Still, Together: The Power of Breath, Presence, and Being Human

In this deeply grounding episode, Dr. Nigma Talib is joined by internationally renowned meditation teacher, author, and co-founder of Open, Manoj Dias. With a background that spans collaborations with the United Nations, Meta, Coachella, and MoMA, Manoj is widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in mindfulness today.

Together, they explore how ancient wisdom, trauma healing, and embodied presence can help us reclaim stillness in an overstimulated world. Manoj shares his personal journey from burnout to becoming a global wellness educator, along with insights on navigating relationships, social media overwhelm, and the myth of productivity. This is not just a conversation—it’s an invitation to pause.

Whether you're a high-performing executive, a seeker on a healing path, or simply someone looking to breathe more deeply, this episode offers timely practices for a more intentional life.

Thank you to our sponsors

Genova Diagnostics: https://www.gdx.net/

Oxyhealth: https://www.oxyhealth.com/

Rani Lounge: https://ranilounge.com/

Koala Eco: https://koala.eco/

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – 03:20 — Introduction: Dr. Nigma welcomes Manoj and reflects on his global impact and spiritual approach to wellbeing.

03:21 – 07:45 — Manoj shares his journey from Sri Lanka to burnout in the corporate world and how meditation transformed his life.

07:46 – 11:20 — The nervous system, trauma, and why meditation isn’t just “calming down” but a practice of facing the truth.

11:21 – 14:50 — Why “wellness” can be toxic—and how spiritual bypassing is harming collective healing.

14:51 – 19:05 — Embracing grief, loss, and uncertainty: Manoj on honoring human pain without rushing to fix it.

19:06 – 23:30 — How stillness and movement coexist in healing—and why sitting in discomfort is a radical act.

23:31 – 27:15 — The challenges of teaching mindfulness in the age of social media and distractions.

27:16 – 30:45 — Co-founding Open: Blending ancient practices with modern technology for accessible wellbeing.

30:46 – 34:30 — Dr. Nigma and Manoj on men’s mental health and the vulnerability gap in wellness spaces.

34:31 – 38:20 — Building sustainable rituals: Why five minutes of intentional breathing is more powerful than chasing extremes.

38:21 – End — Final reflections, stillness as resistance, and how we can come “still, together.”

Follow Manoj Dias:
Instagram: @manojdias_
Website: www.manojdias.com.au
Substack: https://yomanoj.substack.com

Follow Dr. Nigma:
Instagram: @drnigmatalib
Podcast Instagram: @thehealthydocpod
Facebook: nigma.talib
Website: www.healthydoc.com