Experience the power of meditation and let Zero Chan take you on a mental journey to find your best self
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It is a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented and inspiring folks, so we’ve decided to share the love by interviewing some of the lovely Launchpad members. Looking for inspiration? Check out how Zero Chan gets it done like a boss.
How I get it done: Zero Chan
How and why did you decide to launch your business?
Previously, I was a movie producer helping directors tell their stories. I did this for 10 years but I started to feel burned-out. One day, my yoga teacher asked me to meditate on the question, “Without any limitation, what would you see yourself doing?” Then, in my mind’s eye, I saw an island, in a sea surrounded by mountains during sunset, and me stretching on a balcony. I felt at ease and warm. Then, I saw myself standing on a stage telling inspirational stories.
Nature sparks my soul and my heart yearned to tell my own stories. But I didn’t know how to combine these two ideas and make it a living. That is, not until I came across Peng Chau. Due to social unrest in 2019, the movie industry in Hong Kong was on-hold so I quit my job. Determined, I went to a Buddhist Meditation Institute in India for two months. Unfortunately, due to COVID, I had to come back. Without knowing what to do next, I visited a friend in Peng Chau. The island scenery on Peng Chau matched my meditation vision. Next, I was lucky enough to stumble across a nice flat on Peng Chau (really, it found me). I rented it as a home-studio, and started practising and sharing what I learned in India at the meditation institute. I now organise day-retreats, and also teach as a yoga teacher and singing bowl therapist. I share what I observe and reflect on in my practice on social media. People get inspired and find me. I am still amazed by how naturally this became my business. I literally manifested it.
What’s the secret to your success?
Everything is energy. When we align our mind, body, and speech, the energy we radiate can efficiently move us in the direction we would like to go. When one of them doesn’t align, it’s like a counter-balancing force, which cancels out the effectiveness.
I meditate every day so that my sensitivity and awareness can be enhanced. This helps me be mindful of how I think, how I speak, and how I act. It helps me manifest what I want, or at least move in the direction I desire.
A balancing attitude is the key. Set the intention, imagine the details, pay attention to how the details make you feel, and take action one step at a time. And then allow time and space to unfold the experience. And according to your experience, make adjustments or ask help if needed.
What does the Launchpad community mean to you?
When you want to go fast, go alone, but when you want to go far, go together. The Launchpad community can provide like-minded people with mutual support. Together, we can co-create a kind and supporting atmosphere, rather than a threatening competitive atmosphere. Like the butterfly effect, we inspire and encourage each other to do small things with a big heart. And even dare to dream bigger.
What’s the one thing you cannot live without?
Daily meditation. It helps me centre myself with a clearer mind. I meditate in many different ways and places—sometimes formally, like sitting meditation, sometimes informally, like dancing mediation, yoga, singing bowls, and so on.
How I get it done: Lightning round
On a typical morning: I awaken with the natural sunlight, or the sound of the neighbourhood, and gently open my eyes. I make my bed. I clean myself and drink a cup of Ovaltine. Then, I meditate. I make a wish and set an intention that my body, speech, and mind can serve the highest version of self and serve the highest benefit of all sentient beings. After I finish my morning routine, I feel lighter, and then I start doing things that I need to do.
On dealing with self-doubt and criticism: Firstly, I breathe in and out, to create an inner space for myself to settle the thoughts. Secondly, I tell myself those thoughts do not represent the truth. Thirdly, I create a list with three columns; fact, interpretations, and emotions. I write down all the thoughts on my mind and put them on those columns. It helps me identify what the actual facts are, what emotions are stirred up, and how my emotions filter the facts, turning them into subjective interpretations. I categorise those interpretations to find the key disturbing emotion and thought. After nailing it down, the underlying limiting belief and the hidden needs can be seen. Then, I can use a corresponding positive affirmation to transform the limiting belief.
On the hardest part about the job: I easily focus on the difficulties and push myself hard to overcome them. In that case, I will feel the tension in my body; like my shoulder, my lower back and my face. Then, I will remind myself to find balance; like taking a break, wandering around the island, walking on the beach or do anything that enables me to be still and do nothing. This helps me create a mental space, and when I look back to the situation again, I can have a wider and clearer perspective to analyse the situation, and take a better step.
On keeping stress levels low: I have some me-time and me-space to do things that spark my soul. I arrange a suitable break time for myself to rest in my daily schedule. And I even join monthly retreats or a sound bath to refresh body and mind. Nature heals me too. In summer, I jump into the sea that’s next to my house. In winter, I go trekking next to my house, and I usually just look up at the sky and enjoy watching the clouds and sea view from my balcony. Most importantly, I intentionally chose to live somewhere next to the sea, to hear the sound of waves.
On staying motivated and energised: I enjoy learning new things and keeping myself alive, rather than only focusing on improving myself. It is important to just enjoy. Because if I want to improve myself, it strengthens my hidden thoughts that I’m not good enough. Also, I will look at the mirror and look into the eyes of my self-reflection, and I tell myself that I will utilise all my energy to expand my possibilities to benefit all sentient beings.
On winding down in the evening: I take a hot shower and then put oil on my skin to give myself a massage. I listen to songs I like and I use essential oils with my diffuser to make the house smell good. I dance if I feel like. And before going to bed, I think of ten things to be thankful for that day.
On the advice you’d give your younger self: Spend time alone. Do things that spark your soul, rather than pleasing others or feeding others’ needs. Be brave to step out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, as mistakes help you grow. Let out your laughter and let yourself to think-out-of-the-box. Don’t afraid to be different. You are unique and special.
Follow Zero on Instagram or Facebook to learn more about how she gets it done.
Launchpad is a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It is designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. Launching (teehee) in January 2022, the platform offers almost daily activities for members to connect, along with weekly masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring and media profiles on Honeycombers.
