Well it seems all too easily 2013 has slipped away with the arrival of 2014. As is typical here at English Village, we worked right through the holidays. And so I shared my New Years with a very young assembly of party-goers, our students. As I did my best in class to communicate about the New Year in very simple English, two of my youngest students liked saying “Happy New Ear”… instead of “Happy New Year”… and so, I pass their amusement on to you.
It continues to be a quiet winter season. The snow is periodically melting giving way to dirty streets and icy patches. English Village is currently entertaining a group of month-long visitors for a program called VIP. This student body is generally around 11 – 14 years old. The month of January is a winter holiday for Korean students. As learning English and studying is a high priority here, around 200 lucky students are spending their winter holiday here. I am not teaching these students as I am teaching the youngest students at English Village, a program where we read books, do simple english activities, play games and do crafts. Truly a world apart from the busy adolescent body of VIP.
I continue to be aware of what an odd life I lead here in English Village. Recently a friend from Germany wished me well in my current adventures in the UK. “I am not in the UK…” I had to distinguish to him. “I am at a place called English Village… it’s in South Korea.” True, the architecture of English Village is hardly reminiscent of South Korea… and it’s not intended to be. This is a place where South Koreans can be immersed in the English language and something like western life… without leaving their country. It’s the only place where I can feel like a rock stock just for smiling, saying hello and speaking English.
Despite the strangeness of life in English Village, there are many things that I cannot help but be grateful for. In the simplest of terms it has afforded me a safe and mostly gentle respite in life where I can live, develop and grow. It is nestled in the un-busy hills of Paju City that always feels like a relief to me after returning home from a day in Seoul. There are many friendly English-speaking faces here and a whole network of resources for surviving and navigating life in South Korea. Plus, there is a whole world to discover not far outside our door and easy access to Seoul.
Recently I took myself on a little pre-New Years celebration/adventure to a traditional Korean bath, known as a jjimjibang. I went to a bath in Seoul called Dragon Hill known for its friendliness and accessibility to foreigners (that’s me…). It was only my second visit since arriving in Korea. I have to admit it still takes a little “somethin'” for me to go to a public place where I will be walking around naked in front of strangers. While it might seem unusual to some Americans, the practice is quite common in Korea. At the Dragon Hill spa, you take the elevator to the women’s sauna floor, find your locker, take off your clothes and you’re on your way!
The sauna itself is filled with a myriad of inviting, warm, herbal baths. Ah, so nice and invigorating. It’s sort of fun for me to go there as a foreigner who doesn’t speak or understand Korean. In some ways I get to be almost invisible as I glide in and out of the tubs surrounded by many Korean faces and bodies. It’s also a joy to share the innocence of unspoken communication… the simple things that are done to acknowledge someone else in a friendly way – a laugh, a smile when there is something to be said but no words to use.
While at Dragon Hill I gave myself a special New Years treat and signed up for a massage. This was, as it turns out, no ordinary massage… but 90 minutes of full body acupressure, thai massage, foot massage, facial acupressure, head massage and facial treatment… whew! Are you feeling relaxed yet? It was, in fact, one of the most kind and loving things I have ever done for myself. At one point I just laughed out loud in sheer joy as I had some sort of facial treatment on my face (that felt really cool and refreshing) while my body continued to be coaxed into release and relaxation. Granted, it wasn’t quite the personal “massage therapist” experience you might have back in the States. At one point I heard someone call the name of the man who was giving me my message. He responded to the call immediately and just dropped my leg on the table in mid-massage. Nonetheless, he was very good at what he did and I was grateful.
As this year has come to an end, myself and others are looking to the New Year with some sort of intention or fresh energy. In honor of that I thought I would share a few of the things that really make a difference in my life. If you know me or read my blog, you are already aware that Reiki and SGI Buddhism are both spiritual pillars in my life. But here are a few others that I seldom mention that would enhance any New Year. Enjoy!
- Dan Millman’s 4 Minute Workout
You many know Dan Millman, the well-loved guru whose story is told in the movie Peaceful Warrior. I learned this sweet little workout during a cold, quiet winter in Germany. It’s great because it moves and addresses every part of the body in only 4 minutes. It’s a perfect way to bring some movement into your life on daily basis. - Art of Living Sudarshan Kriya
I stumbled upon the Art of Living in post-hurricane Katrina New Orleans. Their was something about the organizational name that caught my attention. I attended an informational session and felt inspired to take their first course which teaches the Sudharshan Kriya. The Kriya is a simple sequence of breathing and movements. I have done it regularly for about 7 years now. It’s something I can count on to ease stress, reduce anxiety, bring me back to my body, and help release any physical pains or discomforts. Click here for more information and to find a course near you. - Radiant Recovery
Many of us know… on some level… you are what you eat. For many people, myself included, eating a heathy and appropriate diet is the difference between day and night in health and feeling good. A friend referred me to this program of eating. It’s signature book is “Potatoes not Prozac” as part of the ensemble of new eating habits is eating a potato before bed. It is targeted for people who are “sugar sensitive” and gently unfolds a program backed by science to support health and well-being. Do you think you might be sugar sensitive? Read here to learn more!
How about you? What are your plans and inspirations for the New Year? Any cherished goodies to share to help launch me and others into the New Year?
Wishing you a powerful, happy and transformative New Year! And as always, thanks for reading!
Photo on top, in class with the little ones we made party hats for our New Years celebration!
by William Duffy about 8 years ago. I was in the midst of a major personal health transformation and willing to make any changes necessary to feel better. I was intrigued by the book and decided to give it a read for myself. After reading it I considered the possibility that sugar may be acting like poison in my body and impacting my mood and well-being. I decided to give it a shot without sugar and see what a difference it made.
.
Gypsy Woman 