“Meditation isn’t about escaping life’s challenges; it’s about building your resilience toolkit. Over time, you’ll notice a newfound calmness and clarity that helps you tackle problems with a steady mind.

Mindfulness is like the GPS guiding you, and meditation is the scenic route you take to your mental wellness destination. “

Mental wellness is a journey, not a destination, and Raman Mittal is one of the few who understand this.

With a decade of meditation practice, Raman, the founder of Idanim, has harnessed the power of technology to make mental wellness accessible, personalized, and deeply impactful. Idanim took shape during the COVID-19 pandemic with a mission of creating a ‘mindfulness moment for everyone, everywhere’.

In this conversation with Raman, we delve into the holistic approach Idanim takes to promote better mental health outcomes. 

Could you give us a brief background about your journey that led to the creation of Idanim? Was there a specific personal or professional experience that inspired the idea? 

I’ve been practicing mindfulness and meditation since 2009. The peace and clarity they brought were transformational, and I felt compelled to share these benefits with a wider audience. 

Ever since I started my practice, I always wanted to do something around meditations. During COVID-19, we started looking for a meditation platform that we could provide to our people at TO THE NEW. As we moved ahead with our research, we saw an opportunity to offer a platform that not only provided meditation guidance but also embraced a holistic approach to emotional well-being. 

Idanim was born with a vision to make meditation and emotional well-being accessible to all. It’s not just an app; it’s our commitment to helping individuals find their path to inner peace, one mindful moment at a time. 

In your opinion, what role does technology play in addressing mental health challenges? 

Technology is a game-changer in the realm of mental health and emotional well-being. 

Our lives are intricately intertwined with our devices, and one of our goals was to make that a positive connection. 

So, what is the role of technology? It’s about making mental wellness a seamless part of your life. It’s about harnessing innovation to destigmatize the conversations around mental health. It’s about creating a bridge to support that’s always there, whenever you’re ready to cross it. We’re embracing technology’s power to amplify our well-being. 

At Idanim we strive to make relaxation, mental wellness, and meditation easier with personalized experiences aided by a community-based platform. 

The name ‘Idanim’ signifies ‘Now.’ How does the concept of being present in the moment tie into the mental health benefits? 

The name ‘Idanim,’ which means ‘Now,’ holds profound meaning for us and beautifully reflects the essence of our mission at the Idanim meditation app. 

We are highly inspired by Eckhart Tolle, the author of The Power of Now. 

Being present in the moment reflects the quality of our life depending on our consciousness and presence. When we’re present, we fully experience life as it unfolds. Being present calms the restless mind, reduces stress, and helps us break free from the cycle of overthinking. We savor the sights, sounds, and sensations of now. This practice of mindfulness, embedded in the heart of our app, has remarkable mental health benefits. 

Where do we, as a generation, tend to overlook its importance? 

Well, as a generation, we’re living in an era of information overload and constant distractions. 

The irony is that while technology connects us globally, it can disconnect us from our own lives. 

We tend to overlook the importance of being present because we’re conditioned to always be ‘on’ and ‘available.’ It’s like we’re running a race against time, and being present feels like we’re standing still. But the truth is stillness holds immense power. It’s where we find clarity, creativity, and a deep connection to ourselves. It’s where we recharge our mental batteries and build emotional resilience. 

We hope to help you do that through our work at Idanim. 

How does Idanim approach the integration of mindfulness and meditation practices to promote better mental health outcomes for its users? 

At Idanim, we’re all about creating a journey to better mental health that’s as comfortable as your favorite pair of fuzzy socks. 

Our meditation techniques are backed by research and center around two core principles: accessibility and personalization. Life can be busy and demanding, so we’ve designed mindfulness exercises that seamlessly fit into your day. 

From guided sessions for beginners to deeper dives for seasoned practitioners, our app is your meditation playground, tailored to your experience. We also tap into the power of community through group meditations and shared insights. It’s like having a tribe of zen warriors cheering you on. 

While meditation isn’t a quick guide to life problems, it will definitely equip you to handle them better. Can you share some tips on extracting the most out of meditation? 

Absolutely, I’d be happy to share some down-to-earth tips on getting the most out of meditation!

Start small: Meditation isn’t a marathon; it’s more like a daily walk for your mind. Begin with just a few minutes a day. Gradually, you’ll build up your mental muscles. 

Consistency matters: Just like watering a plant, being consistent is key. Set a specific ‘me time’ each day to meditate.

Find a comfy spot: You don’t need a fancy cushion. Just find a quiet, comfy spot where you won’t be interrupted.

Befriend your breath: Your breath is like a reliable anchor. Focus on its rhythm – in and out. When your mind wanders (trust me, it will), gently guide it back to your breath. 

Let thoughts flow: Thoughts will pop up, and that’s normal. Instead of fighting them, imagine them as passing clouds. Acknowledge, but don’t cling. 

Patience: Results take time. Meditation isn’t an instant fix; it’s a gradual journey. Don’t stress about ‘doing it right.’ 

Celebrate small wins: Even a minute of focused calm is a win. Acknowledge the peace you feel, no matter how fleeting. 

Explore techniques: Just like flavors of ice cream, there are many meditation styles. Try guided sessions, body scans, or even walking meditation. Find what resonates. 

Be kind to yourself: Some days your mind might be a wild monkey; other days, it’ll be a sleepy cat. Embrace both – it’s all part of the ride. 

Extend mindfulness: Be present when you eat, walk, or chat. Mindfulness isn’t just in meditation; it’s a lifestyle. 

In the next few years, what positive changes do you hope to witness in the way mental health is perceived and addressed in India? And how will Idanim contribute to the cause? 

We’re at a turning point where talking about our feelings and seeking help is becoming more normal – just like talking about our physical health. 

In the next few years, I hope to see mental health discussions in India without any stigma. Schools, workplaces, and families should be open spaces for these conversations. 

At Idanim, our goal is to make mindfulness as common as brushing teeth. We’ll keep spreading awareness about self-care, mental wellness, and the beauty of seeking support. We’re joining hands with experts to create resources for reliable information and guided practices. 

Through partnerships and initiatives, we’re determined to bring mental health out of the shadows. Just like a rainy day, tough times will come – but with support and understanding, they’ll pass. 

So, in the coming years, let’s cheer for an India where mental health is treated as a priority and seeking help is as normal as grabbing a cup of chai. 

Mindfulness meditation has gained popularity. How can we incorporate mindfulness into our daily lives beyond just meditation sessions?

Mindfulness helps me manage stress by keeping me anchored in the present. It reduces overthinking and lets me respond to situations with clarity, not just knee-jerk reactions. Just little mindful moments throughout the day can make a big difference. 

• Mindful moments: I start my day with a simple act of gratitude. While brushing my teeth or having breakfast, I take a moment to really appreciate the experience – the taste of food, the warmth of the water. It sets a positive tone for the day. 
• Mindful breathing breaks: During the day, I close my eyes for a minute or two, take a few deep breaths, and let go of any tension. It’s like hitting the mental reset button. 
• Single-tasking superpower: When I’m working on something, I give it my full attention. This not only boosts efficiency but also brings a sense of fulfillment. 
• Evening reflection: Before bed, I reflect on the day. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, I focus on what went well to cultivate positivity and self-kindness. 

Mental health is a highly nuanced subject. How do you focus on your mental health and well-being? 

Mental and emotional well-being is a topic really close to my heart, not just because of my role at Idanim but because it’s something we all grapple with in our own ways. Here’s how I look after my own mental health and well-being: 

Daily check-ins: Every day, I check in with my emotions. If I’m feeling overwhelmed or down, I acknowledge it. Ignoring those feelings doesn’t help. 

Acceptance: I’ve come to understand that it’s okay not to be okay sometimes. We all have moments of doubt or anxiety. It’s part of being human. Accepting these moments without judgment is a big step.

Digital detox: In the digital age, it’s easy to be glued to screens. I’ve set boundaries, put my phone away and disconnect. 

Learning and growing: I believe in continuous growth. Whether it’s through reading, taking on new challenges, or learning from setbacks, I’m always seeking opportunities to evolve. 

Gratitude practice: Ending the day by reflecting on what I’m grateful for shifts my focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in my life. 

We all have our unique ways of doing it, but what matters is that we make it a priority. Our emotions are real, and taking care of them is a lifelong journey. It’s a journey of self-compassion, acceptance, and growth.