bring fulfillment, only to realize we are too distracted to enjoy the life we built.

"When was the last time you did nothing?" I asked him.

Arjun frowned. "Doing nothing? That's a luxury I can’t afford. Every moment I take off, there’s a new crisis waiting."

"Not nothing in the literal sense," I explained. "When was the last time you sat still, fully present, without thinking about work, the future, or your next meeting?"

He thought about it. Then he sighed, "I don’t even remember."

The Power of Mindfulness

That’s when I told him about mindfulness—not as a wellness fad, but as a survival strategy for high achievers.

"You don’t need an hour of meditation. Just start with five minutes of presence—completely undisturbed. Breathe. Observe. And when you're with Aryan, be with him fully—no phone, no work thoughts. Just him."

At first, he resisted. He’d always prided himself on his work ethic—if he wasn’t working, wasn’t he falling behind?

But slowly, he tried. He started taking deep breaths between meetings. He put his phone away during dinner. One evening, when Aryan ran up to him with a cricket bat, instead of brushing him off, he joined him.

A month later, he messaged me:

"I feel lighter. The work is still there, the stress is still there, but it doesn’t control me. And you know what? Aryan smiles more when I walk into the room now."

Why Mindfulness is a Game-Changer for Leaders & Parents

Mindfulness isn’t about sitting cross-legged on a mountain—it’s about reclaiming control over your own mind. It helps you:

? Lead with Clarity – Instead of reacting to stress, you respond with intention.

? Strengthen Your Relationships – Whether in business or at home, people feel valued when they have your full attention.

? Reduce Mental Exhaustion – A mindful pause between tasks can refresh your brain more than endless scrolling.

A Simple Practice to Start Today

Before you dive into your next task, pause.

? Take three deep breaths.

? Feel the air enter your lungs.

? Exhale slowly.

For those few moments, exist only in the present.

Then, the next time you’re with someone who matters—whether it’s a child, a spouse, or a colleague—give them your undivided attention. It’s the greatest gift you can offer.

What About You?

Have you ever tried mindfulness? What small habits help you stay present in your daily life?

?? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear!