Walking uphill

3 weeks ago 161

By Kim Ae-ran

“The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!” (Numbers 6:24-26) The Lord gave these blessings to Moses so that he could bless the Israelites as well. These heavenly blessings are still forwarded to us with the help of many people with goodwill.

Near our main congregation at Gangbuk District in Seoul, there are several doctors (ophthalmologist, ear, nose, throat specialist, dentist, orthopedic doctor … ) who are willing to provide us with free consultations and treatments. I really appreciate their presence and goodwill to do something for others. Unless I have to go to a large general hospital, I prefer to go to a small, nearby local medical center.

After coming back to Korea, I went to a nearby surgeon to check my health condition. As a preventive measure against possible herniated discs, especially between the fourth and fifth vertebrae, he advised me to walk uphill. So, when I arrived at Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, which name means "a place of comfort in the East," I began to climb a nearby mountain called Mount Yeongnam which is only 246 meters high.

Catholic Sangji College, founded in 1970 by three religious Sisters of the Christian Doctrine (Sisters Celine Knauf, Angelin Kellen and Agnes Pompermaier), is surrounded by Mount Yeongnam, like a folding screen.

Mount Yeongnam is known as the main mountain and the best place in Andong because it contains the history and scenery of the city — in the same way that a mother embraces her children. It is such a good geomantic site, a source of positive energy.

Standing on the peak of this mountain, I can overlook the densely packed city of Andong and the gently flowing Nakdong River. Around this mountain, there are cultural and historical sites such as Imcheonggak House (birthplace of independence activist Seokju Lee Sang-ryong, 1858-1932), Seven-story Brick Pagoda at Beopheungsa Temple Site (national treasure no. 16) and Sinsedong Mural Village with various illustrations on the walls.

In the middle of the mural village, a book cafe named Again, here especially provides a colorful and impressive experience.

It takes about 30 minutes to go up to the peak of Mount Yeongnam from our accommodations. The climb is very steep, but the sunlight makes it good and peaceful for walking barefoot.

It is such a joy to go up to its peak barefoot every day. It is a blessing to take a walk when the sun shines on every corner of the earth, in the forest and among traditional Korean houses.

Many of us are used to working hard while sitting on a chair in front of the computer. As a result, our working attitude causes wrist arthritis or back pain. Thus, it is necessary to do some stretching or exercise regularly. Above anything else, taking good care of our bodies is fundamental and necessary because we can’t do anything well without a healthy body.

I believe that our body is the holy temple where the Holy Spirit resides, as the first letter to Corinthians says: “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? … the temple of God, which you are, is holy.” (3:16-17) So, let us take good care of ourselves. Let us enjoy walking uphill.

Kim Ae-ran is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul (Figlie di San Paolo), living the Good News and proclaiming it with various means of social communication.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr
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