In commemoration of International Women’s Day, the QI Group organised a special meditation session in Singapore on April 13, for 20 domestic workers who have suffered abuse in their lives. This initiative, held in collaboration with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) Singapore, falls under the Community Development pillar of RYTHM Foundation – the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of the Group.

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The session was facilitated by Group Managing Director Joseph Bismark, who has been practising meditation since he was a teenager. Having experienced its benefits first hand, he now aims to share that knowledge with those interested to learn.

The beneficiaries who hailed from the Philippines, Indonesia and Burma, were also joined by 20 QI employees from the Singapore office, including the Group’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Zaheer Merchant.

Bismark began the session by talking about the importance of knowing who we truly are, followed by Mantra and Silent Witness meditation. “We are not identified by the clothes we wear, our name or where we come from. Rather, we are spirit souls and understanding that is the beginning of the journey to true happiness,” he said.

“Meditation falls right alongside our journey to self-awareness as it is through it that we achieve internal calmness. Mantra meditation is a process or practice of drawing the mind from material thoughts and converting that to spiritual thoughts.”

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The topic seemed especially pertinent to the women as it gave them the affirmation that, no matter the trials and tribulations one goes through, understanding the simple truth about the soul will set one free.

It was obvious from the glowing smiles and praise that resonated throughout the room after the session, that all participants left feeling refreshed and renewed.

Bismark is a staunch advocate of healthy living, and is also responsible for the Group’s venture into wellness and organic foods.