Developing Jeung

I've been talking with a non-Korean friend lately about the concept of jeung (or jung) ... a concept from Korean culture which you might remember from this post.

It's not easy to define, let alone translate ... and it's interesting because I SO understand jeung because I grew up with the concept ... and it makes me wonder if this friend, who didn't grow up with the concept, can actually feel the emotions associated with jeung if it cannot be accurately translated. In other words, what comes first? Definition or feeling? Makes me wonder.

One thing about jeung that I had an ephiphany about last night is that it doesn't happen fast. You know how there is "love at first sight," right? There is no way to develop jeung at first site. It develops over time. And it develops because both parties are involved with something together over a period of time. So there's a part of it that has to do with the concept of bonding. It's deep.

So I've been thinking about the students I'll be teaching in the next few days in Colorado for The Makerie. Been preparing for a year for this moment. For the kits, I wanted to add a special message from me to each student. And this is what I decided my message would be:

Be here. You are worthy of this time.

It's actually a message for me as well. I've worked hard to prepare. Now it's time to let it unfold and enjoy and tell myself that I deserve and am worthy to be here.

And you know what? As we spend concentrated time together as we learn, laugh, and maybe shed a few tears in the process ... I would not be surprised if we start bonding and developing a degree of jeung for one another.

Many thanks to everyone in my cheering squad who have been supporting me and helping me get prepared for this event. Posts will continue going up while I'm away so stay tuned ... including a very special and fun post bright and early tomorrow.

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