20260403 swim and bloom

I went to my swimming class yesterday, and it reminded me of a journey spanning two decades. Though I’ve swum for 20 years, the refinement never stops. My teacher, attentive and supportive, showed me how my hurried strokes disrupted my form. I realized that stamina is the backbone of my technique. When I try to push too fast, my energy drains, and my form suffers. But I’ve come to understand that swimming—like life—requires balance. With time, and with both swimming and running, I’m building the endurance that will help me move smoothly—both in the pool and beyond.


Meanwhile, I prepare for a different journey—my first visit to Yeouido’s cherry blossoms. While cherry blossoms burst with grand beauty, I’ve always loved the quiet elegance of plum blossoms—their delicate branches and their presence in our tradition.

In Korean literature, plum blossoms, or "매화," often symbolize resilience and moral integrity, especially in classical poetry from the Joseon era. Scholars like Yi Hwang wrote collections of plum blossom poems, using them as metaphors for self-cultivation and the return of spring. Plum blossoms often appear in poetry and art, symbolizing quiet dignity and beauty. If you’d like, we could look deeper into translations or create a short poem together inspired by them.

Though many confuse the blossoms, I see their distinct beauty. As I step into the crowded festival, I’ll carry with me the quiet appreciation of both—the bold spectacle of the cherry, and the timeless grace of the plum.