“Always be joyful. Be thankful in all circumstances." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16, 18
Fame and fortune blessed this artist in his early twenties.
Born in Los Angeles,
his passion for music began in high school where he started casually writing
and performing his own music. He’s seldom recognized for his prestigious college
degree from the Wharton Business School or his successful career at a highly
competitive Wall Street firm. His rise to stardom came as a rebellious
twenty-something who left NYC’s financial district to pursue his real passion –
music.
Along with a few
college friends, Nimesh Patel (Nimo), started a band called Karmacy.
Together they pioneered a tri-lingual form of rap music. Much to their
surprise, their combination of hip-hop and soulful lyrics struck a deep chord and
their popularity soared rapidly. But his story wouldn’t be complete if it ended
there.
During the next ten
years, Nimo’s journey would take a series of unexpected twists, forcing him to
reexamine his goals. Despite his full-throttle lifestyle and millions of
adoring MTV fans worldwide, he found himself gravely unsatisfied.
Seeking answers to
life’s most important question, Nimo walked away from it all – his fame,
fortune, even his music. On a quest for deeper truths, he sought the counsel of
saintly teachers, meditated in the Himalayas, and drastically simplified his
life, his diet, and his mindset.
Instead of the next
big idea, he focused on doing small acts of service, volunteering with children
in the slums of Ahmedabad, India. Mahatma Gandhi had spent 13 years of his life
there also, spreading the gospel of truth, love, and non-violence.
He began to understand
what it meant to align his head, hands, and heart. “Those kids possessed a
richness that far outstripped material wealth,” he said.
Eventually, Nimo
embraced his musical gifts again. The work was the same, but he had
changed.
He started “Empty
Hands Music,” a 501c3, to extend kindness and encourage gratitude throughout
the world through “selfless service, music and love.” “We arrive on this planet
empty-handed,” stated Nimo, “and we will all leave empty-handed, So then, how
and in what spirit do we want to spend the time in between?”
Recently, he teamed up
with an old pal, Daniel Nahmod, and brought together dozens of people from
around the world to create a beautiful, soul-stirring music video called
“Grateful.” View it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO2o98Zpzg8
“All that I am, All that I see, All that I’ve been, and all
that I’ll ever be is a blessing. It’s so amazing and I’m grateful for it all.“ ~ Nimo Patel and
Daniel Nahmod
Inspired by the 21-Day
Gratitude Challenge, the song celebrates the human spirit and all of life’s
blessings. For the three weeks, over 11,000 participants from 118 countries
learned that gratitude is a habit cultivated consciously and a muscle built
over time.
Lord, today I offer You a heart of
thanksgiving and praise in all my daily experiences. Inspire me to be joyful in
all circumstances, to pray continually, and to always give thanks to You. I’m grateful
for it all. Amen
