Ilchi Lee

New Yorkers greet New Year with the New Year's Eve dropping ball at Times Square. And people in Seoul, South Korea, greet the New Year by ringing the famous Bosingak Bell. This ancient bronze bell, housed in the Bosin Pavilion, is rung 33 times to mark the transition from the old to the new year.

Under the Joseon Dynasty, the bell was rung several times a day. In modern times, the bell is rung only at midnight to usher in New Year's Day.

Eleven people were invited to ring the bell at the traditional annual ceremony, which attracted more than 100,000 citizens. I received the honor of being selected one of the 11 citizens this year. Seoul stated that in selecting me it recognized that I created brain-oriented training and shared Korean culture with the world. I am really grateful for getting this type of feedback.

But this honor is not for me alone. In the 27 years of my career to share health, happiness and peace with the world through body-brain training and events, I have had the great fortune of working with thousands of men and women in the various organizations, programs and projects that have the same vision and values as I do. In a sense, they were all at my elbow helping me to ring the Bell.

Ringing the famous bell in South Korea on New Year's Eve

In ringing the Bell, I hoped that all people in the world will be healthy and happy in 2008. I imagine the normal brain waves which will bring us health and happiness are still vibrating the wave that this Bell created.

With all my heart, I hope that together we envision and actually create a peaceful future in which we all have health and happiness throughout 2008.

4 Comments

Joyin1ness January 24, 2008 Votes: +0	Thank you for your sharing to help us see how you are continuing every day to contribute to everything around you always. it is very inspirational to know you keep going and keep going and keep going and never give up. report abuse vote down vote up
itshappyday January 24, 2008 Votes: +0	Happy new year to you! report abuse vote down vote up
sarahdykim January 28, 2008 Votes: +1	It was really touching to see you ringing the bell as I know it is one of the most honorable thing to do as a Korean. Thank you for your never ending love and dedication for us. report abuse vote down vote up
Amber February 08, 2008 Votes: +0	wonderful!!! report abuse vote down vote up