Russell Simmons might be a powerful mogul in the music industry, but even he knows the importance of slowing down your mind. In this past weekend's episode of Super Soul Sunday with Oprah Winfrey, Simmons opened up about his love for yoga and how he decided to give it a try 20 years ago because he wanted to flirt with women. What started out as a way to meet ladies quickly turned into a meditative addiction, he said.
"The first class, I came out, I was so high," Simmons said. "I was sitting there like, 'Wow.'"
He explained how he was initially hesitant to continue, fearing that being so relaxed would have a negative impact on his Def Jam record label and Phat Farm fashion line.
"I thought because there was so much relief, I thought, 'Maybe I won't be good at work. Maybe if I keep doing this I'm going to lose all my money,'" he said.
"I didn't know then what I know now," he continued. "All the creativity came from seconds and flashes of presence. So, the more you can expound on that, you can do twice as much in half the time now."
Yoga and meditation have not only helped Simmons feel more present, but also happier and in his latest book Success Through Stillness: Meditation Made Simple the entrepreneur attempts to demystify the practice and show us how we can incorporate it into our own lives. The calmer your mind is, the more happiness you experience, he explained, because creativity, happiness, and beauty can only be enjoyed in the present rather than past or future. It's why Simmons has made it a daily habit.
"I take time every single day. Meditate twice, and go to yoga," Simmons says. "It's a moving prayer."

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