The Starting Line
Life is a mix of smiles and cries,
a dance of masks and vulnerability.
How do we shed those masks and live authentically?
Sitting here in a coffee shop, I’m reminded of a moment during my Vipassana meditation retreat.
Ten days of silence, just me and my thoughts, observing my mind and breath.
I recall one morning, staring at bubbles forming in my coffee.
It was insignificant yet profoundly grounding—a rare moment of complete focus and clarity. Moments like these are the practical applications Vipassana teaches us.
The Path
Sometimes, I crave deep conversations with strangers, to dive into the depths from zero to a hundred in an instant, but I hold back.
There’s too much pain and suffering in the world that I can’t relieve, burdens I don’t want to carry.
So, I stay within my shell, letting moments pass.
Balance is key, and maybe in the future, I’ll find it again.
This morning, I shared a run with a stranger—a fleeting, meaningful encounter. It reminded me that we’re all random people, here for moments or years, all fleeting.
Reflecting on the six weeks I spent with my niece, the most special times were those unscripted moments—the ones where she was unfiltered, sharing her feelings freely.
We are so constrained by society; for me, it’s double-layered, navigating both American and Korean norms. Sometimes, I want to launch into a deep conversation or break through the surface, but I hold back, feeling the weight of societal expectations and my own fears.
The Finish Line
Life is about finding balance—between masks and vulnerability, between societal constraints and personal freedom. Every moment is an opportunity to be more present, more authentic, and more alive. I’m learning to let go of overthinking, to break through what holds me back.
Maybe next time,
I’ll dive in without hesitation,
trusting the moment and myself.
Stay Liberated,
Peace be the journey,
-Ace
One Way Grit 