Mina Om Shah, 38, from North West London, graduated from the University of Bedford with a degree in business and marketing. She later went on to work in the education sector and currently teaches at a local, primary school. Mina has always had a keen interest in spirituality. Her spiritual search came to end six years ago when she found her spiritual master, Om Swami ji.
Mina says, the Black Lotus app based on Om Swami ji’s teachings of meditation, breathing practices, wisdom, and kindness has transformed her life. Seeing the benefits of using the Black Lotus app daily and practicing meditation and mindfulness, Mina wanted to help others, especially primary school students to get the best start in life. She became a representative for Black Lotus, and, during the lockdown, Mina completed a diploma in Mindfulness for Children, and has successfully brought mindfulness practices into her classroom.
1. Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
I feel very content where I am now, Stanmore, London, my home. I am extremely grateful for what I have been blessed with. My family and my husband are very important to me. We love and support each other and I would not want to be anywhere else.
2. What are your proudest achievements?
I understand more than ever the importance of kindness in spirituality. If I can carry out a random act of kindness and have a positive impact on someone’s life, even in just a small way, every single day, that’s the biggest achievement of all.
3. What inspires you?
Most definitely my spiritual master, Om Swami. He was a successful, millionaire-businessman who renounced everything, became a monk and achieved enlightenment. He now lives in the Himalayas and has dedicated His life to helping others. The Black Lotus app is His brainchild. He’s a very cool, tech savvy monk!
4. What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
I think the lockdown, because I missed my students very much and when we returned to school, I saw that some of the children hadn’t made as much progress as they would have had they been having their usual interactions with their friends and teachers.
5. Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My husband, Mishal. I used to work in retail and I wasn’t feeling very fulfilled in my job. Mishal saw how I interacted with children, he said I’d be great working with kids. He’s the biggest, most lovable kid himself! His encouragement and support helped me make the best career decision ever.
6. What is the best aspect about your current role?
Seeing the children happy and smiling! I am so grateful that I can be a positive influence on them. I love to encourage and motivate them to do their best. Teaching children is more than just about ABC’s. Teaching them how to live happily is so important.
7. And the worst?
The children are so loving and giving. They just love to share whatever they have, including their cute little bugs! But it’s okay. It’s part of the job and I’m sure it’s given me a stronger immune system.
8. What are your long-term goals?
I like this question. With Om Swami ji’s guidance, I would love to teach mindfulness to children all over the world. Happiness is a skill that can be learned just like any other. So, why not give children the best chance at happiness from an early age.
9. If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
It’s a two-parter for mind-&-body health. All children to have free, nutritious, school meals, and to add mindfulness practises to the UK curriculum. I’ve seen the effect it’s had with my students. It’s priceless!
10. If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
Princess Diana. As a child I used to dress up just like her! Now, I look back and I admire her for what she stood for. For her courage and kindness, and how she inspired millions of people. I wonder what Princess Diana would have thought of Om Swami and Black Lotus. They all have kindness in common!
