It has been nineteen days since my return from Bulgaria. On August 25th, I left for Sophia Bulgaria to participate in a seminar taught by Choong Jae Nim Kim, Jeong Seong. I had not traveled outside of the USA since 1995 when I went to Seoul, Korea, and unlike other trips, this would be a solo excursion.
Bulgaria is a lovely country, and the people that I met were equally beautiful. Victor did such a professional job arranging all aspects of the trip and seminar. It made for a warm and fun-filled trip. I find myself spontaneously laughing as one of the many memories passes through my mind.
Most memorable was watching Choong Jae Nim Kim bring to life all the aspects of Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo. Watching the sword follow his body, his body following his mind, and his mind following something so freeing it can't be named.
I had the opportunity to cut for the first time. There was a comfort in being in Choong Jae Nim's presence. It was the first time I held a real sword. The same seriousness overtook me the first time I held a gun and the first time my daughter was placed into my arms after she was born. It is the feeling of awe that I have been given instruments and Life opportunities to do either great good or significant harm, which came with immense responsibility.
I received three acupuncture treatments in Bulgaria. However, I have told no one until now that the injury on my wrist from a bicycle accident this summer has steadily healed. I can't explain or understand the healing any more than I know what causes a child's heart to beat in its mother's womb for the first time.
This trip and the time I spend with these fantastic people have created a special place in my heart. Like many things in my life, experiences, lessons, and adventures take time to process. We talked about many things during those nine days, but the triade interests me the most. Why are things always done in threes? Reflection, determination, and gratitude. What exactly are those sounds Choong Jae Nim makes after washing his face three times with the fresh water in Korea?
Lisa Kozak
9/22/2021