The unheard story of Steve Jobs

Hey ,

When we think of Steve Jobs, what do we picture?

We often picture the genius behind Apple's groundbreaking products, the visionary who revolutionized technology., which is true.

But what many don't know is the profound influence that meditation and mindfulness had on his life and success.

In the early 1970s, young Steve Jobs visited India. This trip was more than a cultural exploration; it was a quest for deeper meaning and understanding.

Jobs was fascinated by the spiritual practices he encountered, particularly Yoga and Meditation. His time in India planted the seeds for what would become his lifelong commitment to mindfulness and particularly shape Apple products.

We know how big of a reader Steve job was, but he particularly recommended one book the most:

"The Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramahansa Yogananda.

This spiritual classic talked about the life of one of world’s greatest saint, Swami Yogananda Paramahansa, and explores the teachings of Kriya Yoga.

Jobs was so inspired by this book that he read it annually and gifted copies to friends and colleagues. The book's themes of self-realization and inner peace resonated with Jobs and influenced his approach to life and business.

On returning back to San Francisco, Jobs' fascination with meditation continued to grow. He met Shunryu Suzuki, a renowned Zen master and author of “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind”, and began practicing Zen meditation under his guidance.

Jobs found that meditation helped him calm his mind, stay focused, and make clear decisions. It became an integral part of his daily routine, a non-negotiable practice that he credited with much of his success.

Jobs' dedication to Zen principles extended beyond his personal life and into his work at Apple. The minimalist, elegant design of Apple products is heavily inspired by Zen aesthetics.

Jobs believed in simplicity, clarity, and focus—values he cultivated through his meditation practice. This Zen influence is evident in Apple's clean lines, intuitive interfaces, and uncluttered user experiences.

Take, for instance, the evolution of the signature mouse:

It's the industrial design equivalent of the enso, or hand-drawn circle, the most fundamental form of Zen visual art.

Why does it matter for us Founders?

Steve Jobs' story illustrates the transformative power of meditation and mindfulness.

For us founders, adopting similar practices can offer numerous benefits:

• Improved Performance: Meditation is arguably the best tool or way to increase performance as it not only takes care of mental well-being but physical too.

• Enhanced Focus: Meditation trains the mind to stay present and focused, crucial for navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.

• Improved Decision Making: A calm and centered mind leads to better decisions and more creative solutions.

• Stress Reduction: Regular meditation helps manage stress, reducing the risk of burnout and maintaining overall well-being.

• Increased Resilience: Mindfulness practices build mental resilience, allowing founders to bounce back from setbacks and stay motivated.

Honestly, there’s lot to learn from Steve Jobs, but his commitment to meditation and mindfulness is something to take note about.

Thanks for taking out your precious time for reading this.

If you have any specific feedback or anything interesting, you’d like to share, please let us know by replying to this email.

Stay tuned for the next one. Until then, keep building consciously.

Thank you,

Santhosh, founder of WeBuidl

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