Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2010

I thought I would share this video with you...

One of the staff at UBE gave me the lyrics to this song the other day. I remembered seeing the movie based on the real story a few years ago. It's about soldiers on opposing sides who declared their own truce in order to enjoy Christmas Eve together.

For me, it is a reminder of how peace and love can prevail even in the most unexpected circumstances. I think it can definitely happen again!

If It Could Happen Again - Collin Raye

A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Here's to having the courage to end wars in our families, workplaces, communities, nations, and around the world.

With love,


Jenny

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If It Could Happen Again - Collin Raye

(Narration: One frozen night in 1914, at the height of World War I, the unthinkable happened: all along the entire western front, the British and German soldiers lay down their weapons, an unofficial cease fire, to celebrate Christmas Eve together. They exchanged gifts, and saw each other as brothers, and that peace lasted for two more days, when they were ordered back to battle. In those few days, though, men remembered the reason for Christmas amongst the devastation, and it's a story that should never be forgotten.)

Through the smoke filled night silence rose from both sides
Across a bloody battlefield
It was a cold Christmas Eve in 1914
To those who were there, it seemed unreal
As time was still the spirit moved the soldiers
To lay down their arms and raise their voice in song
And pretend for a while the war was over

If it could happened then, it could happen again
A world torn apart could join hands and hearts
To celebrate his birth and peace on this Earth
If for one magic night we could find again a reason not to fight
Maybe there's a chance; This time it might last.

As opposing sides approached through broken words they spoke
It wasn't long before they felt at ease
They shared their cigarettes, what they had they used as gifts
They didn't feel like enemies
With candles lit they stood shoulder to shoulder
And on that field they found true common ground
And as they prayed they dreamed the war was over

If it could happen then, it could happen again
A world torn apart could join hands and hearts
To celebrate his birth and peace on this Earth
If for one magic night we could find again a reason not to fight
Maybe there's a chance; This time it might last.

If it could happen then, it could happen again.

EEG and Neurofeedback in the ROK Army

Last Sunday, I was invited to join a class as they visited the workplace of one of their classmates who works for the ROK (Republic of Korea) army. He works as part of the Intelligence Department and his job includes using QEEG (Electroencephalogram) and Neurofeedback, tools used to measure and improve brain activity and function.

Here he is explaining how QEEG works.



Here, I am playing a "bowling" game using neurofeedback--my level of concentration and relaxation determined the outcome of my bowling game. If only I could use this approach in real-life! (I probably can--just never thought about it anytime I bowled in the past). Neurofeedback training is used in particular to help individuals with ADHD and anxiety improve their concentration and relaxation.

Korean Shamanism

This week a Korean Shamanist festival and ceremony were held here at the Hanminjok Historic and Cultural Park to mark the Lunar Calendar "Gaecheonjeol" (Heaven's Opening Day).

Korean Shamanism, like many other traditional or indigenous practices, was suppressed by both foreign and domestic powers, but has recently regained support from the Korean public and government as an important cultural practice.

Parts of the festival and ceremony were similar to an ancestral rites ceremony that is held in Korea on special holidays like Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) or New Year's. It also had other elements, which seemed to represent human's connection to nature, and a "performance" by a traditional Shaman, which reflected the way shamans used to meet and talk with villagers.

Energy Yoga Center Open House Weekend

This weekend the Energy Yoga Center in Burlington, Canada, which is managed by my husband, Marek, is having an Open House.

Here's the line-up of workshops and presenters who will be at the Open House:



Saturday, November 13th:

10am -11:15am: “Open Class”

11:30am - 12:30pm: “Tipping the Scales" ... and I'm not talking about your weight or weight loss!” Sometimes the stress and burdens of life can weigh us down. Come re-energize by learning some tips and practical suggestions on creating a healthy life balance so you are living your best life!
Presented by: Joyce Minten, Life Coach

12:30pm -1pm: Lunch, "Organic Soup of the Day" by Tina and "Healthy Treats" by Sanya

1pm - 1:30pm: “Aromatherapy, Essential Oils and Hot Stone Healing Massage”How certain blends can improve our physical and mental well-being.
Presented by: Joanne Acevado Ireland, Aromatherapist and Healer

1:30pm-2:30pm: "Creative Writing and Meditation"
Experience Stream of Consciousness Writing; a non-stop, free flowing writing reflection workshop! With the awareness of our senses intact, we will write in flow; writing, whatever comes into our minds. There is no thought process or editing, it just flows from hand to paper. Writing is an extension of mediation.
Presented by Tina Dine, English Teacher

Sunday, November 14th

10am - 11:15am: “Aromatherapy Yoga Class - Using Thieves Oil to Fortify Our Immune System”
Thieves Essential Oil was inspired by the historical account of a group of 15th century thieves and grave robbers who rubbed cloves, rosemary, and other aromatics on their bodies to avoid contracting the deadly black plague. When apprehended, these thieves disclosed the formula of herbs, spices and oils they used to protect themselves in exchange for a more lenient punishment.
Presented by Vickie Vopni, Energy Yoga Teacher

11:45 am - 12: 45 pm: "Earth Qi-Gong" and 7 Energy Postures with a Sword "Gum Bo Young Gong"Learn about an ancient Healing Energy Martial Arts to improve your posture, strength, balance, and concentration and to help you reconnect with a deeper sense of Self through Ki-energy.
Presented by Marek

2:00 - 3:30 pm: "Heal Yourself with Living Food"Presenters will talk about the health benefits of a raw food diet and look at some seasonal recipes for the fall/ winter.
You will also have the opportunity to sample some raw foods such as yogi juice, cleansing cocktail, kale chips, green crackers, raw falafels, live biryani, fig bars and macaroons .
Presented by Sanya and Claire

All the best for a successful open house weekend!

Brain Education English at UBE

I started English classes and activities for staff here at UBE and Kookhakwon. There are three levels: Basic English and Intermediate and Advanced Brain Education English, as well as English Noraebang and English "Cafe" nights.

My hope is that people will have a chance to learn and practice English and Brain Education in English in a way that helps them build confidence in speaking English and in sharing Brain Education with others.

Here's a link to an article about the classes published in the Kookhak News, an online publication.

Article about Brain Education English in Kookhak News

Joyce Minten, Energy Yoga, and Brain Education

A few years ago, I met Joyce Minten. She interviewed me for an article she was writing about people making career changes.

This fall, Joyce contacted me again and we did another interview. It was a great opportunity for me to reflect on where I am now in my life and where I want to be.

Joyce also contacted my husband Marek at the Energy Yoga Center and together, they decided to publish a newsletter for the center writen and compiled by Joyce, including an article based on our interview. Joyce also presented a seminar at the Open House held this weekend at the Energy Yoga Center.

Joyce has recently started her own Life Coaching business. Check out her website and the article and newsletter she wrote here:

Joyce's website

Energy Yoga Newsletter

I'd like to thank Joyce for the opportunity to work with her again and for her contribution to the Energy Yoga Center. I wish her all the best with her new business venture and on this next part of her journey!

TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean)

Last Sunday, I took the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean)--the Basic Level--in Seoul. It's usually held about twice a year in Korea and in countries around the world. In 2009, 180 000 people took the test. It includes vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening, and writing.

The test was held at Kyung Hee University and there were hundreds of people from all different countries taking different levels of the test (Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced).

For anyone who will be taking the test, I used the Complete Guide to the TOPIK and a book I bought with tests from previous years. Both were really helpful. Knowing the types of questions, vocabulary, and grammar that would be on the test in advance made taking the test much easier.

Now, time to start preparing for the next level!

Update on the University of Brain Education

This is the new website homepage (not so new now) for the University of Brain Education (UBE). Now that I've been at the university for over two and a half years, I have a better sense of the kinds of programs that are offered here so thought I would share.

The university has three departments: Brain Education, Peaceology, and Kukhak.

Many of the students enrolled in the Brain Education program are teachers, parents, and professionals working in the field of education or health, who are interested in Brain Education as an approach to supporting the physical, emotional, and cognitive development of children and adults. Courses offered include those such as Cognitive Neuroscience, Child Development, Psychology, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, Brain Education Philosophy and Practice, Brain Education and Creativity, Counselling, and the Brain and Physical Health.

Recently, the department has been focusing on researching the "Happy School Program", a school-wide program based on the Brain Education approach that has been implemented in schools throughout Korea.

UBE also offers online courses, which allow students from our university to obtain credits but also provide continuing education credits for those who are teachers. I took one of the courses last semester about preventative lifestyle changes, exercises, and healing (based on a Korean approach to healing called Hwalgong) for different health problems often experienced by students and teachers. It was full of useful information and practical tools that I could easily apply.

The Brain Trainer program is also run by the University of Brain Education. It is a National Certification program which certifies people to become "Brain Trainers". Anyone who has obtained an undergraduate degree can work towards this certification by taking a written and practical test. An online course is also available. Those who pass the certification must show knowledge and skills about the brain and methods for brain health assessment, training, and ongoing evaluation. Training is also available to organizations. Recently, for example, a certified Brain Trainer provided training for a group of women from a Women's Career Center in Seoul.

The Department of Brain Education recently started offering a program for parents called "Parent Coaching". The program offers tips for parenting using the Brain Education approach and related knowledge from the fields of applied neuroscience, psychology, education, and nutrition.

Peaceology is the academic study and research of an approach to peace called Peaceology. Peaceology includes a concrete plan for action and vision that is based on a philosophy that espouses the betterment of all humanity. In Korean, this is called the "Hongik" philosophy, which served as the philosophy of the Han people (see below in the Kukhak section) and interestingly is also the motto of the modern Korean education system. The action plan for peace contained in Peaceology includes Brain Education as an approach to helping individuals become healthier, happier, and more peaceful. Many of the students enrolled in this program are from NGOs involved in Peace Studies. The courses offered also include those related to the issue of reunification of the Korean peninsula.

The purpose of the department of Kukhak is to study and revive the philosophy and practices of traditional Sundo, a philosophy which originated with the Han people (different from the "Han" Chinese), who lived in parts of North-east Asia thousands of years ago and who encouraged its citizens to develop themselves and contribute to the betterment of others. Many of the students enrolled in this department are involved in work to promote the recovery of this ancient history, culture and philosophy. The Kukhak Department often sponsors conferences and seminars.

There is lots more to share about the university. I'll keep working on my Korean so I can understand and share more. Stay tuned... :)

The Consequences of Thinking Too Much

Although research shows that thinking stimulates certain areas of the brain, it also points to the dangers of "thinking too much".

One study found that people who have to make difficult decisions and were sure about their answers had more brain cells in their frontal lobe, in an area called the anterior prefrontal cortex. The frontal lobe (located as its name suggests at the front of your brain) plays a key role in higher mental functions such as motivation, planning, social behaviour, and speech production. The part of the frontal lobe, called the anterior prefrontal cortex, has been linked to integrating the outcomes of two or more separate cognitive operations in the pursuit of a higher behavioural goal.

Research also warns that worrying and brooding about a decision can have a negative impact on working memory, the kind of memory used to remember recent events and to use this information for something, such as remembering where you parked your car. The results of the study suggested that thinking too much about decisions can lead to difficulties with memory and depression.

To read more, you can find a link to the article here:

It's good to think, but not too much

Admiral Yi Sunshin

While visiting the King Sejong exhibition in Seoul, I also had a chance to visit the exhibit of Admiral Yi Sunshin. Yi Sunshin is known as a great admiral of the Korean Navy during the late 16th century of the Joseon Dynasty who was said to have shown great courage and creativity during battles with Ming and Japan over 7 years. The exhibit also features the famous battleship, the Panokseon (panel-covered ship), and the Geobukseon (the turtle ship), known to be the best attack ship in its day.

King Sejong and the Invention of Hangul

This week I visited the King Sejong exhibit in Seoul. Every Korean language student usually learns about King Sejong and his invention of the Korean written language--Hangul. King Sejong was a king during the Joseon Dynasty in Korea. During his reign, he realized that his people couldn't read and therefuore couldn't better themselves. At the time, Chinese was the only written language and it was only taught to nobles.

King Sejong worked to develop a written language based on the way Korean sounds were pronounced. Despite opposition from his officers, he pursued his goals. Besides Hangul, King Sejong was also known to have contributed to several inventions, including a rain guage, farmer's handbook, and others and was known as a king who supported the betterment of all classes.

The 6th International Brain HSP Olympiad

This year I had the opportunity to see the event that introduced me to Brain Education--the Brain HSP Olympiad--in Korea. It was held at the Korea University in Seoul.

There were seminars and lectures given by educators and scientists, as well as the Olympiad events.

This is Professor Oh Mi Kyung from our university.



Here are the happy winners along with special presenters:

Poongrudo Training

Last month, I took part in a Poongrudo training in Seoul.

Poongrudo is a kind of advanced Brain Education training based on the traditional music, dance, and singing culture that has been part of Korea's history for thousands of years. There are currently 9 Poongrudo centers in Korea. It is meant to be a joyful practice that combines movement, dance, singing, and playing instruments as a way to awaken the brain and body, increase mental and emotional flexibility and control, and to integrate the different functions of the brain.

Our training started with a visit to the Changdeok Palace. The Changdeok Palace is from the Joseon Dynasty and one of the Seoul royal palaces on the UNESCO World Heritage List. During the Joseon dynasty, neo-Confucianism was the ruling ideology, so ritual propreity, virtue and frugality are reflected in the dignified and restrained architecture of the palace. The palace was used as a living place for Queen widows and consorts of the King.





After a visit to the palace and dinner, we enjoyed Brain Wave Vibration training at the Seoul Poongrudo Center with Sun Poong nim, professor of Poongrudo at UBE and the person in charge of Poongrudo in Korea. I had experienced training with him when I took his class here at UBE before so it was great to experience it again. Sun Poong nim played the jang-gu (a traditional drum) and flute and sang. Through movement, tapping, and vocalization, we could release tension from our bodies and enjoy the flow of the music.

Afterwards, we enjoyed delicious food together and singing and dancing to traditional songs. The songs, all of which follow the 3-beat pattern matching the Heaven-Earth-Human (Chun-Ji-In in Korean) worldview, were sung in partners by all of the participants.

The next day, we hiked up Mt. Bukhak, which is also the location of part of the Fortress Wall of Seoul (which connects four mountains in Seoul) and close to the current site of the "Blue House", the executive office and official residence of Korea's president.







At the top, we had a Chun Je Ceremony, which means a Ceremony to the Heavens. This is also a practice that is part of the traditional culture of the Korean people. Food and drink are prepared and a ceremony is held to "the heaven". In Korea, mountains and particularly, the tops of mountains are considered to be very sacred places. Afterwards, we enjoyed the food together.

University of Brain Education 2010 Graduation and Opening Ceremony

Pictures from UBE's Graduation and Opening Ceremony this spring.



This is me with the head of the Brain Education department, Professor Shin Hye Sook.



A get-together for professors and old and new students from the department of Brain Education. Of course, there was karaoke!

BR English News

BR English is an organization here in South Korea that offers programs for students to learn English and includes techniques used in the brain-based approach of Brain Education.

This recent newsletter includes an interview with a teacher who recently joined the BR English team and an article about BR English students' experiences at a camp in the US and here at Kookhakwon (The Institute for Traditional Korean Studies) in Korea.

The "Dog Days" of Summer and Your Intestinal Health

In Korea, "Bok nal” refers to the three hottest days of summer, based on the lunar calendar.

The first day is called “cho bok”, the second one “jung bok”, and the last one “mal bok”. On these days, Koreans prepare special food said to strengthen the body during hot weather. Although at one time, Koreans may have eaten a kind of dog stew, nowadays, people tend to eat "Samgyetang" (pictured above), a soup with chicken stuffed with rice, ginseng, Chinese dates, and chestnuts.

When I was little, my mom always said it was better to drink hot liquids, especially when the weather was hot. At the time, this didn't make sense to me because everyone else seemed to be having ice-cream and drinks with ice cubes.

I've since learned how my mom's advice resonates with an important principle traditionally practiced by East Asian cultures to maintain proper energy circulation and health in the body. This concept, "Water-up, Fire-down" is also an important principle used in Brain Education and refers to the importance of keeping a "cool head" and a "warm belly".

According to this concept, drinking cold liquids and eating cold food contributes to a "cold abdomen" and "stiff intestines". As a result, food and toxins get stuck in the digestive tract, which leads to digestive and elimination problems. Fortunately, through diet and exercise, we can better manage our intestinal health.

Two simple exercises that are taught in Brain Education which help are lower abdomen tapping and intestinal exercises (I've included the directions below). You can read about them here. And if it's not something you are used to, why not try eating warm food or drinking a hot drink and notice what happens in your body!

Intestine Exercise softens intestines and helps remedy constipation and other digestive problems. You can perform the exercise in a variety of positions—sitting, lying down, or standing--any time and any place. It’s best to practice them every day. Combine Intestine Exercise with Abdominal Breathing for maximum benefit. If you experience pain in the intestines during this exercise, stop and gently rub the abdomen in a clockwise motion, massaging the intestines with your palms, until the pain subsides.

To do Intestine Exercise:
1.Place your hands on your abdomen with your thumbs pointing toward the navel and your two index fingers touching together to form a triangle.
2.Push the abdomen out until you feel pressure.
3.Slowly and deeply pull the abdomen back in an effort to touch the spine.
4.Repeat this movement 100 times in a rhythmic pattern. As you become stronger and more comfortable, you can gradually increase the number of repetitions to 300.

To do Lower Abdomen Tapping:
1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Relax your shoulders, neck, and arms.
3. Bend your knees slightly.
4. Place your hands on your lower abdomen below your belly button and begin tapping the abdomen.

The 6th Annual Brain Education Conference in Korea

Today the Institute of Brain Education held the 6th Annual Brain Education Conference in Seoul.

In total, 5 professors and doctoral graduates presented.

Professor Yoon Seoh Ah presented on 'Establishing Goals for a Happy Classroom'.

Professor Shim Jun Young presented about Exercise as a "Spark" for improving brain health.

Kim Myeong Seop presented on Brain Education Teaching Methods for Enhancing Self-Esteem: focused on youth with a hearing impairment. She described a Brain Education program that had been developed and carried out specifically for young people with hearing challenges.

Lee Mi Hwa presented on Brain Education for Enhancing Teachers' Communication Skills.

Professor Oh Mi Kyung presented her research about "The Effects of the Happy School Program Using Brain Education Meditation for Children on Brain Operating System Quotient(BQ)". The BQ is a scale which measures children's physical, emotional and cognitive brain health.

259 elementary school students participated in the Brain Education meditation Happy School Program over the course of 10 weeks. Pre-test post-test comparisions with a control group who did not participate in the Happy School program showed that the students who participated in the Happy School program had greater concentration, metacognition, emotional control ability, and physical control ability.

Some of the presenters and participants:

A Thank You to the Women in My Life

A big thank you to all you women who have contributed to my life and to making the world a better place.

Never forget how amazing you are.

This 3-minute video is a tribute to women:

Do you know what the one flaw in women is?

Happy Third Anniversary to the Energy Yoga Center!

In January, 2009, my husband Marek and I bought the yoga center where we had been members and instructors in Burlington, Ontario.

Marek has managed the center since then and has renamed it "Energy Yoga" (which is a good reflection, I think, of the kind of energy--the strength and sensitivity that he brings to everything he does).

July 2010, marked the center's third anniversary at its North-Burlington location. Congratulations to Marek, the instructors, and all of the members!

60th Anniversary of the Korean War

On June 25th, South Korea, along with countries around the world remembered the beginning of the Korean War 60 years ago.

For more on this, see:

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/06/205_68300.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_War

Research on the Effects of Brain Wave Vibration

Brain Wave Vibration is a mind–body training technique designed to relax both mind and body through natural rhythmic movements. It is intended to be a simple meditation technique, a kind of moving meditation that can be used to manage stress and optimize brain health. This technique is designed to help quiet the thinking mind and release emotions, particularly negativeemotions,throughphysicalmovementsand
focus on body sensations.

A recent research study found that Brain Wave Vibration training was associated with lower stress, higher positive affect, and higher plasma dopamine levels compared to a control group.

To access the abstract for this study:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20546836

The Game of Their Lives

A BBC documentary about the 1966 World Cup team from North Korea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZcARgTqADU

Korea's Hope for a Gold Medal, Skating Star Kim Yu-Na and Canadian Coach Brian Orser

For some reason, I was really touched by this video. I didn't know that Kim Yu-Na's (Korea's gold-medal hope in skating and superstar here in Korea) coach was Canadian Silver Medalist Brian Orser.

I was touched by the impact coach and student have had on each other. Differences in Korean and Canadian "culture" were evident from their sharing, but more importantly, together these two have had an impact on each other and created something amazing.

I'm sure the world is full of stories like this.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFuDa_7u624&feature=topvideos

(If there is no link, copy and paste this link into your browser).

Brain Education for Pre-School and Elementary Schools

Links to two videos about Brain Education in New York schools and in a pre-school in the Texas area:

Power Brain Education: Pre-K school using Brain Education

Power Brain Education - Public Schools in the Bronx, NY use BE to help improve students performance

The National Assembly and National Assembly Library in Seoul

Last year I visited the National Assembly Library in Seoul to find some theses and articles related to Brain Education.

The National Assembly Library serves as a parliamentary library for the members of the National Assembly and legislative support groups and has been open to the general public since 1998.



The National Assembly Building is the building that serves as the location of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea. The building was completed in 1975. Before that, it was located in the Japanese General Government Building built by the Japanese during the period of colonial rule. Elections for the National Assembly were first held under UN supervision on May 10th, 1948 and the First Republic of South Korea was established on July 17th, 1948 when the constitution of the First Republic was established by the Assembly.



For those interested in history, the National Assembly website has a basic video about Korean history. It shows the long history of the Korean people, the extent of land and influence they had, and the way they were influenced by other nations, all of which have had a great impact on the Korean people today.

National Assembly Website

A personal note: As of this posting, I finally figured out how to create a direct link to other websites--so exciting (for me)! I apologize for all the times I gave the instruction to cut and paste the links into your browser and now that I've entered the 21st century, I promise you you won't have to do that again. Sorry for the inconvenience. I am proof that you can change your brain!

I was really busy this past semester, so busy that I am posting a summary of last semester on January 18th! It will be short on words but I wanted to share about a few things.

Courses:

- Brain Health and Exercise: We learned about the importance of physical exercise for all functions of the brain related to our physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual health.
- Research Methods
- Independent Study: I focused on researching the history of Brain Education by collecting, reviewing, and summarizing related books and research articles.

- Peaceology: The study of peace and a practical philosophy about peace that is based on humans taking responsibility for the Earth and for all of humanity.

UBE News

1. Approval of Global Cyber University by Korean Ministry
2. Approval of Brain Trainer certification by Korean Ministry

IBREA News

1. New BE Online website: www.braineducationonline.com
2. Brain World Magazine now available in 19 countries: To read some of the articles online or to subscribe, go to www.brainworldmagazine.com.
3. Launch of new Brain Test site coming soon.

Books/Magazines I'm Reading:

- Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, John Ratey: How exercise "prepares your brain to learn, improves mood and attention, lowers stress and anxiety, helps stave off addiction, controls the sometimes tumultuous effects of hormonal changes, and guards against and even reverses some of the effects of aging on the brain".

- Mozart's Brain and the Fighter Pilot: Unleashing your brain's potential,Richard Restak: "This book is based on an important principle: The more you learn about how your brain works, the better the chances of using it most efficiently". It is meant to convey an understanding of the basic principles of brain operation and gives you 28 suggestions to help you improve your brain function: your thoughts, moods, inclinations, decisions, and actions.

- Quantum Medicine, Paul Yanick, Jr.: An approach to medicine that draws on the existence of a cohesive, energetic system-the Quantum Energy Field-that regulates all systems of the human body and determines our state of health. It has long been the basis of Eastern medicine (where it is known as ki or chi) and is used in many healing modalities.

- The Art of Loving, Erich Fromm: Discusses our innate capacity for love "on the only level that truly matters: love that is compounded of maturity, self-knowledge, and courage and which like every art demands practice and concentration, as well as genuine insight and understanding".

- SQ: Connecting with our Spiritual Intelligence, Danah Zohar & Dr. Ian Marshall: First there was IQ. Then there was EQ. Now, there is a growing body of evidence, including brain science, to support the existence of SQ or Spiritual Intelligence. SQ is described as uniquely human and linked to humanity's need for meaning and values in our lives.

- The Oprah Magazine (November 2009): Who are you meant to be?: Stories and guidance about finding and fulfilling your life purpose.

Trips (after the semester finished):

1. To the DMZ (De-Militarized Zone)

My conclusion, after the tour and especially after the stop where we took pictures of the North Korean soldier while he was watching us watch him through binoculars (he is on the steps in the second picture), is that we spend a lot of energy and time maintaining conflicts with each other. We weren't supposed to smile as we were told our picture could be used as propoganda in North Korea. The first picture is a monument to family members that have been separated due to this conflict. The third picture shows South Korean soldiers standing guard (also watching the North Korean soldier). The fourth picture was taken at the United Nations' Joint Security Area in front of the gift shop :).

2. To Kangrung and Mt. Seorak on the Eastern Sea

I love the sea but it was especially beautiful in the Winter. I visited a classmate--we enjoyed food traditional to this area (potato dumplings), and visited the sea, a Buddhist temple at Mt. Seorak, and a well-known lake.

Movies and Brief Commentary

1. Korean movies and dramas: A good way to learn the language and understand this part of the culture better.
2. Ninja Assassin, featuring famous Korean actor "Rain": Lots of blood but the message was about listening to your heart.
3. 2012: We need to wake up and be prepared for changes.

4. Avatar: Hopeful

Wishing you all a happy new year full of love and hope wherever you are!