Manoj Dias Wants to Foster Connection and Revolutionize Mindfulness
info@hypebae.com (Hypebae) Mon, 02 Dec 2024 Hypebae
Wellness often feels like a fragmented practice — meditation, breathwork and movement are rarely offered in one cohesive experience. Manoj Dias, the visionary co-founder of Open, saw this disconnect as an opportunity to create something entirely new. Together with his co-founders, Dias wove together the pillars of mindfulness into a seamless platform, and thus, Open was born. More than just an app, it serves as a digital space where the mind and body can come together. Whether you're an experienced meditator or just beginning your journey, the app (along with its Los Angeles-based studio) provides a path for us to have some balance, clarity and peace in this busy and fast-paced world. For him, it's all about discovering something greater than yourself — together.
Below, we speak to Dias about the inspiration behind Open, its future and its mission to connect people to others — and themselves.
Keep reading to learn more.
View this post on Instagram
On the inspiration behind Open
Our mission is simple: "Present, together." Alongside my co-founders, Raed Khawaja and Peter Tseng, we wanted to contribute something to the world that could bring people back to themselves and one another. We noticed the fragmentation in the wellness space — meditation, breathwork, movement and sound were all treated as separate. Our vision was to weave these practices into a seamless, awe-inspiring experience, underpinned by a brand that married artistic sensibility with thoughtful aesthetics. Open was born out of that curiosity and the desire to build something that could connect people to something bigger than themselves.
On Open's mission
Open is a mindfulness platform that bridges science and spirituality in ways that feel modern, accessible and deeply personal. What sets us apart is the way we blend tradition with innovation. Whether through immersive audio scapes with world-renowned artists or life-changing in-person experiences, Open offers a space where people can explore what's happening across mind and body, in a way that feels effortless and transformational.
On what drew him to meditation
Like many, I came to meditation through personal struggle. Growing up, I dealt with attention issues and anxiety that made daily adult life feel overwhelming. My turning point came when I realized that my mind; my thoughts and my reactions, were often at the root of my challenges. I stumbled into a meditation class and was fortunate to meet a teacher who helped me understand my mind and its capacity to change. Meditation gave me clarity, resilience and, most importantly, compassion — for myself and others. Through that, I've been able to create spaces for others to see what's available to them with a focused mind and open heart. I'm passionate about sharing these tools because I've seen firsthand how they can transform lives. We all deserve to live with more ease, more kindness and a deeper sense of connection to the world around us.
View this post on Instagram
On his biggest influences
My first teacher, Channa, left a lasting impression on me. Not so much with his words but with how he lived. He embodied what it meant to be a wise, compassionate and generous human in this world. He always made time for people, no matter who they were or what they needed. Watching him taught me that meditation isn’t just about sitting on a cushion — it's about how we show up in the world and how that can change the lives of those around us.
On dream collaborations and partnerships
I've always been drawn to working with creators and brands pushing wellness and culture's boundaries. Collaborating with someone like Studio Ghibli to explore sound and storytelling through meditation would be a dream come true. I'm a huge fan of Grace Wales Bonner's work, which beautifully integrates cultural heritage and modernity – and aligns with our vision of creating mindful, culturally resonant experiences. Collaborating with the composer Hans Zimmer at a location like the Louvre for our signature "Breath + Sound" experience would be life-altering. Being able to bridge art, sound and meditation in ways that feel innovative yet still deeply human, is Open.
View this post on Instagram
On Open in the next five years
Our dream is for millions of people to Open every day — as a way of life. Beyond the numbers, the impact for us means seeing these practices ripple through culture, shifting the way people think, feel and connect. In five years, I see Open expanding globally, with flagship studios in cities like New York, London, Tokyo and Melbourne — physical spaces that embody the essence of our practices. I envision the app evolving into a platform that not only guides individual growth but also fosters community transformation, breaking down barriers and showing us how interconnected we truly are.
On his favorite practice from Open
My personal favorite is a track called "Expresso Shot." It's a one-minute breathing practice designed to energize the mind and body. Instead of an afternoon caffeine hit, I practice this for an immediate state shift.
On advice for those getting started on their wellness journeys
Start by learning how to regulate your nervous system — it's the foundation for everything else. Practices like breathwork and meditation can help you find calm in moments of overwhelm and create space to explore deeper layers of mindfulness and growth. For those looking to begin, Open is launching a free 21-day "Nervous System Reset" starting January 1. It's the perfect way to start the year with more ease and balance.
To get 30 days free on the Open app, visit the app's website.
For more founder news, check out our interview with Nia Vargas, founder of Heavenly by Nia.
Click here to view full gallery at Hypebae
