Unlock the Transformative Power of Breathwork | Niraj Naik | TEDxKlagenfurt

Key Concepts

• Flowjo: A state of alignment between mind, body, and spirit, combining "flow" (effortless action and deep engagement) and "mojo" (personal Vibe, energy, or Vitality).
• Flow State: A state of being where time stands still, characterized by deep focus, enjoyment, and effortless action, often experienced by artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs.
• Mojo: An African-American term referring to one's Vibe, energy, or Vitality; the quality that makes someone magnetic and attractive.
• Nojo: The opposite of Mojo; a state of lacking Vibe and energy, causing one to repel others.
• Breathwork: Techniques using conscious breathing to create alignment between mind, body, and spirit, leading to self-awareness, emotional regulation, and access to Flowjo.
• Mind-Body-Spirit Alignment: The harmonious integration of mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of oneself, achieved through practices like breathwork.

Early Life and Initial Success

The speaker, NJ, recounts his teenage dreams of becoming a DJ and his initial success in the Rave scene in the UK in the early 2000s. This period was marked by "Fame and glory" but also a "hedonistic culture" involving drugs, alcohol, and Sleepless nights. This lifestyle led to burnout, forcing him to pursue a more conventional career as a pharmacist, fulfilling his mother's expectations.

Descent into Depression and Addiction

Working as a pharmacist, NJ felt unfulfilled and trapped, leading to a downward spiral. He continued his past bad habits as an escape, engaging in heavy binge drinking and partying on weekends. A pivotal moment occurred when he woke up in his car one Monday morning with no memory of how he got there, prompting him to realize the need for a significant life change. He describes himself as a "moaner, complainer, a disaster debater," always focusing on the worst-case scenario.

Attempted Revival and Failure

A family friend, recognizing NJ's suffering, offered financial support to revive his Rave promotion career. Despite initial progress, the venture faced two major setbacks: the headline DJ canceled, and ticket sales were insufficient. NJ, influenced by the Law of Attraction and positive thinking, ignored his gut instincts, leading to a disastrous event with only 300 attendees in a 3,000-capacity venue. This resulted in significant financial debt (tens of thousands of pounds), guilt, shame, and a deeper depression.

The Turning Point: Illness and Introspection

The failure led to a severe depression and an illness that confined NJ to his house for almost a year. This period of isolation provided an opportunity for deep introspection. He questioned why, despite having support, money, and a positive mindset, he continued to fail and feel unhappy. He realized he was "completely out of alignment" and not living by his truth or core values.

The Concept of Flowjo

NJ introduces the concept of "Flowjo," a state of alignment between mind, body, and spirit. He explains that "you become who you really believe you are" and that your thoughts, feelings, and actions are interconnected. Achieving alignment between these three aspects leads to a state of effortless flow and action.

• Flow: Drawing from the work of Hungarian psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, NJ describes flow as a state where time stands still, and individuals are deeply engaged in an activity they love. He notes that his past experiences of flow in music were unsustainable and often enhanced with substances.
• Mojo: NJ defines Mojo as an African-American term for one's Vibe, energy, or Vitality. He contrasts it with "Nojo," the absence of Vibe and energy, which repels people. He acknowledges losing his Mojo during his unfulfilling career and substance abuse.

Breathwork as a Tool for Alignment

NJ emphasizes breathwork as a means to achieve mind-body-spirit alignment and access Flowjo sustainably.

• Mind: Breathwork, rooted in yoga traditions, brings Tranquility to the mind. NJ highlights the Eastern wisdom of controlling the mind through the body (Soma) rather than directly.
• Body: Breath can quickly change one's state, influencing how one feels. NJ mentions using breathwork backstage to manage nervousness before his presentation.
• Spirit: "Spirit" comes from the Latin word for breath ("spirare"). Breathwork facilitates self-awareness, allowing individuals to discover their truth, core values, and identity. This self-discovery informs decisions about who to surround oneself with and what is beneficial or detrimental.

Achieving Greatness Through Flowjo

NJ argues that accessing Flowjo enables individuals to achieve greatness by aligning their actions with their core values and purpose. He found a new purpose for music by integrating it with breathwork, creating a fulfilling career that has garnered attention from Cambridge University and top DJs. These DJs are using his music in clubs and adopting his methods for a more sustainable lifestyle.

Conclusion

NJ concludes by emphasizing that life is a constant ebb and flow of light and dark. Through breath and heightened states of awareness, individuals can transcend this cycle and find peace with the past, present, and future. He hopes his journey inspires others to find their own path to alignment and fulfillment.

Notable Quotes

• "You become who you really believe you are."
• "When you create an alignment with all three [mind, body, spirit] magic happens."
• "Spirit is a also a Latin term for breath spiritual means to breathe comes from the Latin roote a spu"