Guest Post: Becoming New, Little by Little, and Day by Day
Written & translated by Paul Min (Originally written in Korean)
Paul Min sharing his passion for Seokmun-Hoheup at Wisdom Way’s 2022 Summer Solstice Celebration.
Wisdom Ways Director Marian Diaz, Paul Min, and Assistant Director Danielle Clausnitzer, 2023
The passion for finding meaning in life has been my driving source. However, there has always been a large difference between the passion in my heart and what I am capable of actually doing. When I’m in ideal form, I’m able to practice what I think. But my endurance was weak, so I often end up choosing easy paths and avoiding difficulties rather than facing them. I was always searching for ways to sustain my passion effectively and efficiently. I often felt that I knew a lot, but my actual ability to follow through and sustain motivation fell short. As if having a shortness of breath, I lived my life inadequately, blaming the environment rather than trying to find my center within.
While seeking a harmonious and meaningful life, I encountered the Seokmun-Hoheup (breathing practice) which I continue to this day. Throughout my 20 years of practicing Seokmun-Hoheup, the most noticeable changes include an alignment of my thoughts with my actions, a closer congruence between my words and deeds, and greater consistency between my inner and outer self. As the pandemic progressed, I realized the potential benefit of sharing this breathing practice with those around me. Starting with friends and relatives, I began offering online training sessions, and now, over 30 people practice alongside me. In Korea, there are a few thousand people practicing Seokmun-Hoheup, and globally, we are just starting have around 60 people participating.
One day, as the pandemic was coming to an end, I found myself in a St. Paul restaurant discussing flyer samples with a friend to promote the breathing practice. An employee of the restaurant appeared interested in the flyer while serving us, so after finishing our lunch, I asked for their opinion on the content. After giving a brief explanation about Seokmun-Hoheup, the employee expressed genuine interest, mentioning their own passion for breathing exercises and meditation. They had studied nursing in college, with a particular focus on a holistic approach that promotes healing of the body, mind, and spirit. They recommended that I visit the Holistic Health program at their alma mater, St. Catherine University.
Upon hearing this, we decided to visit to St. Catherine University. Since it was during the summer break, there weren't many students around, but we enjoyed the quaint and beautiful Catholic college had a charming atmosphere. We made our way to the Student Center and struck up a conversation with a student employee. Afterwards, we spoke with a student working in the office at the Holistic Therapy program. Everyone we interacted with expressed interest in the breathing practice, stating that it would fit well with their school. After these encouraging discussions, we found a bench on the lawn and did some breathing with a pure mind intent. When it was time to leave, I walked to the parking lot and got into the driver's seat. Under a large tree in front of us, there was a labyrinth maze and a wise-looking individual was leisurely picking up fallen leaves. Feeling compelled to engage in conversation, I greeted them and showed them the flyer sample.
She was a nun living here and said it would be great if we could come to the summer festival this month. Then she introduced that the festival was hosted by the Wisdom Ways Center for Spirituality, pointing to the building next door. It was a European-style building made of red bricks. The entrance to the building was very impressive. When I went inside, it had a classical-fashioned scene that would have appeared in a movie, and there was a beautiful small library surrounded by books. When I told a staff member that I wanted to participate in the summer festival, I was introduced to the Assistant Director of the center and we had a wonderful conversation. They happened to be looking for a breathing practice program too. What a serendipity! We met the people we had each been waiting to meet. Afterwards we participated in the summer festival, and even gave a few talks. In the coming fall semester, we will officially start the Seokmun-Hoheup program at Wisdom Ways Center.
Paul Min teaching his introductory Seokmun-Hoheup (breathing practice) session with Wisdom Ways at the Carondelet Center.
When I close my eyes and focus on the 'Seokmun' point at the lower belly, I become aware of my current physical, mental, and spiritual state. Gradually, a balance between inhalation and exhalation forms, fostering deep communication between my inner passion and outer actions. By recognizing the value of these small, simple breaths taken every few seconds, I start to understand the importance of small, manageable practices that can easily change in my daily life physically, mentally, and spiritually. I am grateful that in my daily life, I have developed the bright habit of doing short breathing exercises each day. I acknowledge that every breath is a new start and that I am slowly brightening, little by little. As I begin to find this brightness within me and as my breathing becomes calmer and deeper, I start to see the Bright Light in Everyone around me. As I begin to recognize and understand my breathing, little by little, and day by day, I discover new aspects of myself.
The breath to find one’s true self, that's Seokmun-Hoheup.