🌿 A Home Filled With Laughter Instead of Arguments
By Ha Eun Y. | Self-Employed
🌱 Is It Okay to Live Like This?
I am an ordinary father living in Gumi, running a hiking apparel shop, with a daughter in elementary school.
A few years ago, after my daughter’s kindergarten event, cars began leaving the parking lot. Even though there were multiple exits, every car followed the one in front. Watching this, I thought, “I’ll go the other way.” But before I knew it, I was also following the car ahead.
At that moment, a thought struck me:
“Am I also just following the way others live?”
Looking back, I realized that I hadn’t really changed since my early twenties. My environment had changed, but my thoughts, habits, and mindset remained the same.
As a father, husband, and son, I began to question how I should truly live. Eventually, I even started wondering:
“What is the mind?”
🌿 Beginning Meditation and Finding Answers
The next day, I searched online for the word “mind,” and I came across this Meditation. With both curiosity and doubt, I decided to visit the local meditation center.
I had lived my life not trusting anyone, so at first, I simply observed. But as I continued meditating, I began to understand what the mind truly is—and why I had been living with constant suffering and dissatisfaction.
I realized that within me existed both a true mind and a false mind.
The false mind was like pictures I had taken throughout my life—forming my concepts and habits.
🌊 Letting Go of the False Mind
During meditation, I discovered the root of why I couldn’t trust others.
When I was in second grade, a classmate threw dirt at me first, so I threw it back. But the teacher only saw my action and punished me. Even though I tried to explain, no one believed me.
I was left kneeling alone on the playground, overwhelmed with resentment, anger, and injustice.
At that moment, I concluded:
“There is no one in this world who will help me.”
From then on, I built a wall between myself and the world, living cautiously and guarded.
As I grew older, I was constantly trapped in worries about the future and regrets about the past.
But through meditation, I was able to let go of these “false mind” images.
And when I did, the endless thoughts and anxiety disappeared.
My concentration improved naturally.
🌼 Changes in Life and Relationships
There were also changes in my business.
Before, if a customer reminded me of someone who had left a bad impression, I would avoid them. I judged people based on past memories.
Now, that mindset is gone.
I treat every customer equally—and my sales have improved significantly.
💛 A Family Filled With Laughter
Today, my mother, wife, and daughter all practice meditation.
One day, my mother asked my daughter:
“Do your parents still fight these days?”
My daughter replied:
“Since they started meditation, they don’t fight anymore.”
Hearing that, I felt deeply sorry and ashamed.
In the past, we argued often over small things. I always believed I was right and justified it as normal.
But through meditation, I realized that I had been hurting the people who mattered most.
Now, instead of arguments,
our home is filled with laughter.
And for that, I am truly grateful.
