Former Wall Street trader shares his tips to happier living after ditching his six figure salary for life of meditation and solitude at a Thai monastery
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Have you ever felt like you’re living a life that isn’t truly yours? That’s how Harrison Hidee, a former high-flying Wall Street trader, felt after four years of working in the fast-paced world of finance. Despite earning a six-figure salary and climbing the corporate ladder, Harrison found himself unfulfilled and restless. He spent most of his time in the office or entertaining clients, often wearing the same clothes for days on end. But as he approached his late 20s, Harrison began to realize that there must be more to life than just making money. He started to feel a sense of disconnection from the world around him and a longing for something more meaningful.
As Harrison delved deeper into his own personal growth and development, he discovered a desire to live a more purposeful life. He started to question the values and priorities that had driven him to become a successful trader in the first place. He realized that the constant pursuit of wealth and status had taken a toll on his mental and emotional well-being. Harrison’s coworkers, who were equally consumed by their work, seemed to be missing out on life’s precious moments, stuck in a cycle of long hours and stress. He didn’t want to end up like them, with no time for family, friends, or personal pursuits. So, after four years of living in the “wolf pit” of Wall Street, Harrison made the bold decision to leave it all behind and start anew.
Harrison’s journey took him to the other side of the world, where he traveled to countries like Thailand, India, Bali, Turkey, and Albania. But one of the most profound experiences he had was living with monks at the Wat Pa Tam Wua monastery in north-west Thailand. For three weeks, Harrison immersed himself in the simple, yet profound, way of life of the monks. He spent his days in silence, reading scriptures, meditating, and surviving on just two meals a day. It was a far cry from his former life of luxury and excess, but Harrison found a sense of peace and clarity that he had never known before. He described the experience as “a shock to the system,” but one that allowed him to “step back into reality with a different lens.”
As Harrison settled into the monastic lifestyle, he began to appreciate the beauty of simplicity and the joy of living in the present moment. He would spend his days learning from the monks, reading Buddhist scriptures, and performing tasks around the monastery. He recounted his experiences on his TikTok account, sharing his insights and reflections with his followers. Harrison’s time at the monastery was a wake-up call, helping him to re-evaluate his priorities and values. He realized that the things that had once seemed so important to him – wealth, status, and material possessions – were, in fact, trivial in the grand scheme of life. As he prepared to return to the world outside the monastery, Harrison felt a sense of clarity and purpose that he had never known before.
Harrison’s journey has inspired many, and he is now sharing his experiences and insights with others through his TikTok account and his plans to build a wellness retreat in the UK. He hopes to create a space where people can come to disconnect from the stresses of modern life and reconnect with themselves and the world around them. Harrison’s vision is to create a social and community-driven space that fosters personal growth, mindfulness, and connection. He believes that by sharing his own story and experiences, he can help others to find their own path to happiness and fulfillment. As he looks to the future, Harrison is excited to see how his journey will continue to unfold and how he can make a positive impact on the world.
Despite some criticism from his followers that his experience at the monastery was more like a “vacation” than a genuine attempt to live like a monk, Harrison remains committed to his path. He knows that his journey is not without its challenges, but he is determined to stay true to himself and his values. As he reflects on his time at the monastery, Harrison is reminded of the wisdom of the Buddhist scriptures, which teach the importance of living in the present moment and cultivating mindfulness and compassion. His experience has taught him that true happiness and fulfillment come from within, and that the simplest things in life are often the most profound. As Harrison continues on his journey, he invites others to join him on the path to discovery, growth, and transformation.
