Does happiness lead to healthiness? Los Angeles “wellbeing engineer” Indy Rishi Singh certainly believes so. He runs a think tank called iLiving which focuses on integrating modern and ancient modalities of health and technology, leads corporate wellness and mindfulness workshops, and is gearing up for the launch of Nola, “the Netflix of wellbeing.” I spoke with Indy ahead of his Biohack the World talk this Thursday night about neuroplasticity, the benefits of laughter therapy, how to cope with burnout, and misconceptions about mindfulness…
What is iLiving?
iLiving is a wellbeing think tank. The objective of this think tank is to connect modern and ancient techniques of health and happiness. iLiving bridges ideas developed by rishis, shamans, scientists and engineers. Current projects focus on neuroplasticity, interactive wellness apps, VR/XR therapeutics, purpose focused retreats, service therapy and personal storytelling/analytical psychology. We are seeking investors, partners, collaborators and inventors.
How did you first become interested in neuroplasticity?
I have always been interested in being smarter and stronger. When I was younger, I practiced the status quo methods of achieving growth. After leaving medical school, I discovered a long history of human effort to improve body and mind. I dove into Ayurveda and learned how powerful the mind is, and how important it is to understand the effects of our diet, sleep, and mentality on our productivity and happiness. I specifically began focusing on neuroplasticity when I discovered how potent laughter, meditation, and sound exercises were on people with nervous system conditions. As I shared practices with people from various walks of life, I found that an appreciation of neuroplasticity led to positive results.
You also practice laughter therapy. How does laughter promote healing?
The implications of laughter show that it is healing, regenerative, and empowering to anyone and everyone. The science is now proving this. Psychoneuroimmunology research is showing that laughter literally activates production of natural killer cells (which seek out and destroy viral and tumor cells), endorphins, oxytocin and dopamine to name a few. Laughter is one of the best meditations when it comes to breathwork as it forces incredible amounts of oxygen through the body while increasing arterial blood flow by 30-40%. The scientific evidence of the benefits of laughter is undeniable. My intention with laughter therapy is to give people the tools to do the experiment in their own lives.
What are some other life hacks you recommend for people who are dealing with stress and burnout?
I’m a big proponent of picking up an instrument, even if it’s obscure or small. Playing an instrument is a terrific way to activate neuroplasticity while giving one time to step away from whatever is causing stress and burnout. If the instrument is small, one can go for a walk whenever one is feeling stressed and play. There is no right or wrong when you are PLAYING. The key is to have fun with the instrument, and to step outside the mental ruminations that are causing distress. Another great life hack is finding a practice of selfless service. This may require trying out a few service options, until one finds something that resonates. Maybe one can volunteer with the homeless, or mentor a foster child, or something else where there is no personal or social benefit. A practice of selfless service can almost immediately change one’s outlook on life and self esteem. It’s incredibly hard to be stressed when one realizes how powerful one is.
What’s the biggest misconception you’d like to clear about practicing mindfulness?
I would love to share that I am frustrated with modern mindfulness. It has become an intellectual and superficial practice. Unfortunately, mindfulness is not producing more compassionate and giving people. This is what true mindfulness is supposed to produce. A self realized human being will not only be healthier and happier, but they will feel empowered to impact inequality, injustice and imbalance in the world around them. True mindfulness connects us to purpose and reveals the interconnectedness in all things. As more people pursue certifications and teachers of mindfulness, they are missing the important internal mindfulness work that is about connecting “to the heart” and being involved in their local governments, communities, and meaningful initiatives.
Meet Indy Rishi Singh this Thursday night, at the December Biohack the World event at the Assemblage.