The Evolution of Meditation with Michel Pascal

The Evolution of Meditation with Michel Pascal 

Michel Pascal, widely known as "The Medicine Voice," is an extraordinary force in the realm of spirituality. He possesses a diverse range of talents as an artist, meditation teacher, creator of a groundbreaking meditation approach, singer, and mesmerizing performer who has graced the renowned stage of Carnegie Hall.  In addition, he has authored an impressive collection of 20 books exploring the depths of spirituality. 

Michel Pascal's artistic prowess extends beyond his musical and literary achievements. As a filmmaker and director, he has helmed captivating films featuring notable figures such as Deepak Chopra and Gabriella Wright, along with producing documentaries for esteemed TV channels like TF1 and France Television. 

His recent play, "Saint Therese," has captivated audiences worldwide, amassing over 310,000 views on YouTube, 1,000 shows around the globe. Furthermore, his latest musical creation, "Yoganandance," has garnered over 100,000 views on the platform, showcasing his exceptional musical talents.  

Continuing his remarkable journey, Michel Pascal is scheduled to grace the stage of Carnegie Hall for the sixth time on June 6, where he will showcase his unparalleled talent and captivating presence. Together with Michelle Narciso and Maria Alphonse, he has co-founded OMMM, a profound world movement dedicated to instilling calmness in the mind and nurturing inner peace. 

 In the following interview, Michel Pascal dives into spirituality and his approach to meditation. 

Why is it crucial for everyone to maintain a calm mind? 

The evidence is clear: Calming our minds is not a luxury, but a necessity. How can we truly experience love if our brains are constantly racing? How can we fully appreciate our children and friends if our minds are always preoccupied? 

And how can we expect to excel at work when our minds are exhausted and confused? Stress hinders our efficiency, focus, productivity, and creativity. 

Our overall well-being and happiness are compromised by persistent stress. Regardless of age, wealth, or social status, we all need to prioritize calming our minds in this tumultuous era. Stress levels have reached unprecedented heights, with an alarming rise in suicides, particularly among young individuals. Depression, which derives from stress, is a leading factor behind these tragedies. By calming the mind we reduce stress. By reducing stress, we can combat depression and save lives. 

Amidst stress, how can one effectively engage in meditation? 

In today's fast-paced world, the issue of attention and mental effort has become essential. Microsoft reveals that our ability to concentrate has plummeted below that of a goldfish - a mere 7 seconds, and a meager 3 seconds online. 

How can we expect someone grappling with stress to simply "focus on their breath" when they find it impossible to maintain focus? It's like asking a person in a wheelchair to go for a jog in Central Park. 

I'll never forget the words of a prisoner who told me, "’If you say to us, take a deep breath, you are not respectful, you don’t realize how life has changed, you cannot copy paste your old wellness map in our crazy world’’.  

For the past 15 years, I have developed an entirely new approach to meditation - one without effort, concentration, or rigorous exercises. It centers around a vital question: "How can we meditate when meditation feels impossible?" 

Our world has totally changed, and our methods of nurturing well-being must adapt accordingly. Just like any plant in nature, if we wish to survive, we must learn to adapt. This is not mere opinion, but an undeniable truth, a law of nature. 

Could you briefly explain your new approach? 

In my book “Meditation for Daily Stress: 10 Practices for Immediate Wellbeing” I developed an approach that requires no effort, can be done anywhere, and in as little as one minute. With a simple invitation to close the eyes, we guide individuals through a visualization exercise, such as the "Meditate like a Mountain" technique which helps you feel grounded. I have adapted this very ancient visualization of the Mountain, from the ancient contemplative tradition of Hesychasm in Orthodox Christianity. 

As soon as the practice begins, one can feel the tranquility transmitted through the voice and the mental imagery. By combining the soothing quality of the voice with the potency of a mental picture, we can harmonize the energy of a stressed individual in just one minute. I love our “One Minute Meditation”. 

We cannot talk to someone's stress, but we can tune someone's stress. Almost immediately, the individual experiences a calming sensation flowing through their body, a diffusion of serotonin—the “feel good” hormone —reaching every cell. This newfound peace becomes addictive, reshaping the individual's emotional addiction from stress to tranquility.  In this manner, we re-educate the addiction to stress by cultivating an addiction to inner peace. 

Do you believe that the voice plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of the technique? 

Absolutely! As a singer, I recognize the incredible power of the voice as a form of medicine. Everything in our world is vibration, resonance, and energy. When I utilize my voice, it immediately tunes the minds of those who listen, and a profound sense of well-being permeates their bodies. Neuroscientists have delved into the study of sound resonance and have corroborated what authentic shamanism has long explained: Every sound we hear creates a resonance within our brain, ultimately impacting every cell in our body. Our cells are intricately connected to our emotions. This revelation illuminates the fact that meditation is more than just a technique—it is a transmission of energy that reaches the very core of our being. 

How do meditation teachers maintain a daily sense of calmness? 

For me it is about strict responsibility, a sincere commitment to living in accordance with my beliefs. How can we effectively teach peace if we ourselves are not at peace? How can we impart a quality that we do not possess? Today, in our tumultuous world, the question becomes even more poignant: How can we claim to be spiritual if our actions do not align with our words, prayers, and teachings? 

Spirituality carries a profound responsibility, especially in these times. Without a sincere commitment to living in accordance with our beliefs, our spirituality becomes nothing more than a hollow facade, lacking substance or authenticity. 

In your perspective, how would you define the evolution of meditation? 

The evolution of meditation is one that does not involve effort or exercise, as we have been practicing with individuals from underprivileged communities and veterans for over a decade. We have achieved a significant outcome: zero suicides among the population most affected by mental health challenges. After each session, we conduct surveys, and the results speak for themselves: 100% positive feedback.  

Can this approach be effective with individuals from various backgrounds and profiles? 

Yes, without any doubt. For the past decade, I have dedicated myself to developing a program aimed at calming the mind, reaching diverse communities and Fortune 500 companies, including Google. This approach has been embraced by a wide range of individuals, including firefighters, 911 operators, cancer patients, doctors, yoga teachers, psychologists, fashion designers, celebrities, CEOs, autistic children, prisoners, and even children who were involved in gangs. 

Regardless of their background or occupation, the brain is the same for everyone, we get the same amazing result at each session. 

Could you share details about your upcoming concert at Carnegie Hall on June 6th? 

Since 2016, I have graced the prestigious stage of Carnegie Hall with captivating and transformative calming concerts. And this year, get ready to witness something truly extraordinary. Music, meditation, and everything in between! 

Prepare to be moved to the depths of your soul as we welcome a lineup of musical legends that will create a fantastic night.  

Myron McKinley, the masterful music director of Earth Wind and Fire, will ignite the stage with his electrifying presence along with the enchanting melodies of Ro Rowan, the illustrious cellist known for their remarkable performances in the iconic film Avatar: The Way of Water. 

The impeccable skills and crisp sound of Ayna Ivanova, a young virtuoso violinist, Audrey Howarth and Tracey Dixon on viola, directed by the extraordinary Esteban Calderón from Berklee, will fill the hall with pure magic. 

We will go on a breathtaking musical journey with Paul Pesco, the guitar virtuoso who has rocked stages alongside music icons such as Madonna, Hall and Oates, Mariah Carey, and Celine Dion; and the mystical bass playing of Ian Martin, whose pulsating beats will reverberate through your very soul. 

The vibrant session will be led by the drummer of the Jackson 5, Stacey Lamont Sydnor. Adding an angelic touch, the Carpenters United Choir, and the heavenly voices of Tèa Licon and Summer Rona, will elevate the atmosphere to celestial heights. And for moments of transcendent tranquility, the ethereal chanting of Lama Tashi will transport you to a realm of serenity. 

All of this magnificence will be presented by Yogini Jaima, guiding you through an unforgettable evening of musical wonder, inner peace, and spiritual connection. 

At Carnegie Hall, you are set to present OMMM. Can you explain to us, in brief, what exactly OMMM is? 

Together with Michelle Narciso and Maria Alphonse, we have founded OMMM—a world movement focused on calming the mind. The OMMM team is committed to making a profound difference in the lives of people from all walks of life, one calm mind at a time.  

OMMM Foundation’s mission is to simplify access to wellness and spirituality by giving everyone free, curated, authentic, practical resources for calming the mind, across multiple platforms and events.  Separately, OMMM Inc. aims to bring these transformative experiences to corporates and other enterprises through tailored meditation programs designed to address their specific challenges and goals. 

Our company is built upon the innovative meditation technique I have developed and shared during this interview, which has yielded incredible results over the past decade. 

At the upcoming Carnegie Hall event, we will proudly showcase OMMM, accompanied by the release of my latest music album, ONE.  

Following the concert, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the album online and delve deeper into the OMMM experience through our comprehensive course, featuring 100 videos designed to help you calm your mind when faced with challenges. For those interested in becoming ambassadors of calmness, we offer a teacher training program as a continuation of our mission to spread the importance of inner peace throughout the world. 

Join us on this remarkable journey, and together, let's unlock the power of OMMM to transform and save lives as we create a more peaceful and harmonious world.