Andrew
I started Dahn Yoga in October of 2007 and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I feel like I’ve been looking for this style of Dahn Yoga my whole life, even though I didn’t know it! The gym that I used to belong to is right next to one of the centers in the Washington DC area, and I was walking to the gym one day and noticed a television in the window of the center, playing a video of DahnMuDo. My heart instantly lept and I knew that I would practice this martial art, like it was calling my name. About a month later, I finally got around to visiting the center closest to my work, in Old Town Alexandria, and as soon as I walked in the door, I felt like I was home. Even before I turned to meet my Jiwanjang Nim, I knew I would join!
At that time I was experiencing insomnia, low back pain, right shoulder pain, neck pain, migraine headaches, hip pain/tightness, as well as knee pain, and had been on a mission to heal myself for about two years. The interesting aspect of my condition at that time was that I had never injured any of the places I had pain, though I had been experiencing the migraine headaches since I was about 12 years old. So I signed up for a year and have practicing for six months. Almost all of my physical issues are resolved, and I have become aware of the causes of the ones that are taking more time, so I have a clear understanding of my condition, and what action I need to take to facilitate healing.
After my very first class I walked out of the door and laughed out loud, and ever since then I have been healing my physical body and really growing a lot. I took Shim Sung in December and released a lot of stagnant emotions and have been healing my relationships with my family ever since. After Shim Sung my heart started to open and I realized that in order to be truly healthy, I needed to open my heart and share it with other people, give as much love to myself and others as possible, which for me, is a lot!
In February I went to the Phoenix Project in Seattle, Washington and my entire life was changed. I took an honest look inside myself really for the first time, and caught a glimpse of just who I can be, if I can overcome the limitations I have placed in myself over the course of my life. I quit my job the day after I got back and started working at my center, with the intent to grow as much as possible, and share my experiences with other people who want to do the same thing.
I am very confident that Dahn Yoga has helped me save my own life, and I am reminded of it every day when I look in the mirror and see a different person than was there the day before!
