The stereotype is that anyone involved in Hip-Hop is a thug or will hoodwink you into a small, dark alley and rob you. Of course, this is nonsense. What people ought to understand is that most Hip-Hop stars are really actors and just telling stories – they are poets describing an unfortunate side of reality. P-Diddy (Puffy), Snoop, Eminem, Nas, 50cent all contribute to society in positive ways behind the scenes. But the leader of them all, the man who is named “The Godfather of Hip-Hip”, New Yorker, Russell Simons, has opened his heart and shared some of his spiritual beliefs. Simmons meditates, prays and practises yoga on a regular daily basis and has been speaking on spiritual principles for a number of years. “Stillness will bring happiness to you” says Simmons and he’s right!
When we breathe deeply, relax and remain poised and calm, we assist our blood cells, molecules, and nervous system to function in a healthy and coherent manner. Meditation is a wonderful technology with over 100 different methods. Stress and anxiety can be healed through practising yoga, meditation and constructive visualization.
Russell Simmons explains this in his new book “Super Rich”, which explains “needing nothing is bliss.” This is a man who started with nothing, growing up on the streets of New York, who went on to sell drugs in the 80s, while abusing narcotics and alcohol but who now lives a clean life, creates fortunes and helps others through philanthropy. It would be a worthy ideal to study his universally, principled techniques.
Christopher Dines, Sunday 2nd October 2011.