Ah, this is the real happiness.
A happiness that transcends all the fleeting pleasures we chase by achieving or acquiring something—it’s deeper, purer, and more profound.
This gentle yet powerful realization was the greatest gift from my trip to Korea this time. It’s been 10 years since I last visited, and as I planned my journey, I was brimming with excitement. I couldn’t wait to reconnect with old friends and explore places, both familiar and new.
And Korea didn’t disappoint.
Reuniting with my friends felt like stepping into a time capsule. As we laughed and reminisced, it was as though we had never been apart. The conversations flowed effortlessly, pulling us back to the carefree days of high school. It was heartwarming to see how we’ve grown yet remained so connected.
Korea itself, however, has changed dramatically since I left. After living abroad for 30 years, I felt both a sense of wonder and bittersweet nostalgia. Familiar streets now adorned with modern touches; old haunts replaced by new landmarks—it was a beautiful blend of past and present.
The first days in Seoul were a whirlwind of joy—meeting friends, exploring vibrant neighborhoods, and soaking up the energy of the city. I kept thinking, This is life! This is happiness!
But the highlight of my trip came when I visited the Meditation Main Center for a two-week intensive retreat. On my first day, I stepped into the expansive meditation hall filled with people from all walks of life. We sat together in quiet reflection, guided to release our thoughts and let go of the minds we’ve carried for so long.
It was there I felt the presence of true happiness—the kind that doesn’t depend on external circumstances.
This happiness isn’t tied to achievements, possessions, or even relationships. It’s a profound peace that arises from simply being, free from attachments and worries. In that moment, I felt connected to the universe, held in unconditional love and joy.
I was overwhelmed with gratitude. Twenty years ago, I found this meditation practice, and it continues to transform my life. Nothing compares to the freedom and relief it brings.
Of course, the retreat wasn’t without its challenges. There were moments I wanted to give up, moments of frustration and boredom. But I knew those feelings were just my mind resisting. Much like exercise, meditation can be tough, but the rewards far outweigh the struggle.
One of the most valuable lessons I took away from this experience was the importance of persistence.
It’s not about taking big leaps but small, consistent steps. With perseverance, faith blossoms, and conviction follows. When the mind aligns with the universe, life begins to unfold in miraculous ways. There’s a deep sense of trust and joy in knowing that everything is as it should be.
Since returning, I’ve been inspired to incorporate this diligence into every aspect of my life. For years, I’ve been consistent with my Korean blog, writing daily posts without fail, and I’m currently on a 1,552-day streak on Duolingo! Yay for me! lol. These practices have strengthened my resolve, and now I feel ready to deepen my commitment to exercise, meditation, and journaling.
There’s so much more to share about my time in Korea, and I can’t wait to write about it in future posts. For now, thank you for joining me on this journey of discovery and reflection.
Stay tuned—more stories coming soon! 💛
Wow, a 1,552-day streak! How do you stay so persistent? I'm glad you can find joy and happiness amid the concrete jungle and grey skies of Seoul. :)