Meditation can be our 21st Century Saviour

“It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you.” — Buddha

According to a recent study by Harvard business review , the average CEO works 62.5 hours a week equating to around 10 to 11 hours per day with 4 hours of additional time on both weekend days. The average full-time worker tends to work 47 hours per week. It is evident that we are working longer hours than ever before. When Tim Ferris spoke to over 200 people who were top in their fields, he found that between 80% to 90% had practised some method of meditation. With the working pressures being higher than ever and the working dynamics ever-changing, a new movement of people have decided to use meditation.

Earliest records of meditation have been found in Indian scriptures from around 1500 BCE but would consider the Buddha as the most influential person who used the practice as an important part of a spiritual path. He went on to inspire generations of practitioners as well as to be regarded as one of the most inspirational figures in history.

I first considered meditation during my final year at university where I was reading Steve Jobs’ biography who used meditation to reduce stress, gain clarity and enhance his creativity. After a few trials at university, I did not see any real benefits so I opted to no longer meditate. However, upon on graduation and beginning my first job in the finance world, it became apparent I would consider meditation again.