by Duong Huyen Thanh Team 10 of Knowmads It has been 4 months since I graduated from Knowmads. My life has changed dramatically thanks to all the “fresh” and “juicy” experiences Knowmads brought to me. Why “fresh” and “juicy”? Knowmads brought me cool things I have never done before, and enriched me with so many interesting activities that helped me get to know myself and the world more. FIRST STEP INTO AMAZINGNESS Right when we met each other for the first time, we were blown away by all the excitement from Knowmads organizing team members. So many people from previous Knowmads welcomed us. That was the biggest round of applause ever in my life! We clapped and smiled for about 10 minutes without stopping. I knew that, from this time on, I really became a member of the Knowmads family. The first day joining the class we did an activity that seemed impossible, and it we didn't have much success at first, but through collaboration and persistence it was amazing the results we achieved. I couldn't believe on the first day we already learned so much about leadership and teamwork through this activity. For us, nothing is impossible from now. MY CORE VALUES? The workshop about Personal Values brought me a Eureka moment about myself. I used to know that I have these qualities, characteristics…, but I couldn’t call out the names of my core values. When I had to make a choice and cross out the values that I loved, it was such a struggle for me. However, when I came to the final list of my top 5 core values, I knew that, this was me. These core values may change in the future, but at least, I found myself in the present. These 5 core values at the present are: GROWTH, HOPE, LOVING, OPENNESS, and PASSION. SURROUNDED BY AMAZING PEOPLE I learned from not only Knowmads organizing team members but also friends from all walks of life. They can be 3 years younger than me, or 15 years older than me. They could have quit their universities or be a former monk or COO of a big European company. They could be an English teacher or logistics staff. They could be anyone. Before Knowmads session started, we had time to make some activities for everyone. I joined Free Movement session by Bym and Cacao ceremony by Sasja, which enlightened me so much. I was inspired by them to go deeper into the spiritual world, dance and movement. After Knowmads, I decided to carry several Free Movement workshops. I felt so happy to see how people enjoyed the process and got closer to their inner selves as well. I remembered one time sharing with Sasja: I told her how chaotic my life was at that time as I was a recent graduate and didn’t know what I wanted to do in the future. She asked me: “How many people do you think in the world can understand fully what they wanna do? How many people can predict their lives? Your life now is movement, not chaos”. If I keep worrying about the future, I’ll miss my present. I appreciate every moment in my life now, as it helps me to move forward. Trust the process. Trust the movement. TIME TO SAY GOODBYE? The final day is not the end of my Knowmads journey (although we celebrated and called it “closing ceremony/graduation party”). However, the end also means the beginning. We’ve come through all the ups and downs within ourselves and other members. We’ve learned a lot with all those hearts, heads, and hands. I’m stepping into listening to my true emotions, my inner self. When carrying the final check-out, I chose a tree with colorful leaves to put my candle on, as now I realized that, the tree doesn’t need to be green as it is expected (or it expects itself) every time. It’s so beautiful because it stays as it is. I don’t need to wear smiles every time. When I don’t feel it, just don’t do it. Listen to what my heart is saying. And I’ll bloom like a colorful tree. Knowmads gave me a chance to not only learn, stay in an amazing and supportive community but also take a deeper look into myself. Thanks for being a part of my life. Thanks for all the beautiful memories. I love you, Knowmads. I love you, my dear friends. Apply For Team 11 Now!
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