Seoul, Korea

To summarize my visit to Seoul, Korea in a post would be impossible. I compare it to going to see a film you know nothing about in advance. There are zero expectations. My experiences and my adventure here in Korea have been overwhelming, and changed me for life....something that will take a very long time to process.

From my arrival to a spectacular artist’s loft in Mapo-gu, where I was inspired creatively and made new friends for life, was the recipient of the warmest Korean hospitality from truly beautiful people who went far beyond anything I have ever experienced.... to spending my birthday at Baekyangsa Temple in the remote mountains, where I woke at 3am to listen to the rushing river, chanted and meditated with Zen Buddhist monks at 4:30 am, did temple chores raking a zen garden, hiked to the top of a mountain peak, and met friends from all over the world.

Baekyangsa Temple, South Korea

Then I met her. Kwan Jeong. Spent the day with her learning about the connection between meditation, food and sharing that with people. Simply being in her presence changed me as a person. I received the gift of a beaded bracelet from her on my birthday. Please change your life by watching her on Netflix’s Chef’s Table. It will be an hour well spent.

From there I returned to Seoul. Gangnam Station, which is the equivalent of Times Square in NYC. Only Seoul is larger. To experience going from one end of the spectrum of peace to where we are all heading in 10-20 years cannot be put into words. It has been difficult to process, yet I am taking the whole spectrum of experiences all in.

Along this journey of trains and buses I have met the most beautiful of people and friends, benefited from the generosity of complete strangers, shared the kitchen of an enlightened nun and learned from her, meditated before dawn with Zen monks, seen people waiting in line around a building to enjoy the decadence of eating raw meat, seen shopping and consumption and abundance beyond my wildest imagination.

In all of it I am taking all of these experiences in and allowing them to shape me into a better version of myself with a richer perspective of the world.

Tomorrow I will return to Japan for the next chapter of this unfolding epic adventure. In all of it I am learning humility, kindness and gratitude.

Again I am reminded....

“We do not see the world as it is. We experience it as we are.”