Manoj Diaz

Background: I’m a meditation teacher, author, father and co-founder of Open, a mindfulness studio based out of Venice, CA. 


Where does your drive come from?

From a desire to share on scale ancient tools to support human potential. The more people that are calm, wise and compassionate -  the less suffering there is in the world  - nothing motivates me more. 

What daily habits keep you going?

Meditation and breath-work are a non-negotiable for me, 30 mins in the morning followed by a walk in the sun and some form of movement upon waking - yoga, HIIT, run.

What simple change to your routine has had a profound effect on those around you?

I can't believe I'm saying this but... switching from coffee to green tea has done wonders for my nervous system and in turn for the people that have to deal with me each day. I enjoy a coffee once a week and it feels like a treat plus I get more performance benefits than daily consumption. When I was drinking coffee everyday the effects lasted a lot less and I felt strung out by the end of the week.

The best memories often result from going off the grid or off schedule. Describe one.

Pretty easy for me - it's going on silent retreat. One of my favorite retreats was one I did in Sideman, Bali. The insight and stillness I achieved on that retreat have never left me. Highly recommend a yearly vipassana or silent meditation retreat as part of your wellness routine, solitude, nature and no technology open up a well of creativity and wisdom.

What 3-5 products are essential to your daily system? (including one ASYSTEM

ASYSTEM, Men's Essentials Supplements / Have loved this product for a long time, all my daily vitamins in one sachet.

CAP Beauty, The Matcha - The best matcha I've had in a long time.

Korres, Greek yoghurt moisturizer - As natural as you can get for your face.