The past week has been pretty frustrating. I keep telling myself it will get better, it will get better, it will get better. However. it's. not. getting. better. I would say I'm a pretty laid back person, but when I'm at work I completely transform into this type A person who needs organization, neatness, people who use time wisely, organization, communication, and oh yeah...organization. If I've learned one thing about working over seas it's learning to chill out and try as much as possible to go with the flow, but sometimes things are just so fucking irritating.
I did have a meeting with my supervisor tonight and things may become better. I received this gorgeous book schedule (the first one I've received since being here). Okay, I lied. It's technically not the first one. I've received schedules prior to today, but it was always two months in, which is just enough time to realize "shit I'm behind in the book!" Now, I'm not exaggerating about this book schedule. It literally took my breath away. Not only was it color coordinated, but it had a list of every book I teach and to what class I teach the book to. It also has the date when each book needs to be finished. I'm telling you...I almost fainted.
Tomorrow is the start to our new semester and I'm just hoping things will go smoothly. I've lost my one class that literally gave me hell. Thank god! I actually think I will look forward to teaching Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
P.S - I know this is late, but way to go New York! Now you're on the same page as Iowa.
6.29.2011
6.27.2011
Temple Stay
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to do something I've always wanted to do - stay at a temple. Although I was only there for two days and one night (twenty-seven hours in total) I still gained so much from this experience. It gave me the opportunity to not only understand the practice of Buddhism, but to also clear my mind and figure out a few things for myself.
Friday night/Saturday morning: We stayed at Sudeoksa Temple in Geumsana which is actually not too far from Gwangju, but because we (my friend Shanna and I) went through a tour group we had to catch a super early bus. The bus was at 4:30 in the morning and of course because I was so anxious about catching the bus and bringing the correct things I didn't sleep much. I mean...I didn't want to offend anyone by accidently bringing an item that was frowned upon. So I carefully packed that night and tried to get as much rest as possible. Unfortunately, 3 am came faster than I wanted. As for traveling to Seoul everything went smoothly. We arrived at the bus terminal on time with enough time to get breakfast.
Saturday: Six hours later we finally arrived at the temple, but first things first. Orientation. This included a meet and greet, handing out the monastic wear, settling in our rooms and of course a welcome. After completing the basics we went right into learning how to properly bow.
Next, the thing I was at the same time dreading and ecstatic for - completing the 108 bows. Our instructor again carefully explained with every bow to add a bead to our string. She also reinsured us if we are unable to complete all bows this was ok, which was definitely reassuring to hear. Then the bowing began. I would say about 50 bows in my lower back began to kill me. I literally thought I slipped a disk and was already thinking of ways to handle the situation. If I really did slip a disk everything will be fine. I'll just go to the doctor and that's it. What if I can't work? Should I stop? No keep going. you really want to do this. Just keep going. Damn, this really hurts. I'm sure I'm fine. Just working muscles I don't use. What number is this now? We had to of reached 100. MY BACK IS KILLING ME. I'm not sure if this is what enlightenment feels like, but a light bulb went off. HELLO ANGEL, you're lifting with your back and not with your legs. Once I realized this and switched lifting techniques the pain resided. You would think my experience working in a Physical/Occupational Therapy clinic would prepare me better for bowing, but it didn't.
Unfortunately I did not complete all 108 bows. I stayed on the ground a few times to get a quick break. However, I did finish adding beads to my necklace and by the end of the session I was soaking with sweat, sore and full of amazement that I had just taken part in pure awesomeness. To finish off the evening we were left with a silent dinner, Yebul Ceremonial Service (chanting) and tea/conversation with a few monks. Dinner was actually hard. First, you must finish all food. Monks do not believe in wasting food, so what's taken must all be eaten. Second, it was silent. There were random chit chatting by others, but our group was instructed to not talk once entering the dining area. I don't consider myself a talker and actually prefer to not talk at times. It was still surprisingly very difficult. I really wanted to talk and actually did a few times. Whoops.
Later that night the group had tea with about seven or eight monks. Most were from Russia and Poland, but the master was Korean. I suppose they came since they could speak English. By this time I was pretty tired and was working extremely hard to keep my eyes open. I was sore, sweaty, and exhausted from traveling, lack of sleep and the bows, but I still really enjoyed sitting and having tea with them. Not only did they have amazing things to say and advice to offer, they were hilarious and full of life. One of my favorite things one of the monks said, "Your future doesn't create you, you create your future." Prior to saying this he was talking about how our outcome in life has already been decided. Buddhist believe in reincarnation and karma. If you were bad and sinned in a previous life then you will pay for this in your next life. In this next life, although your future has already been decided, this doesn't mean you should let this define you. If you are reincarnated and paying for bad karma you can still do good with this life. While I don't necessarily believe in reincarnation I do believe what has happened and will happen in my life is meant to occur. This includes both the good and the bad things; and because these things are already planned as my future I shouldn't let this shape who I am.So again, "your future does not create you, you create your future."
Sunday: Another bright and early morning. We awoke at 3 am to shower and get ready for dawn Yebul. We took part in morning prayer, which of course included more bowing and chanting. We also watched a drum ceremony and than participated in a walking meditation that lead into sitting meditation. I personally really enjoyed meditating; I saw it as another opportunity to clear my mind. After meditation came silent breakfast accompanied by a monk. The breakfast was very interesting. There are certain ways to set your bowls in front of you, serve the food and even how to finish the meal. At the end, everyone was given tea to rinse out their bowls. After rinsing the bowls we drank the tea; this ensures you were able to get every last piece of food. Following breakfast we went on a hike (literally up the mountain) and ended our time making lotus flowers.
Friday night/Saturday morning: We stayed at Sudeoksa Temple in Geumsana which is actually not too far from Gwangju, but because we (my friend Shanna and I) went through a tour group we had to catch a super early bus. The bus was at 4:30 in the morning and of course because I was so anxious about catching the bus and bringing the correct things I didn't sleep much. I mean...I didn't want to offend anyone by accidently bringing an item that was frowned upon. So I carefully packed that night and tried to get as much rest as possible. Unfortunately, 3 am came faster than I wanted. As for traveling to Seoul everything went smoothly. We arrived at the bus terminal on time with enough time to get breakfast.
Saturday: Six hours later we finally arrived at the temple, but first things first. Orientation. This included a meet and greet, handing out the monastic wear, settling in our rooms and of course a welcome. After completing the basics we went right into learning how to properly bow.
Next, the thing I was at the same time dreading and ecstatic for - completing the 108 bows. Our instructor again carefully explained with every bow to add a bead to our string. She also reinsured us if we are unable to complete all bows this was ok, which was definitely reassuring to hear. Then the bowing began. I would say about 50 bows in my lower back began to kill me. I literally thought I slipped a disk and was already thinking of ways to handle the situation. If I really did slip a disk everything will be fine. I'll just go to the doctor and that's it. What if I can't work? Should I stop? No keep going. you really want to do this. Just keep going. Damn, this really hurts. I'm sure I'm fine. Just working muscles I don't use. What number is this now? We had to of reached 100. MY BACK IS KILLING ME. I'm not sure if this is what enlightenment feels like, but a light bulb went off. HELLO ANGEL, you're lifting with your back and not with your legs. Once I realized this and switched lifting techniques the pain resided. You would think my experience working in a Physical/Occupational Therapy clinic would prepare me better for bowing, but it didn't.
Unfortunately I did not complete all 108 bows. I stayed on the ground a few times to get a quick break. However, I did finish adding beads to my necklace and by the end of the session I was soaking with sweat, sore and full of amazement that I had just taken part in pure awesomeness. To finish off the evening we were left with a silent dinner, Yebul Ceremonial Service (chanting) and tea/conversation with a few monks. Dinner was actually hard. First, you must finish all food. Monks do not believe in wasting food, so what's taken must all be eaten. Second, it was silent. There were random chit chatting by others, but our group was instructed to not talk once entering the dining area. I don't consider myself a talker and actually prefer to not talk at times. It was still surprisingly very difficult. I really wanted to talk and actually did a few times. Whoops.
Later that night the group had tea with about seven or eight monks. Most were from Russia and Poland, but the master was Korean. I suppose they came since they could speak English. By this time I was pretty tired and was working extremely hard to keep my eyes open. I was sore, sweaty, and exhausted from traveling, lack of sleep and the bows, but I still really enjoyed sitting and having tea with them. Not only did they have amazing things to say and advice to offer, they were hilarious and full of life. One of my favorite things one of the monks said, "Your future doesn't create you, you create your future." Prior to saying this he was talking about how our outcome in life has already been decided. Buddhist believe in reincarnation and karma. If you were bad and sinned in a previous life then you will pay for this in your next life. In this next life, although your future has already been decided, this doesn't mean you should let this define you. If you are reincarnated and paying for bad karma you can still do good with this life. While I don't necessarily believe in reincarnation I do believe what has happened and will happen in my life is meant to occur. This includes both the good and the bad things; and because these things are already planned as my future I shouldn't let this shape who I am.So again, "your future does not create you, you create your future."
Sunday: Another bright and early morning. We awoke at 3 am to shower and get ready for dawn Yebul. We took part in morning prayer, which of course included more bowing and chanting. We also watched a drum ceremony and than participated in a walking meditation that lead into sitting meditation. I personally really enjoyed meditating; I saw it as another opportunity to clear my mind. After meditation came silent breakfast accompanied by a monk. The breakfast was very interesting. There are certain ways to set your bowls in front of you, serve the food and even how to finish the meal. At the end, everyone was given tea to rinse out their bowls. After rinsing the bowls we drank the tea; this ensures you were able to get every last piece of food. Following breakfast we went on a hike (literally up the mountain) and ended our time making lotus flowers.
Overall the stay was a success. I met some amazing people and had a wonderful time. If I had the chance I would definitely do it all over again. I actually hope to one day complete a longer stay.
6.15.2011
6 months...say what?!?!?!
Today marks six months living in Gwangju, South Korea. A part of me can't believe it's been six months, but the other part of me want's to yell....that's it!!!
It's been an amazing past six months and the months literally feel like they are flying by. I've met some really great people and can't wait to have more adventures.
It's been an amazing past six months and the months literally feel like they are flying by. I've met some really great people and can't wait to have more adventures.
6.11.2011
Visiting Ulsan
This past weekend I visited my friend Ashley who lives in Eonyang which is a rural district of Ulsan. This trip was pretty nice because not only was I able to visit a friend, but I was finally able to experience a rural area in South Korea. Monday was Memorial Day so I did not have to work and had a three day weekend because of this...which again is great! Since I wasn't in a huge rush I did not get up crazy early to catch a bus. The only thing I required from myself was to be out of the apartment by 10am. Some of you may still consider this early, but I still had ~3 hours on a bus and wanted to meet Ashley around 2pm. Typically if I want to get the most out of my day I leave around 6am.
My morning was looking good. I woke up at a decent time. The weather was great - sun was out, it wasn't hot and there was the perfect breeze. Got my ticket with no worries and boarded the bus to start my travels. As the bus starts to pull out I thought, "this is going to be a great three hour ride!" I had my music and my book that I've been trying to finish for a while now. Everything was going good until about 10 minutes into the trip; then I met Mr. Head Bobber.
The first few times were tolerable and even a little funny. HOWEVER, after an hour and a half I was not laughing anymore. Throughout the entire trip Mr. H.B. continued to jerk his body back and forth; into the aisle than onto me. Back and forth back and forth. After about ten minutes of playing this game I elbowed him in the arm. He immediately awoke. I of course frantically grabbed my book and pretended to read as he stared at me for about 15 seconds. Unfortunately this didn't stop it. It continued most of the bus ride. I've inserted a picture of the culprit so you can actually see what I was going through. At this moment he is leaning into the aisle (head parallel with the ground), which I'm actually somewhat impressed with. He slept like this for about 30 minutes. I do wish I had this talent of yours Mr. H.B. Although I would not use it to annoy innocent bus takers like you.
That's taken care of...now lets move on. The weekend as a whole was pretty fun. I actually met Ashley in Busan so we could attend the Sand Festival on Haeundae Beach. We had a great time, ate Mexican food, drank beer and stumbled onto a beach concert.
While in Ulsan we rode the scariest ferris wheel. Not only is this ferris wheel huge, but it's also on the top of a seven floor building.
Heading to Geumsana for a temple stay bright and early in the morning so good night.
My morning was looking good. I woke up at a decent time. The weather was great - sun was out, it wasn't hot and there was the perfect breeze. Got my ticket with no worries and boarded the bus to start my travels. As the bus starts to pull out I thought, "this is going to be a great three hour ride!" I had my music and my book that I've been trying to finish for a while now. Everything was going good until about 10 minutes into the trip; then I met Mr. Head Bobber.
The first few times were tolerable and even a little funny. HOWEVER, after an hour and a half I was not laughing anymore. Throughout the entire trip Mr. H.B. continued to jerk his body back and forth; into the aisle than onto me. Back and forth back and forth. After about ten minutes of playing this game I elbowed him in the arm. He immediately awoke. I of course frantically grabbed my book and pretended to read as he stared at me for about 15 seconds. Unfortunately this didn't stop it. It continued most of the bus ride. I've inserted a picture of the culprit so you can actually see what I was going through. At this moment he is leaning into the aisle (head parallel with the ground), which I'm actually somewhat impressed with. He slept like this for about 30 minutes. I do wish I had this talent of yours Mr. H.B. Although I would not use it to annoy innocent bus takers like you.
Dear Mr. H.B.,
Next time you are extremely tired and need to sleep while traveling, do not have your chair at a perfect 90 degree angle. If you slightly tilt your chair back you wont play the body bob game. It's simple physics.
yours truly,
Annoyed
That's taken care of...now lets move on. The weekend as a whole was pretty fun. I actually met Ashley in Busan so we could attend the Sand Festival on Haeundae Beach. We had a great time, ate Mexican food, drank beer and stumbled onto a beach concert.
Waiting at the Mexican restaurant.
Haeundae Beach - Sand Festival 2011
Random concert...."I can't believe I wore that hat all night!"
While in Ulsan we rode the scariest ferris wheel. Not only is this ferris wheel huge, but it's also on the top of a seven floor building.
Heading to Geumsana for a temple stay bright and early in the morning so good night.
6.08.2011
May Fun
Don't be shocked, but I'm actually going to sit and write...well some. So much has happened since the last time I actually posted. Can you believe it's been over a month since my last actual update?! Let's recap this past month with a few photos. Breakdown of photos: a weekend spent in Busan which included a visit to the aquarium, beach, The Golden Buddha and a bar. The album also includes a weekend spent trying to get into North Korea (just kidding, it was a DMZ visit) and a temple visit that never actually happened.
The Golden Buddha was absolutely breathtaking. I would definitely go again. As for the DMZ trip -- I was disappointed by the trip. However, I still feel if you are living in South Korea you should definitely go. Just pay for the better tour in which you actually get inside the DMZ and step foot into North Korea. If you are looking to understand the war and separation of North & South Korea this tour probably isn't for you. It literally is just an opportunity to look into North K.
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