Thoughts can be chaotic, so I meditate: Imaad Shah

I follow my own version of spirituality which is based in creativity and discipline. Creative activity is the highest pursuit in my life. In my profession that is of songwriting and acting there is a need to be centred and to focus your thoughts. It is through creativity that I have found spirituality in my life.

I do not follow any guru, I believe in my own achievement and inner peace which I strive towards. I do not pray but I meditate so that I can clear my mind of thought. Thoughts can be chaotic and disturbing. People today tend to be hyperactive and this is more of an impediment than a help. A state of neutrality is what I aspire for while meditating.

Someone very wise once called acting the ‘business of repetition’. I practise every day and this really helps me stay calm and connected. When I practise I am able to meditate on what I want to achieve professionally and personally. For me, the idea of finding God through organised religion is not exciting. Religion does not have the best track record for leading people the right way. It tends to disorganise people rather than organise them.

My dad is Muslim and my mum is Hindu, so I am in a way, neither and both. I feel at home with both sets of rituals and ceremonies. The culture around a religion interests me more than religion as a route to enlightenment. I keep fifteen to twenty rozas a year, but more out of a personal desire than a religious formality.