Attitude determines outcome

As promised, today's soccer match was another game for the record-books. 

This time we had more players come out, yet somehow when the teams were chosen, my team had more players and everyone agreed unanimously that my team had the advantage in our collective skill. 

But surprisingly, once the game was underway, we kept losing points. By half-time, we were down about 6-3. I was perplexed. That's when I realized - it was our attitude. We were too confident because we all thought we had the advantage, so we had let our guard down. 

In the second half, even without my saying anything to the effect of what I had realized, we started picking up our game. We utilized our strengths and started playing as a team. 

I realized that even a small change in my attitude can make a big difference for my team, even without my saying a word. That is the power of attitude.

A fight worth fighting

In this week's epic soccer match, Wilder and Kaz faced off against myself and 4 little league-rs for the ultimate show-down.

Up to the final moment, the game was neck to neck as the extraordinary talent of the Peru-Japan duo was matched by the passing skills of the 4 munchkins & the Neymar Santos Jr.-jerseyed coach (that's me).

After a prolonged fight to the last minute, the outnumbered duo defeated us 22-20. Yet what we all gained outweighed the losses.

Every team is full of unique strengths and weaknesses. For us, we had strength in numbers - for the other team, they had strength in skill and ability. Yet it was when we did not hinder ourselves by dwelling in our weaknesses and focused on our strong points that we could work effectively and score.

Stay tuned for next week's match and the valuable lessons that await us!

Challenge is a good thing

In life we are bound to face challenges. Some people buckle and falter when faced with challenge, yet others persevere and come out stronger. Which kind of person are you?

If we see challenge as an opportunity to demonstrate our resolve and deepen our commitment to a certain purpose, the trial becomes a testament to ourselves and others that we are truly sincere in our will. Yet if we see the challenge as a nuisance and hindrance, we either shy away from it or go through it resentfully, leaving us disheartened and defeated.

Challenges will present themselves either way - but how we deal with the challenge can completely alter the outcome.

Meander Meadows, WA - 9/28/14

Don't take it personally

A lot of times things happen that are out of our control. Yet our natural tendency is to see everything in a narrow perspective based on our own perceptions. Often this leads to an emotional response to the situation - we feel guilt when things go bad and arrogance when things go well.

Yet if we can broaden our perspective and don't just respond out of emotion, we realize that there are many factors at play that are beyond our influence and control that are causing every situation, even in circumstances that seem like we have direct influence.

For example, many times I thought someone was angry at me, but it turns out they were just having personal issues and it wasn't about me. Or when I think I deserve all the credit for a great achievement without recognizing all those who did the heavy lifting for me along the way.

We should always have the wisdom to let our immediate emotional response pass with time and seek the full scope of what is actual happening in any given circumstance.

Meander Meadows - 9/28/14

Universal truths are constant

"Laws change. Social systems crumble. Universal truths are constant. It is a fact, it is a plain fact that what is true and right is true and right for all." -Brad Pitt, 12 Years a Slave

What struck me in this movie was how less than 150 years ago, a practice as inhumane as human slavery could be an accepted social custom.

It was interesting how the movie depicts two slave-owners that are both deeply religious, yet one applies his religion to affirm his belief in the dignity of all people in spite of his own contradictory situation, yet the other intently skews the scripture to support his own brutal treatment of slaves. In reality many slave-owners back then actually deluded themselves to believe, with religious fervor, that people of a certain skin color do not have a soul. It shows that religion or doctrine in itself is not inherently good or bad, it is up to the believers to decide whether or not to pursue a good purpose with sincerity.

This lesson from history also reminds me about the importance of strengthening our conscience to withstand the lies within social customs.

In spite of his own brutal treatment by the general society, the main character in this film clearly did not lose his dignity, but found solace in the soulful hymns that strengthened his conviction in justice based on universal truths.

In the same way we should constantly check our moral compass through investing in our spiritual lives and seeking for universal truths established by God.

Paraguay-Korea cooperation

I was inspired by a recent symposium on a Paraguay-Korea alliance that I had the opportunity to listen in on last week. (You can read about it on the Global Peace Foundation website's landing page here.)

The main topic of the symposium was about building an alliance between Korea and Paraguay for the development and prosperity of both nations.

What struck me was to see how having a strong vision, principles, and values is essential to the success of even a complex task like nation-building. Without a foundation of a common ethical code, even a nation's development is hindered because its companies are less likely to receive foreign investment due to a lack of trust in the long-term stability of that company.

Carlos Gustavo Fernandez Valdovinos, President of Central Bank of Paraguay

I realized that modern developed countries (including the United States and Korea), have gradually forfeited their moral foundations rooted in traditional family values and culture in the hastened pursuit of economic advancement and development.

Recognizing this demerit, I’m very intrigued with the solution presented in this symposium of pursuing moral and economic development in tandem. I believe this will be a historic symposium in solving the ethical and humanitarian challenges facing our world.

One step at a time

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" -Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

Usually it's hard to feel the significance of the small things we do to achieve a larger goal because they don't immediately show their impact. Yet looking back after we have reached our goal, we can recognize clearly the significance of every ounce of effort we made.

That's why when we're in the thick of a great undertaking and we're getting discouraged by constant challenges, we should remember the end goal we are striving for and recognize that our perseverance is not in vain.

I realize this especially in nature when climbing a big mountain and then looking back at the distance I crossed. It's amazing to see what can be accomplished with time and steady effort.

It's the same in life. By putting one foot in front of the other, eventually we find ourselves at our destination.

Spider Gap, Glacier Peak Wilderness, WA - July 7th, 2013

Appreciating our heritage

Recently I reflected about the importance of appreciating the investment made by those who paved the path that we now stand on. Countless of our ancestors and past heroes must have been through the same and greater challenges that I myself am facing in my time. Thinking about their sacrifices, it puts into perspective how small the challenges that I face really are and it leaves no room for complaint.

Tobacco Root Mountains, Montana - Summer 2012

Sincerity moves mountains

Nothing is more powerful than a person with a sincere mind to accomplish a certain ideal. That is why putting ourselves in situations that help us cultivate and solidify a sincere mind is so important.

The best environment to cultivate sincerity is in a challenging environment that tests our will and threatens our personal comforts. We should seek out these environments as our training ground where we set aside personal comforts to center our thoughts on fulfilling a greater objective.

One such place I like to go for this training is in nature. Nature is a place that is uncompromising in its lessons yet always consistent in the principles that it teaches.

Tobacco Root Moutains - Summer 2011

Agape love and One Family Under God

"Certainly I would hope that agape is the driving force in our movement. It is certainly the ideal for which we aim."

-Dr, Martin Luther King Jr., Letter to Robert Epstein, 1962

The most noble ideal professed by all the major faith traditions and implemented in great civil movements is that of agape love, which is a love that is not only unconditional in motive but which is indiscriminate regardless of situation or affiliation.

This is precisely the ideal that will allow the vision of One Family Under God to be realized, because it is the driving force that can allow all of humanity to be embraced within it's breadth to bring the human family into unity.

My friends of diverse faiths and ethnicities advancing solidarity during the Global Peace Convention 2013 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last December

Being mission-oriented

When we try to accomplish something great in society, we inevitably have to deal with many organizations and institutions that exist. For example, if we want to educate youth in our neighborhood to be moral, we need to work with the local schools and student groups.

However, we shouldn't get too caught up in the politics and management of these institutions at the expense of forgetting our mission. Too often we become too focused on the external management of a program or system that we forget our internal purpose that we are trying to accomplish.

A balance between the two is needed, but we should realize that the institutions are tools for accomplishing our mission and are thus dispensable, although it may hurt our pride because we put much investment into developing them.

Spider Meadows, WA - July 2013

Developing countries should not lose their roots

Often times developing countries try to emulate the developed world, especially America. We can see how American pop culture has spread to every corner of the world because of this, with mostly a negative impact.

However, the underdeveloped world should recognize that they have something much more precious than the popularity and glamour of the American Hollywood life. That is the traditional values and principles that make up strong families and communities in their respective countries. These values and principles should not be forsaken in lieu of the popularity of Westernization.

Luckily, many developing nations are beginning to realize this truth after the recent American economic downturn and seeing the negative effects of westernization on families and societies.

Intl. youth leaders learn how to cook a Malaysian dessert in cultural exchange after Global Peace Convention 2013

We are intrinsically linked

Youth leaders in Ros Kerepek factory, Selangor, Malaysia

During the cultural exchange after the Global Peace Convention 2013, we got to visit local industries in rural Malaysian villages including this tapioca factory where they process the tapioca root into chips and other products.

Reflecting on that experience one thing that stuck out to me is how all of our youth participants were eager to engage with the villagers and their activities. While watching the local workers at the factory cut the skin off the tapioca roots, and they all wanted to pick up a knife and join in the peeling of the tapioca. They gave massages to the workers, shopped at their local store of tapioca products, and talked with the police that were escorting us.

This is a good quality of youth - they always try to be engaged in the process of what they see around them, and especially try to interact with people of different backgrounds. This is because they naturally understand that we are intrinsically linked as One Family Under God.

Interfaith based on finding our common ground

At the Global Peace Convention 2013 in Malaysia, the main theme was interfaith collaboration. On reading this blog post about Father Varghese, a Catholic priest from India, and his speech, I reflected on GPF's unique interfaith approach.

Father Varghese said we have become consumed with the outward practices and rituals of each religion while ignoring the fundamental values and principles that bind us together.

I agree with this approach to peace-building that resigns self-promotion to recognize the vast common ground and purpose we share.

'Young cadets' at the Global Peace Convention cultural exchange

Times of transition

When circumstances around us are changing rapidly, it is a challenge to adjust and adapt, yet it is also an important opportunity to re-assess what our purpose and objective is. Especially when challenge or tragedy strikes us, we must go back to our roots and remember what our original motivation was for choosing a certain path and how the current circumstances can be managed in favor of fulfilling our purpose.

Lake Serene trail, WA - 3/1/14

The Secret Weapon

What is the secret weapon that allows someone to make incredible impact that no one thought possible? What could be so powerful that no army on earth could stop it?

The secret weapon is having belief in one's convictions. Holding on to what you believe is true in spite of the circumstances is an underestimated force that can shatter conceptions of what was previously thought possible.

What determines the fate of a nation?

This is my commentary on the 'Unification Declaration' that can be found at http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/unification-declaration-global-peace-leadership-conference-2012/
---

I found this declaration very informing on how the fate of a nation is determined. This document was signed by global leaders participating in the Global Peace Leadership Conference in Korea last year.

What I learned is that two things determine the rise or downfall of a nation: Whether a guiding vision is established rooted in principles and values; and whether its citizens believe in and take ownership over that vision.

The vision is usually outlined in the founding documents upon which a nation is built. For Korea, this vision was outlined during the time of the original Korean nation, Gochosun, by its 4 founding principles explained in the 'Unification Declaration'. By upholding a morally upright vision a nation can head in the direction of prosperity.

Yet, even with a noble ideal, what use is it if it is merely words on paper? The people of the nation must be the ones who carry out and live up to the founding ideals if they are to become a reality. That is why the 'Unification Declaration' advocates for a representative government that endows the responsibility of guiding the nation properly to its citizens. Thus it is not only the body of officials presiding over a nation that should carry on the national dream but rather the whole population.

I participated in the Global Peace Leadership Conference 2010 in Korea (I'm 3rd from left). Since then the Conference has expanded and developed greatly.

Honest self-reflection

When we look at ourselves honestly, we have the opportunity to see where we are lacking in comparison to our ideal of what we want to be like. This introspection can be painful, but it is a necessary process if we want to improve. But we shouldn't get caught in judging ourselves too long, but should quickly move on to make a new determination with a positive outlook on how we can develop based on our more leveled self-assessment.

Value Creation

The Parable of the Talents:
Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them.  To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability.  Then he went on his journey.  The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more.  So also, the one with the two talents gained two more.  But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
After a long time, the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.  The man who had received the five talents brought the other five.  “Master,” he said, “you entrusted me with five talents.  See, I have gained five more.”
His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share your master’s happiness!”
The man with the two talents also came.  “Master,” he said, “you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.”
His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share your master’s happiness!”
Then the man who had received the one talent came.  “Master,” he said, “I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.  So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground.  See, here is what belongs to you.”
His master replied, “You wicked, lazy servant!  So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed?  Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
“Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents.  For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance.  Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.  And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
- Matthew 25:14-30

This Biblical text teaches us an important lesson about value creation. The servants who took the risk to invest the talents were praised, and the one who hid the talents and did not take the risk of investment was scolded. I take this metaphor not as a religious perspective on financial management, but rather as an ethical message about the way we utilize the blessings God has given us in general.

For example, when we merely take the teachings given to us in our faith traditions at face value as commandments to obey and follow like an instruction manual, it is like planting our talents in the ground. We don't lose value, but we also don't create much additional value other than what was already given to us.

On the other hand, if we delve into the content of religious text and see how the teachings can be applied to address societal issues and improve the human condition we see around us, we are multiplying what we were given with our creativity and desire to help others. Additional value is created through the people that we help in this way.

In every circumstance we should seek how we can multiply our blessings through our creative thinking and investment with a desire to love God and humanity, rather than letting the blessings sit and stagnate because of our unappreciative and self-centered perspective on them.

Bridal Falls, WA 3/1/14

An important decision made at the risk of your life

At certain moments in life, we face grave decisions that have immense impact on not only ourselves, but our families, society, and even the nation and world. Whether we recognize them or not, these decision come upon us irregardless and in that moment it is up to us how we will respond.

What is important is our attitude in these crucial moments. Do we feel the gravity of the situation and the great responsibility endowed on us and make ample time and space to humble ourselves in prayer for guidance, or rather do we pass the moment along whimsically and deny the weight on our shoulders?

Although the weight can honestly be heavy, those who make righteous decisions in such moments almost always take on that burden through a sincere attitude and making time for prayer and reflection.

Setting such conditions habitually will allow us to be people that are trustworthy and that have integrity even when faced with rough times.

Olympic Coast, WA - Feb. 27, 2013

The outset determines the outcome

What goals we set when we begin something will determine what we achieve. If we don't set big goals, we won't achieve big results. And if we don't believe in our goals, we also won't achieve them.

Love leads to concern

When you love someone, it naturally leads to your being concerned about their situation and that they can find happiness. However, the way this concern should be expressed is often in the form of judgement, which can put the recipient in a  position of uncertainty of whether there is love behind the judgement.

It is a valid concern because people can easily judge others without a genuine concern for that person's well-being, rather it could be merely an unpleasant mood that wants to lash out at others and point out their faults.

But the other motivation is to free someone that is trapped in a dungeon of their own creation by honestly pointing out what they are doing wrong so they have the opportunity to find greater happiness and fulfillment.

So when we give judgement, we should always check that we are motivated by a genuine love, and if we receive judgement, we should take the opportunity to check ourselves and see if there is some way we can improve, yet not get too concerned if our conscience clearly knows we stand on solid moral ground.

Olympic Coast, WA - Feb. 27, 2013

Don't go the easy way

 The path of righteousness requires significant effort and hardships to overcome the challenges of a world lacking a clear ethical standard.

However, this path is not only the principled way to go, but it is also the path of happiness. We cannot ultimately feel fulfilled without living a life in alignment with our conscience.

Olympic Coast, WA - Feb. 27, 2013

A Precedent Embalms a Principle

"A precedent embalms a principle." -Benjamin Disraeli, Speech in the House of Commons (February 22nd,  1848)

There are many spoken ideals that are spread through religious texts, inspirational speakers, and facebook posts. Yet there are not so many examples of these ideals being put into practice.

In many cases, no one has successfully lived up to an ideal or principle and so it remains as a spoken aspiration with no real-life implementation. In such a case, someone must be the first to fulfill the principle in action, and this is called 'setting a precedent'.

Setting a precedent is challenging because you walk an untrodden path with no guidelines or past experience to give you confidence. Yet without it, the great teachings and principles we cherish will be nothing more than dust in the wind.

And when you have set the precedent, you can offer that living example for others to follow and support them.

Olympic Coast, WA - Feb. 27, 2013

Gratitude

Why should we make effort to be grateful even when we don't feel grateful?

Simply, it is because that is the way we give our lives meaning.

When we offer our sincere heart of gratitude we are living a life of purpose to benefit others. Conversely, when we fall into the trap of self pity, we lose our sense of purpose and abandon that which gives us dignity.

How to be realistic

A common saying when setting goals is that 'you have to be realistic'.

Usually when people say this, they are inferring that your goals should not be too far-fetched and rather should be based on what is practical considering the current circumstances.

However, this approach tends to dismiss the significance of each individual's influence over the current circumstances.

Who decides what is far-fetched and what is attainable? We decide that assessment based on our own perception of a situation. If our mindset is pessimistic, everything can seem unattainable, and as a result, everything WILL be unattainable.

So how can you truly be realistic? By recognizing that to a large extent you define reality based on your outlook and level of conviction.

Deception Pass - May 2013

Initiative is integral

When you take initiative, you disrupt the normal routine with a new factor. This new factor can not only add value, it creates a dynamic environment and lead to greater innovation.

Taking initiative is thus a proactive approach to life, because it is the action of someone who is constantly seeking to develop beyond the current scope of thinking and the status quo.

Some things in life are given

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." -Reinhold Niebuhr

Certain things in life are given to us, and we have no say in them. For example, our hair color, nationality, the cultural background we grew up in, even our parents and family history, was all decided for us regardless of our preferences or opinion. This gives us perspective with how we deal with the circumstances we find ourselves in. Some things beyond our control we should simply not worry about, because that is within the realm of our responsibility.

Our purpose in life was also given to us by our Creator. This is statement is probably a point of contention between people of faith and the modern thinking of secular culture. But although democratic society tells us that we can decide our purpose and aspirations in life, is that really in line with the principles of the universe?

Those who think they can determine their own purpose will soon find that pursuing a purpose not intended by our Creator does not lead to a meaningful or fulfilling life, because the universe was created for a certain and particular reason. We have to align with that reason to allow our lives to have value.

However, contrary to our instinctive thinking, this realization also liberates us in a sense. How often do we become trapped in confusion because are pursuing our own ambitions and purposes in contradiction to the purpose God intends for us? Once we recognize that all we need to do is let go of our misguided pursuits and submit to a Heavenly purpose, we find much greater value and happiness than we could ever imagine in the chaotic mess of our own self-centered ambitions.

Edmonds Bay, Puget Sound - Feb. 13, 2014

Does your opinion matter?

"Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something." -Plato

In this world there are countless opinions that often conflict with each other. How can we decipher opinions that have worth versus worthless opinions?

Worthwhile opinions have logical consistency and are based on absolute, universal principles. Without logical consistency, any rational person will notice the contradictions. And without the foundation of absolute principles, you can make all sorts of logical justifications for something, but in the end the natural law of the universe will reveal things for what they really are, not what someone makes it out to be.

In a sense, time reveals all things. Something that stands the test of time usually turns out to have substance while flaky trends without substance are naturally weathered away in time.

Someone with rational integrity who bases their opinions on fundamental truths and backs it up with their own conviction and faith regardless of opposition and persecution from the environment will have an enormous and historical impact. This is because truth is consistent and unchanging. All of past history will support a person that stands for truth and all future generations will eventually recognize whether a person stood for truth or not.

In conclusion, opinions based on popular trends and personal preferences are fleeting and insignificant. Because God is the most consistent being throughout history that upholds an absolute and unchanging standard of truth, by seeking to embody His will and perspective, naturally we become people that will make a meaningful and historical impact.

View of Olympic Mountains from Puget Sound - Feb. 13, 2014

Investment is never wasted

Sometimes we think that our efforts are wasted. Especially when we are doing something with a good motivation and goal, it is not healthy to think this way.

Whatever effort we make with a good purpose, we are growing our hearts and character. Thus even if we do not achieve what we set out for, we are still developing internally. That is something that is not only valuable, but that is also more long-lasting than most of the external accomplishments we can make in life.

Deception Pass - May 2013

A global epidemic

Humanity today is facing a global epidemic. We have contracted an illness that has spread without restraint to every corner of the world.

This is an illness of love. But this illness began not from an external contagion, but from inside, it began from the way of thinking that put oneself's needs and desires above the needs and desires of others. It began from the virus of a love based on a selfish motivation and developed into the full-blown flu through our lifestyle and now has become a worldwide pandemic manifested in wars, poverty, racism, greed, and a general societal breakdown.

Where is the antidote to this deadly virus? The flu will need to run its course to burn away the remnants of the deadly virus of our self-centered nature, yet once it has, the immunization will be a dedication and commitment to the way of life of sacrificing one's one needs and desires for the sake of benefiting others, even at the risk of one's life. This change of heart will restore humanity back to its original state of health and prosperity.

Spanish Peaks, Lee Metcalf Wilderness, Montana - September 2013

Righteous authority

There are many structures of authority in the world. Whether it is in politics, diplomacy, scholarship, or athletics, in any sector there is always someone that stands in the privileged position. Yet in the end do any of these worldly distinctions really carry weight? People may swear allegiance to someone based on their secular prominence, but if that person is shown to have little integrity, people will recognize that the secular prominence was not rooted in the merit of a righteous life and thus their allegiance will wane. 

Real authority does not come from the things that this word deems to be honorable, but rather from living up to the ideal of selfless service and upholding moral principles in the face of immense challenges. This is the type of authority that can move people to naturally submit themselves even at the risk of their lives. 

Mt. Pilchuck trail, WA - October 2013

Where does an unchanging love reside?

If a bird is looking for a tree to make a nest for its babies, what kind of tree would it look for? A flimsy, unstable tree would not be suitable. It would need to be a solid and reliable tree to hold something as precious as babies. Even if a bird did choose a unreliable tree for its nest, the nest would probably fall off in a short time when a strong wind blows.

It is the same with an unchanging love. To possess something as precious as an unchanging love, a person needs to possess an unchanging and absolute character that allows them to live by moral principles in any situation. From that kind of character unchanging love can be given to others. And that is also the kind of person that can receive unchanging love, not because of favoritism by the giver, but rather because there is a basis on which to understand and appreciate an absolute and unchanging quality.

near Kodiak, Alaska - December 2009

Appreciating our heritage

As we grow up, we recognize that everything we have been given did not come freely. While we may not have appreciated fully the food, shelter, and guidance of our parents at first, eventually we come to understand the investment that was put into every meal, word of wisdom, and helping hand.

This is because we ourselves experience this when we try to give to others, and through that experience we understand what it takes.

The same goes for appreciating what God and the founders of the great religious traditions have given us. To truly understand the effort put into every holy scripture and every breath of air given by God, we similarly need to see what it takes to live according to those words and to serve others with an unconditional love.

An incomparable life

Living a righteous life can be difficult compared to an apathetic or carefree life. More challenges need to be overcome and more effort needs to be made.

Yet however difficult it is, when we think about the ideal we are striving for and the destruction that will inevitably come in a world devoid of righteous people, we realize that there is no comparison between these two lives.

And in that moment we can offer sincere gratitude for being able to walk a righteous path.

Marka Bay, Kodiak, Alaska - December 2009

Purpose and technique

"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" -Matthew 16:26

There are so many opportunities to develop your skills and capacity in today's society, yet are there many opportunities to fortify your soul? Unfortunately, today's common culture does not emphasize spiritual fulfillment.

How can we strengthen our soul? The first step is to hone our sense of purpose to clearly direct our life to a meaningful goal.

Once our purpose is clearly established, the skills and abilities we have developed can be fully utilized to live a meaningful life.

This framework can be applied on any level, for our personal lives, families, communities and nations.

In eating a meal, we have the decision to either think carelessly about the cost, taste and texture of the food or to purposefully think about how this food can give my body energy to serve someone or accomplish a meaningful goal.

How many books do people read on the techniques of man/woman relations in the hope of solidifying their intimate relationships in comparison to the books they read to help clarify the motivation they should have and spiritual significance of a married couple in God's viewpoint?

How often when we organize community-building activities do we focus a majority of time on how to make our program efficient and smart yet forget to ensure our efforts are building the loving and altruistic community we are aspire for?

In building or reforming nations, is there a guiding principle and ethic within our founding documents or amendments, such as the ethic established in the founding document of the U.S., the Declaration of Independence ("We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights..."), or are we merely deliberating over the best system of governance and public policy to appease the most vocal citizens and most powerful neighbors?

It is a decision we face in every circumstance: whether or not we choose to clearly establish a meaningful purpose. When we reflect on the implications of this decision on ourselves, our families, our communities, nations and the world, we realize how important it is.

Yet those that don't recognize the value of this decision may never realize what they have been losing, until it's too late.

Ocean fishing near Kodiak, Alaska - December 2009

Inside-out or outside-in?

In any life situation there are 2 components: Ourselves and the environment we find ourselves in. And in terms of influence, there are also 2 options: Either we can change the environment or the environment can change us.

What should decide which direction this influence moves, inside-out or outside-in? Our lives should be guided by moral principles, so it makes sense that if the entity with the moral high-ground should be given the power of influence. So if we are conversing with our friends, and we find that our friends have the moral high-ground, we should listen to them. This is a challenge in itself because often our ego doesn't want to acknowledge when we are wrong.

In the case that you have conviction in your strong moral standing in comparison to your environment, you should absolutely not allow the environment to influence you, rather you should transform the environment to meet your own ethical standard, which should remain unchanging.

Heavenly fortune can move through a person that is humble enough to recognize when he is wrong yet has conviction  and strength to influence the environment when he genuinely feels he is right.

A park in Georgia - 9/27/2011

More than meets the eye

To understand anything, we must recognize that there is always a non-visible aspect that is not immediately evident upon first glance. An ordinary rock may actually be a geode that formed over intense conditions for hundreds of years in a volcano, a humble beggar may have the mind of a genius, a small unfamiliar nation may have a grand history beyond imagination, a small company may have the key technology that will one day change the world.

This is why before we rush to judge anything or anyone based on our first impression, it's best to look into the history, character, and future direction of that thing or person. Only by understanding these hidden aspects can we truly understand and value that entity for it's true worth.

Where to find real value

Often times in our lives we get caught up in our work and ambitions, yet what is the most fundamental role we should play that allows us to realize our God-given potential? It is within our familial relationships.

Although society constantly pushes us to make money, climb the social ladder, finish our degree, etc... what value does it have if we are bereft in the development of our hearts? Our real value lies in the first title we were given upon our birth, which is that of being a son or daughter of God and our parents, eventually becoming a brother/sister, a husband/wife, and even a father/mother.

These fundamental roles we play in life with those that are closest to us give us the fundamental value that comes from practicing true love, if we choose to fulfill those roles properly.

Ownership

Recently my hometown football team, the Seahawks, won the superbowl. This exciting phenomena also carries many lessons.

One interesting phenomena was the 'bandwagon effect'. Many people came to support the Seahawks later in the season as their prominence grew through winning many games. Especially at the Superbowl, the number of fans probably quadrupled since the beginning of the season. And now that they won, I'm sure they have over 100 times the number of fans they started with!

However, what kind of value do these 'fair-weather fans' really add? Do they really have ownership over their role as a fan for the Seahawks, or did they just join because it was popular and the circumstances were favorable?

It is the same in our lives of faith. Do we believe in moral principles and values when it's popular and the environment is conducive to it?

The definition of a moral person is someone that aspires to live by absolute principles. Just as the Seahawks fans that became fans after the Superbowl can't be called true fans, a person that only aspires to live for an altruistic and noble ideal once it's popular and comfortable to do so cannot be called a moral person.

Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks quarterback

Merit is never given freely

"It is of no consequence of what parents a man is born, as long as he be a man of merit." -Horace

The environment in which we were born can determine many things about the kind of life we will have. Even in our Mother's womb, the nation we will grow up in, the stature and wealth of our family, the liberty or oppression of our government, our race, culture, and physical attributes, all are mostly predetermined for us and are beyond our influence.

However, one thing that no one is gifted with from birth is their merit. Even the son of a king is not given a badge of merit freely. And even an orphan raised by a criminal has the same opportunity, at least in the eyes of Heaven, to earn his/her merit based on how he/she deals with the circumstances that have been given. 

What is the universally recognized standard of merit? It is the one who dedicates himself/herself to benefit the world even at the risk of losing his/her life. 

Spider Gap, Glacier Peak Wilderness - July 2013

To offer sincerity

In Korean tradition there is a word, 'jung-sung', which means to offer a sincere heart through making an extra effort in some action.

For example, traditionally, Koreans like to wake up early in the morning to climb a mountain as the sun is rising to offer their prayers to Heaven. Other examples are the painstaking efforts to hand-sew wedding dresses, the long and arduous process of making spicy cabbage, a staple Korean dish, and traveling miles to visit older relatives and ancestral grave sites to offer a bow of respect.

This sort of practice is very meaningful, because it allows us to purify our motivations towards any goals or purpose that we aspire for. By putting in our extra physical effort it creates an environment for our mind to focus and weed out impure elements that hinder us. This greatly advances our capacity in any endeavor.

But foremost this offering of our sincerity clarifies to ourselves what our motives are. If our motives are not on track, it gives us a chance to re-align them to a proper direction. This is why jung-sung is something that should not be done in public, but should be done privately in a place where you can examine yourself without any recognition.

Crossing Cle Elum River, WA - May 2013

A great vision creates a great result

"A man reaps what he sows" -Galatians 6:7

If you believe in a certain ideal with all your heart, and put your body and soul to accomplish it, it is certainly a strong possibility that you might accomplish it.

On the other hand, if you don't even think something is possible, why would you put any considerable investment into it? With little to no investment, how likely is it that you will actually make it happen? This is how significant our way of thinking is.

The problem we often face is that we don't believe our dream is possible because of discouraging circumstances. Yet consider how many times in history people have surpassed what was deemed 'possible' by the contemporary thinking of their time? From the first airplane, to landing on the Moon, to Copernicus' theory, to the light bulb, innovative people have constantly gone beyond self-imposed mental restrictions that were limiting humanity's development in that time.

The motivating factor that lifted these leaders above their less creative colleagues was usually a passionate desire to benefit the larger society and world.

So do not pay too much attention to the existing circumstances. Focus on your aspiration with optimism and a passion to benefit humanity. Yet also back up that optimism and altruism with hard work and the dedication needed to overcome the challenges you will inevitably face.

Blaze Mt., Lee Metcalf Wilderness, MT - September 2013

This is how you can figuratively reap a great harvest... You must sow the grandest seeds. These 'seeds' are acts displaying your conviction in and commitment to the loftiest ideals based on a genuine and selfless love.

The demarcation line between good and evil

"With great power comes great responsibility" - Uncle Ben, Spiderman (2002)

These words from Uncle Ben in the movie 'Spiderman' guided Peter Parker to understand that because he was given incredible spider super powers, he carried a heavier weight of responsibility to make virtuous decisions based on a strong moral compass.

It is the same in our lives. Everyday we make decisions that can influence not only ourselves, but our families, communities, and nations, all depending on how much influence or power we happen to be entrusted with (whether we wanted it or not).

But what determines whether our decisions are good or evil? Is there an arbitrator or judge designated for ruling good vs. evil in the decisions we make everyday?

Rattlesnake ledge, Snoqualmie Pass/NorthBend area, WA - January 25th, 2014

There is such a judge, and not only does this judge monitor every decision in every circumstance of each moment, but this judge is also recognized by all people as the absolute authority on every issue without exception.

This judge is the innate conscience residing within every man and woman, and his standard of judgement is based on the universal principle of living for the sake of others. The demarcation line between good and evil is whether your motive, which only you and your conscience can know, is solely to benefit your counterpart or if it is to benefit yourself at the expense of your counterpart.

But knowing this, when we look at our lives, what is the greatest force and power in the world that we should take the utmost care to utilize properly, in alignment with this principle? What is the one and only power that can cause nations to fall or rise, that can influence countless generations and that goes beyond any cultural/national/religious distinctions? This is the power of love. Love even has the power to engender new life and form a lineage.

Since the most powerful force in the universe is something that we ourselves possess it must also be our most important responsibility to use it according to the fundamental principle of living for the sake of others. We should be grateful that God entrusted us with this most valuable gift and utilize our own free will to manage and use it to bring about a world that we truly aspire for in our hearts and souls.

Are you a moral person?

What is a moral person? A moral person follows the way of goodness.

This implies that a moral person must understand and abide by certain universal principles.

This is why we should study the scriptures of the major faiths to clarify our path as 'a moral person'

Perspective

"Though God is the Absolute Being, He cannot be happy alone... even God needs a partner with whom to share love in order to experience joy and be happy." -Rev. Sun Myung Moon, Peace Messages

We all have aspirations and ambitions in life. And unfortunately, in today's society the ambitions most popularly desired are those related to pursuing money, power, and social status.

However, in the perspective of love, do these temporal and materialistic pursuits carry real value? Can a rich and powerful king with all the material blessings one could imagine feel fulfillment and happiness if he had no family or friends to share them with? That would be the loneliest and most unfortunate king.

The perspective of love and of our divine Creator is that our life has value only in the investment we give to our counterparts.

Practicing to have a pure motivation

We want to be people that can love unconditionally, without any inhibitions or selfish intent. However, in reality this is difficult to do genuinely with passion and to feel this level of love. But the key point to remember is that such a motivation can be cultivated through practice.

How do we practice to become a person of altruistic love? Through investing in others. In doing so, selfish thoughts and inclinations may nag at us, but regardless of these, if we choose to simply invest continuously without giving into these inclinations, eventually we will find a genuine motivation of selfless love welling up within.

Just like a great Olympic athlete must practice the same move thousands of times, undergoing great difficulty and pain in the process, eventually the move becomes natural and is done with comparative ease from when she first started. It is the same with selfless love. Through continuous practice what was unnatural and foreign at first becomes an essential part of our character such that we feel uncomfortable in not practicing it.

Spanish Lakes, Gallatin National Forest, MT - June 2013

Love motivated by a higher ideal

Love based only on our own emotions and perspective will most likely not last forever. To be honest, we are usually changing and inconsistent in how we think and feel. That is why love should be based and motivated by a higher ideal rooted in absolute principles.

The greatest ideal is the one advocated by all the great faith traditions, that is the teaching to "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". This ideal of sacrificial and selfless love is the key to building lasting and joyful relationships from the inter-personal level to the societal and worldwide levels.

The extended family model also advocates for love motivated by a higher ideal. In an extended family model, each family member considers the implications of their actions not just for themselves and their spouse, but for their grandparents, parents, children, and grandchildren. The nuclear family model, by contrast, tends to dismiss the larger implications of each family members actions in preference to independence and self-reliance, which is not a bad thing in itself but can discourage an important aspect of love.

Mt. Pilchuck area, WA, Oct. 2013

Happiness, ideals, and love

Happiness, ideals, and love are three words that people throw about carelessly without recognizing how to use them in accordance with heavenly law. And due to ignorance of the volatility a wrong guiding ethic in pursuing these areas can make, people are tricked into self & familial destruction.

We seek happiness and are encouraged to do whatever makes us happy. We have dreams and goals that people encourage us to pursue to 'keep us out of trouble'. And we aspire for love that is portrayed in movies as a panacea. 

However, aspirations rooted primarily in self-interest will inevitably bring destruction, if not now, then eventually. Love, as wonderful as it is meant to be, eventually leads to the most atrocious crimes when it is based out of a personal desire for physical pleasure. Ideals based on our self-centered ambitions will not have relevance to our ancestors, peers and definitely not to future generations Happiness that is not engendered by investing in others can not last beyond our physical life because it will not be a happiness of our eternal spirit.

This is why with every word we mention we should remember the guiding principles that they must abide by to realize our intended result. 

Rattlesnake ledge, Snoqualmie Pass/NorthBend area, WA - January 25th, 2014

The Greatest Position

"But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." Matthew 23:11-12

"Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave" -Matthew 20:26-27

How many people do you know who aspired to be great in terms of their position in a social hierarchy? Too often this lust for greatness in a worldly sense leads to the corruption of the heart. The world of our spirits and hearts is an eternal world, and yet this world is often disregarded in preference to the temporal world of egos and ambition.

The world of our spirits is based on the principle of loving others with a selfless and sacrificial motivation. Yet contrary to instinctive thinking, by denying our social status and pride to serve others, our spiritual being grows and prospers in this world.

This is the guiding principle that molds the lives of all the greatest men and women in history and should guide our decisions in each circumstance we encounter.

Rattlesnake ledge, Snoqualmie Pass/NorthBend area, WA - January 25th, 2014

Nature cleanses the mind

Going out in nature allows you the opportunity to see what thoughts you are habitually grooming in your head. Being in a pristine environment untainted by social pressures, you see how much concern we often place on what others think of us, and the effort we put into ephemeral appeasements to suit such social circles.

We should take time to go into nature and purify our mind to root ourselves in the fundamental principles and laws that the universe operates by.

Mt. Baker wilderness - October 2013

Circumstance

Many things in life are out of our control. This is a lesson that is easy to catch in nature. Storms come out of nowhere, bears attack, avalanches occur, etc.

It is easy to see that circumstance is a changing variable in our lives.

Yet, in any harmonious entity, there cannot only be a changing variable, there must also be an unchanging variable.

What is the unchanging variable? It is our attitude.

When we think of every circumstance as an opportunity to offer gratitude, to grow our spirit, and to love others - this is when our life can become vibrant and purposeful.

Baker Lake, WA - October 2013

Where are you really going?

In today's society we emphasize the importance of preparing well for our future by studying hard, getting work experience, etc...

But I question if this type of preparation is really adequate in becoming truly successful people in the long term. The missing component is motivation. WHY study hard and getting good internships?

If the motivation is to become rich and powerful, it could easily lead to becoming a corrupt businessman who exploits others with his/her superior knowledge and experience. Yet isn't the general assumption of those advocating for youth to get good educations usually that they should study to become wealthy? 

Contrarily, if our lives were meant to be lived for the sake of love, we should dedicate our studies for the sake of benefiting our family, society, nation, and the world. This is the correct motivation that must guide our studies if we want to find real success that not only I as an individual can acknowledge but countless others as well.

Spider Gap, Mt. Glacier Wilderness, WA in July 2013

Nothing of value comes easy

In today's society that advocates so heavily for individual freedoms yet diminishes our sense of personal responsibility, we often forget the fundamental truth that nothing worthwhile comes for free. The truth is, even though the world has evolved to give all people great liberty in their decisions, this doesn't guarantee that people will put in the effort necessary to accomplish something of meaning.

We should take our freedoms with a deep sense of gratitude and humility before God and feel that we have been given a special responsibility to make a meaningful contribution to the world through our personal hard work.

Artificial environments tend to breed an inauthentic character

In today's developed world, our society's rapid advancement has lead to lavish comforts and excesses that people in primitive societies can hardly dream of. Yet while enjoying these physical conveniences, it's easy to overlook the unintended effects of such an environment on the development of our character.

If you live in a big city with a steady income, you can basically live to about 70 without much worries of death. On the surface, of course this seems like a good thing. But people that never really consider death as something imminent tend to indefinitely delay the effort of reflecting on whether they are living a purposeful life or not.

On the other hand, in 3rd world countries, life is much more delicate, and because of that people tend to reflect more on what kind of life they want to lead while they still have the chance.

In a big city, you can do dumb things like doing a back flip off a 2-story building for a dare, and perhaps not die because of advanced medical care. Of course, it is good that we are able to help foolish people that make poor decisions, however this commodity also dims our sense of the natural law of cause and effect that also applies to making sound decisions in how we treat others and what we do for our spiritual growth.

In contrast, if you make a similar 'wrong move' in the middle of a wilderness with no advanced medical care available, most likely you will suffer the full consequences of your decision.

For all these reasons, I feel it is good for 'city folk' to be given the experience of living for a good amount of time in a third-world country or in a wilderness setting. In such places natural law is much more apparent and an environment conducive to honest self-reflection is provided.

Stone Mountain, Georgia, 2012

While at first we might cringe at the discomforts, most people find greater solace through the experience that surpasses the temporary distractions. And upon our return to our homey civilization, we can also find a greater appreciation for the conveniences we previously took for granted.

Love cannot be realized alone

Love is a term that has been twisted and muddled by today's society beyond comprehension. It seems as if love can mean a million different things and a new meaning is invented every day. However, contrary to today's concept, there are fundamental principles that govern and dictate what love is.

Love cannot be substantiated without your object partner. Without a partner, there cannot even be the concept of love. Yet no one denies that love is the way to ultimate fulfillment in life. With this understanding it is implicit that we should treasure, serve, and uplift our object partner, even willing to sacrifice our life for his/her sake.

Once we realize our partner is such a precious gift that we should treasure, it is unimaginable to fathom the kinds of sinister acts people commit upon their counterparts in today's society. Yet if you ask the culprit of such acts, you may likely find they think they did it out of 'love'.

The reason the notion of love has become twisted in today's society is that we have lost appreciation for these fundamental principles that govern the universe. We have replaced them with our own deceitful falsities made to appear like natural laws but which have actually been manipulated to accommodate to selfish tendencies.

Mirror Lake, Spanish Peaks, Montana in Summer 2013