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Training Programs |
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Oom Yung Doe Benefits |
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About Our Schools |
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More Information |
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Testimonials - Real Benifits from Real People |
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 Kay H.
BANQUET TESTIMONIAL
May I Thank Grandmaster for passing his knowledge and selecting such a powerful, yet serene, location for the weeklong.
May I Thank Higher Belts for their patience, care, and attention while passing the movements this week.
May I Thank all Instructors and Students. All of us, individually and together, contributed towards making this a meaningful week. We shared our stories, shared hospitality, and shared encouragement as we struggled to master the movements that were passed.
Each of us has our unique story to share about how Moo Doe has transformed our life. It is an honor and privilege to be offered the opportunity to bring forth my story in a more public forum.
After my first year of Moo Doe, I became aware that my body was deteriorating as soon as I began my sedentary life. Some of you already know, but for the rest, I am a trained singer – a high soprano. This is a large part of my life. I mention this, because, as I began to reflect upon my experience here and what I would share today, I realized that the strongest signal of what I would lose – and my future of pain and disability – was when I had to give up something I loved; singing with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Chorus. I could no longer stand (or more importantly, recover from the impact of standing) for long periods of time, or move easily up and down the risers. The decay of arthritis in my knees and back were making the negative presence known – and in a big way.
Here is my cane that I started using in 2002. It is scuffed and needs a new rubber tip. The grip is taped up and no longer has comfortable padding. It is, however, well loved. With it, mobility was reintroduced into my daily life. I could participate in activities with friends again. However, still mostly sedentary, even the cane could not reverse the encroaching affects of arthritis. My spirit was being sapped. Negative was intruding on my generally positive nature.
I was at my lowest point and saw a future of knee replacement surgery and/or a wheelchair in my retirement years. This was a future of despair.
One day, on my way to an appointment in the same plaza as the school, I was drawn to the school of Oom Yung Doe. I was hunched over and resting heavily on my cane. When I entered the school, I now recognize that subconsciously I felt the energy in the school. I took a chance that the benefits discussed with Instructor Ted would come to fruition. Within my first week, I was standing taller and the glow of empowerment through movement began to exert itself.
Continuing my reflection on this weeks events and the information passed, I recognized that at the Milwaukee Wisconsin School, I was learning one of the primary principles of Moo Doe – caring for others. Oh, I have always known about that, being raised as a “preacher’s kid”, but I am willful and of an independent “I can do for myself” mentality. Yet, after my first lesson – and for many lessons after – I allowed Instructor Ted, or Jill, or others put on my socks and shoes. Truly accepting help is one of the first steps towards truly helping others. I feel that the synergy between accepting/receiving care from others and offering/giving care to others is similar, if not the same, as the harmonizing aspects of body/mind/spirit as passed by Grandmaster.
Certainly practicing movement is about improving your body. However, there is a subtle transformation of your mind as you practice. In the beginning, I would tell Instructor Ronen or Instructor Ted that I was letting the school energy carry me. I just plugged my lost will into the school’s energy until my mind would catch up and I was able to reclaim my determination.
Through meditation, I am beginning to experience the spiritual aspects of Moo Doe. Positive is returning in my daily life, affecting not only my practice, but impacting my relationships at work, church, and among my friendships.
Through practice, daily activities as walking or shopping are no longer avoided. The school encourages goals. I am planning to be able to do T-position by October. At least one Higher Belt is looking forward to getting me into a low T-position next weeklong.
The principles of harmonizing mind/body/spirit are bringing positive into my life, a desire to share the transforming benefits of Moo Doe with others, and to contribute positively to my relationships and care for others.
Thank you.
FURTHER REFLECTIONS ON THE WEEKLONG
It is hard to explain the energy that comes with practicing movement six hours in a day. I originally signed up for just three days thinking that I would never make it through a whole week. Memorization of the steps in a form always takes a lot of effort and is mentally and physically challenging to absorb. During the weeklong, nine forms were passed with I don’t know how many individual steps. However with each 35-minute practice period, with each half day and with each six-hour day, I gained more mastery over the forms, more endurance, more mental toughness and finally more confidence as each movement became engraved in my muscle and mental muscle. I completed the entire week. At the weeklong I found I could accomplish more than I ever contemplated.
It is also hard to explain the synergy of so many students working towards the goal of self-mastery, discipline and mental toughness. As I watched those who were practicing, I found those who moved beautifully and I was amazed by their abilities. I found those who had to struggle with different body conditions, as I did, and I was amazed at their perseverance. The National Instructor was clear in demonstrating and explaining the forms and their benefits. Additional National and Assistant National Instructors were around to give individual attention when needed. It seemed that just as I was thinking about requesting some help with a form, a Higher Belt would show up. Each student received individual attention and corrections as their ability indicated.
During breaks and meals we shared how we began our study and practice, our moments of joy as we pushed through whatever pain or frustration was hindering us. Everyone offered encouragement. Higher belts frequently checked with each student – every individual student - to inquire about their progress. And, at the end of the day, one of the places where we all gathered for relaxation and camaraderie was the hot mineral springs. Delicious heat and beneficial minerals contributed to our well being and lasted all through the next day. All of these interactions revealed the dedication of the students and instructors to the school line and Moo Doe.
Several things happened that clearly demonstrate the benefits that I have gained from the weeklong. While making my way to the place where the Wisconsin school was doing its photo shoot, I ran through the sprinklers. I walk faster at school and can stand longer. In the airport, one of my fellow students didn’t move quickly enough off the moving walkway. His luggage was in my path. Having no choice but to step off the walk, I quickly put my foot to either side of his luggage while calling his name. We joked after, about my possibly following that with an Udo roll over his luggage. Luckily, he got it out of my way before I had to make that decision.
Now that I have been home for a month, I can see in little ways how my body has adjusted from the deeper and balanced movements from the weeklong. Curriculum forms are becoming more fluid. Memorizing and absorbing new forms comes a little quicker. My body is beginning to crunch, twist and turn more easily. The concepts of slow and fast while performing sequences are beginning to find their way into all my movements. My understanding of Moo Doe concepts are beginning to coalesce and get integrated into my being.
I have a long way to go, but the journey never ends. Traditional Moo Doe has become a part of my life. It is a path of discovery about my mental and physical resilience and determination. It is an opening of knowledge of self and breaking through my self-limiting behaviors to expand my horizons.
I almost didn’t go this year. Now, I wonder that I even considered not going. Do not question attending the weeklong seminar. Take the plunge. You will be surprised at how you will change. It is one of many experiences in the School of Oom Yung Doe that I will cherish and look forward to returning again and again.
Kay H., 5th section
Systems Coordinator
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
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