What I've Learned

Here is a random list of things I have learned while living in Korea:

1. I really must've lived like a princess back home because I was able to live with long nails all. the. time. When you clean, and like get down and scrub clean, & do shit for yourself, LONG NAILS ARE SO ANNOYING.

2. Korea really is that small. People here are used to it, therefore, they will shove you without a moments notice to get some room. Pros though- when you're in a rush and like running and swishing in front of people they don't get angry!

3. If you aren't sure if you can put it in the washer, hand wash it. Better for the environment and honestly I've shrunk so many things here cause my life's a joke.

4. Less distractions really lets you listen to yourself, feel your emotions, and better understand yourself. Sometimes my thoughts are scary and so dark, but genuinely feeling them has made me appreciate those happy weeks.

5. I get waaaayy too into my feelings. All over my social media I couldn't get over the ending of Wonder Woman and writing this post, I'm still not over it.

6. De-clutter and clean when you feel like an emotional wreck. It will help. Tidy space helps tidy your mind.

7.I am getting older because crocheting is now a thing in my life.

8. Raw vegan desserts= EVERYTHING. I have no oven and am trying to be healthy and these desserts are perfect. My favorite are raw vegan brownies at the moment.

9. Properly eject your hard drives and double back up everything. It will save you so much time and tears.

10. Spending some extra money & time on your health is important. So what if an avocado in Korea is 2-3$, splurge on those avocados make some dank ass guac and enjoy it on your day off from the gym.

e·the·re·al

/əˈTHirēəl/

adjective

1. extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world.

Who would've thought a weekend of living like a monk would've felt so perfect? Not going to lie, I had my doubts at first. I almost didn't go. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I thought monks just sat in silence and prayed all day. It is possible that the standard of living was made a bit more accommodating for us, but it was so different from the hectic pace of South Korean life.

To give you an idea of fast everything is, I have a family chicken restaurant near my home. I walked one day right by it, and it was there, and the next day it was a convenience store with fridges already installed. And this happens every. Single. Day.  The temple stay was the break I needed from the frantic pace.

The temple is on Palgongsan, and it is called Donghwasa Temple. According to the monk, Donghwasa has the largest sect, with the most monks, in South Korea. Women and men were separated, and we were taken to an orientation of what the planned activities would be as well as how to be respectful during our time there. Our itinerary consisted of meditation, prayers, learning the traditional tea ceremony, making rice cake, trust meditation and 108 bows.

The temperature during the day got hot, but in between activities, we were given lots of rest time. You could decide whether or not to spend the time however you wished.

I spent the majority of the time napping and walking around the temple in silence. Even though my mind is always racing with anxiety, the silence allowed me to think. I wasn't surrounded by distractions such as Netflix or my phone, and it's true! More things bring more stress to your life. This weekend made me more confident that minimalism is right for me. There are moments when my mind has relapsed, and all I can think about is the new clothes I need to buy. But, luckily, I haven't acted on those impulses yet.

Our meals were eaten with silence, and it made me realize how much energy I waste on small talk. This thought probably makes me sound like the meanest person ever, but I no longer wish to spend my time and energy towards such unnecessary things. I want to practice minimalism with my relationships and time as well. We will see how that goes.

I decided to name this post ethereal because the definition is how I feel about minimalism. I know many people live with this lifestyle yet, it seems way too perfect and it is the lightest way to live. No attachments to materialistic objects and being surround and doing only the things you love. How perfect does that sound? In a world where we are constantly bombarded with messages that more equals happiness, it seems impossible. However, seeing monks who give away all their possessions at the age of 19 gives me hope.

Korea Ultra Vlog

I went to Ultra Music Festival in Korea this past weekend. I honestly did not record a lot since I am trying to be present-in the moment- instead of always being on electronics. What I did record with  Hera was put into this vlog. Enjoy!

Photo courtesy of UMF Korea official after movie

1/3 Mark

February 19th was the day I landed in Korea. It has been almost four months.

I wish I wrote a post about what my expectations and goals were to see how different they've become, but I learned new things about myself, and I've grown. I can feel it.

I've been alone with my thoughts for quite awhile, and anxiety is a constant companion. I never knew I had so much anxiety back home, but it's there. Always telling me my apartment is going to burn down and to always carry everything with me. It's always a reminder when I'm walking down the stairs that at any moment I could fall and mess up my legs. Just a reminder of everything bad that can happen.
Another part of my anxiety is wanting to be "successful." My definition of success was to get a great job and make money. Making and having enough to live very comfortably while having the ability to buy nice things. And it's just so crazy how that is what my definition of success is. I think it's a lot of people's definition, but I no longer want it to be mine.

One of my new goals is to find a different meaning. In the end, I want my definition to be happiness and doing things I love, but I feel that's so vague. Just like my definition of minimalism is surrounding myself with things that make me happy, but it's been difficult. There are so many things that give you temporary feelings of euphoric, and it's hard to distinguish from pure joy. Korea has been a blessing because it is giving me time to find things that I enjoy and what's crucial to me. I'm glad I didn't go straight down the path to Law School just because that's what everyone else is doing.

But some things that make me truly happy are:

1.Editing and making my vlogs.

They are awful, but learning and finding new songs is super fun! Each one feels like my child. They aren't amazing, but I'm proud of them :)

2. Finding new ways to be healthy.

3. My cheat days

4. Waking up to messages from friends and family back home.

5. Videos of my dog T_T

Since getting a new camera, I plan on making more vlogs. So maybe I'll get better at those. As for the other things that make me happy...if you know any job professions which has any of the above as requirements, send them my way~

In My Element (Bali)

I was never one to be into astrology until I met one of my guy friends who was. When I say he was, I mean like- HE WAS. Multiple books on the subject matter, figuring out whether friendships were capable, and the first question when meeting someone new was always, "When's your birthday?"- into. I have never met someone as immersed in it as him, which I found quite admirable. He was very knowledgable and passionate about all the signs.
I am a Scorpio, which he taught me was a water sign. It makes sense. I was the most comfortable swimming, bathing, or in a body of water. I remember at a very young age always wishing I was a mermaid and trying to hold my breath for minutes long.
I enjoy beaches so much and always dreamed of being able to lounge on a beach along the Indian Ocean. I never knew I would be fortunate enough to go to Bali so soon. I was constantly in my element and had such a great time. If you are a passionate water lover like me, check out my top water lover spots.

Titra Empul Temple
If you have been paying attention to any news about Indonesia, you can get a sense that they are very religious. And It's true! They have many temples in Bali which are stunning. My favorite is the Titra Empul Temple.
It is famous because the spring water is for ritual cleansing. There are two pools with showers of water flowing from them. You start from one end and pray and get cleansed by each shower. The water is clear and I love all opportunities to be in it and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Tips: Bring a bathing suit.
If you are a female, you need to bring a sarong to cover yourself. You can have a bikini underneath it, but not by itself. They have sarongs that you may rent there. Bring cash!

Ubud Beach
Everyone told me the Indian Ocean has some of the clearest water's and boy were they right. Such a beautiful cool blue-green hue. The sand was such a beautiful gold making the beach calling my name every day. Such a beautiful place to relax with tons of bars and restaurants that add to the atmosphere. It was the best place to relax after traveling all day.

Snorkeling in the Indian Ocean
Just DO IT! So many fishes. I saw an octopus which was awesome and terrifying at the same time. If you are terrified of jellyfish though, be cautious of whether or not it is jellyfish season. I never knew I had a fear of jellyfish, but ended up drifting off the coral into the very deep abyss of the ocean where you can't see the ground. When I looked up, it was exactly the scene of Finding Nemo. I was surrounded by jellyfish and almost had a heart attack. Other than that, I would recommend it.

Tanah Lot
A beautiful temple situated on the coast. The path towards the temple is usually underwater except during low tide. So plan your trip accordingly. At the base of the temple you can get blessed by the people of the temple, and if you go to the top of the temple, you can participate in a full prayer. I was so lucky to be able to go to Bali during slow season, so I had the entire top of the temple to myself. I got to witness and do a full prayer ritual with the people at the top. I am not sure if they would call themselves priests or monks? If you know, please let me know.

Tips: They all ask for "donations," however the blessings and participation cost money. They will ask you until you give donate, so don't forget to bring cash. Also, it's only a few bucks, and it doesn't hurt to be generous!

If you are female and it is your time of the month, you won't be allowed into some temples. In their religion, it is a no-no! You can lie, but that's a bit disrespectful considering it is a place where they practice their religion. So please keep that in mind ladies.

A photo of my beautiful parents at Kuta Beach, which is a beautiful party beach ;)