The Team
Jai
I'm Canadian and I currently live in design capital Milan. I run my own design studio - I design cars (the FIAT 500) and currently busy with light and furniture design. I die for anything which has the perfect proportion - be it my suit, my designed sofas, just the right amount of spices in my pasta or my next car the Aston DBS.. lol. Which is why a good balance in life is so very important. The beauty of going thoughtless in my meditation and to feel this energy all over me, after hours spent with a paper and pen is simply fantastic.
People say I'm the epitome of passion and cleanliness.. ; ) Its very easy for me to get upset over politics and health issues, but above all I get very emotional over injustices that many in the world suffer. I've pondered and the only logical solution is that when everyone in society reflects on how they can make their lives and themselves better, will we all improve life around us by becoming responsible and socially aware. We need to start from refining ourselves. I love cleanliness and order; I believe we all secretly love to be more organized and have a plan, so things in life run more smoothly. I find Meditation is a key element that makes me reflect immediately; in an instant I can see where I can improve myself.We have dreamt of CoolCheck which could be a melting pot of idea and reflections of people who meditate and aspire to change the world. We're so happy you're with us.
Malik
I was born in London and grew up in France. Currently living in Paris I recently completed an MBA in international business management in New York. I'm really keen on design in all its forms, and personally nurture a passion for graphic design. As long as I can express my creativity for others, I'm a happy person! Therefore, I have also been playing the guitar, composing songs and singing in bands. There is nothing like creating harmonies! For the last couple of months I took some time to travel to Asia, America and Europe. These trips have been fueled by a desire to explore myself, and have been an opportunity to focus on personal projects and initiatives such as CoolCheck. Like all the CoolCheck team members, when I see the poor state of things around, it gives me even more enthusiasm to get creative and actively take part in global initiatives helping people take their lives to the next step! However, I realized it all starts with changing ourselves first! For this reason, I've been regularly meditating, not only because it's good for you, but because meditation has been the most powerful thing I have ever experienced. In a matter of seconds, I have found myself in the most amazing states of peace, serenity and control. However, what I like best, is to see the substantial amount of magic there is in life! Yes, Magic! Of course, anything new and awe-inspiring to us is like Magic, and soon it all becomes normal. Still, that new "normal" is mind-blowing! Finally, I would love to thank Shri Mataji, the founder of Sahaja Yoga, for sharing with us the most noble vision one can have : establish unity in the world.
Lakshmi
Hey, My name is Lakshmi, and I was born and raised in Los Angeles. After I got my BA in International Development from UCLA, I went to Italy to work at an international school as an activities director. Right now I'm applying for my masters now in London - and hopefully will go on to major in Development Administration, or some related field. Ive spent the past few years working as a project manager for a variety of different non-profits, which can be a very stressful job. I meditate because it helps me to balance my work and personal life. Before I meditated regularly my work would take over, and I was never able to manage my stress well. However, now I have achieved a good level of stability within my professional and and individual goals and work.
Maya
I was born in Bulgaria and my family moved to America when I was five. I live in one of the most beautiful places (in my opinion), Seattle, Washington, surrounded by the ocean, mountains, and greenery everywhere. I just graduated high school this past June and I decided to take a year off to travel and relax a bit before starting uni. So far I've been working as a "au pair" of sorts at an international boarding school in Italy and it has been an amazing experience. I plan on going to India in January, where I will continue studying Bharata Natyam, a classical form of dance from South India which I've been studying since age six. Some of my other interests include jazz music (particularly singing it), French, watching TV shows, and reading. No matter how stereotypical, my favorite books are definitely the Harry Potter series and my favorite story is probably Twilight. I have to say flat out, I am team Jacob and will always be. I recently started watching The Vampire Diaries and am really starting to love it as well!After much confusion and deliberation, I've decided to pursue my love of reading and turn it into a career. I'm currently applying to universities in London where I would like to study English and Business in the hopes that someday I can open a publishing company.
I'm currently at a point in my life where I have to make many decisions and really find the path I want to follow. For this I've found meditation to be the most helpful. When all the worries and stress of everyday life is cleared away from my mind, I'm able to focus on what is most important and my approach to everything is much more settled. When I overload myself, rather than freaking out and spending a sleepless night thinking it through, I sit down for ten minutes, maybe do a footsoak, and am able to work through anything, knowing what I truly want.
I'm hoping to do a lot of traveling in my life and this year is really a jump start for that. I'd love to see Morocco, Egypt, Brazil, Japan, and Holland in the near future!