Ilchi Lee

I made it!  Although I didn't lose the 15lbs I would have like to, I still loved myself and had so much fun at my 35-yr high school class reunion this past weekend.  Dahn Yoga is still with me every day since joining in May 2005 and I share with others how great it makes you feel to truly 'find yourself' as I did at Shim Sung training...IT WAS AN AWAKENING!  I recently hadsome issues with my cervical area of my spine and doctors want me to go to physical therapy...I do know that when I was 'consistent' in my daily routine of Dahn Yoga, I did not have the issues!... So, I am committing myself to perform DAILY my stretching, breathing and Dahn-jon exercises so that I strength my spine.  I still hope that the Champions Center will begin the early morning classes again so I can attend.  See you all soon... Kam sa ham ni da!  Doowoo-nim Dena

The last two days i've eaten a little more for my last meal than I wish I had. One problem was going to the county fair and when it came to dinner time, there was a lack of healthy eats. The other problem was having to eat today on the run. Fortunately, besides these two issues, i've still managed to eat smaller portions for the rest of the day. The next big step I want to continueworking on besides eating and stretching is the meditation time in my life. I have started a new book on meditation as medicine that focuses on using your natural healing force. It all coincides with the ideas in  Dahn Yoga, and is helping provide even more in depth practices to increasing my meditative actions. I want to continue to practice Ji Gam training, as well as other forms of meditation throughout my day, not only in the search for relaxation, but in the search for a deeper understanding in all things.                                                                                                                                             

To be more consistent with my personal training; 2 hours in the morning and 1 hour in the evening.Next week public action: On Friday,Aug. 15th, personally check alternative locations for a site, set a date, call my 3 pts. and let 6 staff know of this info.Create fliers on computer and drop off @ the library the following week.

To silently recite the Chun Bu Kyong during the day, not only while bowing. PUBLIC GOAL(LAST WEEK): To contact one person and show him  3 initial basic exercises:abdominal tapping,intestinals, and toe tapping to do daily. Also, to begin searching for a venue for brain wave education by Master Ryann.

To continue with the various techniques I have implemented on this course, I decided to look into and begin practicing alternative medicinal methods. These practices involve acupuncture/acupressure and moxibustion. I have been learning the basics through simple instruction on locations and methods in the moxibustion DVD available through Healing Plaza, Ilchi Lee's 'Healing Technology', and other acupressure study material and books. I have suffered from moderate to intense lower back pain for years that has not been alleviated no matter what pain killers I have taken, or other attempts I have tried all this time. Through studying the different points associated with this location, I have found some comfort in reducing the discomfort and pain through acupoints in my body. It still amazes me how western medicine and just the western thought pattern in particular can be so biased against accepting the idea that methods of this nature that have been long implemented in the east, can be subject to the view that it is some form of hocus pocus. However, if one would just attempt to give these techniques a chance, they might find just how resourceful they can be towards greater health. Now I am no expert, but I have been enjoying the study of these forms and all that I can implement in my own journey towards greater health and overall understanding.  

So far in my journey I have been able to actively work on my progress from all angles of the goals I wished to create for myself. I began my flexitarian diet, eating less meat, but adding much more fruit and vegetables daily. I have also cut out the alcohol which I did not think would be possible. I have now been sober this whole time. I no longer eat anything past 8 pm to allow my metabolism to burn the calories as I sleep, and have been stretching each day. With meditation and getting more active, I have found myself feeling healthier and more flexible. I no longer eat fast food or drink sode as I try to avoid anything not really producing any benefits for my goals. I have also been walking and riding my bike more through the neighborhood I live in.  Not only has this all cut down on my stress, but I have lost a tremendous amount of weight. I am down to around 175 and feeling great about how these rules have been forming my goal!

I did OK until the evening. Then I gave myself permission to play. Only thing is I played too long. I became overwhelmed and frustrated re. stores and my physical financial reality that has continued to haunt me (up until now). This is what I know for sure!!! I am dedicated to my ministry. I am dedicated to my personal self-empowerment and enlightenment. I am dedicated to my calling and choice to be a facilitator to other peoples transformation. Today I begin again

I enjoy having time to focus and spend extended time on yoga.  I will have to work hard to carve time out when I go back to school.  Already, I have more demands as I head back to prepare for the new year.  Family, friends, final "summer activities" to cram in all create more demands.  I am just beginning to see that yoga is helping me to be calmer and happier - less annoyed by the little things.  It seems as though in the last few years, I was becoming more tense, more easily annoyed, laughing without joy....and I missed the person I used to be.  I feel as though a light is just beginning to flicker, and I can again get in touch with that person. 

I added more stretching to today's routine, and more deep breathing afterwards.  I do feel calm. 

It means "I am reborn" and it's from a song by Puerto Rican salsa singer who tried to be reborn but went back to his drug habit and died--along with his gift of song. 

I am reborn is my way of facing the past and facing away from it and into the present and everpresently-blossoming future.