The Power of Practice: My Path to Red Belt in Sundo

Last fall, at the Sundo Retreat in Vermont, I stepped into my red belt promotion — a milestone that represents not just years of practice, but a profound transformation in my life. When I first started Sundo, I never imagined it would take me this far. In fact, my first encounters with the practice were filled with resistance. But over time, Sundo has become the ground beneath my feet, the breath in my body, and the clarity in my mind.

Several years ago, I was introduced to Sundo by Greg Vorst. I had a long history of doing and teaching yoga and dance, so I imagined the practice would feel somewhat familiar and be easy to pick up. Boy was I wrong! At first, it felt so slow and boring to me. And the flute song was getting on my nerves. At one point, I even asked Greg if there was another song I could listen to. But I did it anyhow because it was supposed to be good for me. I did it like I eat broccoli – just to get it done. Slowly, I started noticing I felt calmer more often during the day. And if I got thrown off balance, it was easier to regain my center. One day, I noticed the sky looked different – almost like the amount of colors I could see expanded and deepened. It was breathtaking.

I continued my practice through the no belt series, eventually earning a white belt. Staying consistent with a practice had previously been such a challenge to me that I cried when I received my white belt. I felt so proud. This accomplishment, and the very obvious benefits, kept me going.

Not long after, I began teaching Sundo at Embodied Recovery, where I work as a therapist trainee. As I continued my practice, I got stronger, both mentally and physically. My teaching became more focused. My voice changed– getting deeper and more embodied. When I sit in the teachers seat, I can feel the lineage of all the teachers that came before me, supporting me and even flowing through me at times.

When Master Kim came to California, I had the chance to meet and study with him. I felt a depth of commitment to the practice I had not felt before. I also began to feel my energy free up. Practicing suddenly started to give me energy as I became more open and receptive. I didn’t want to go a day without practicing again. The new breath in my yellow belt charged me up. So Greg and I constructed a plan to begin a 6 AM double practice every morning. We’ve created this little group that keeps getting stronger and stronger every day. This kind of accountability and community has enabled me to keep a daily commitment, even when I feel like going back to sleep.

Practicing every morning for two hours has been completely life-changing. I feel more grounded, alive, and clear than I ever have. The practice has sparked other lifestyle changes, too. I lost 10 pounds. I go to bed earlier. Some bad habits have even fallen away without much effort. Something within me simply wants to wake up, breathe deeply, and move toward radiant health and clarity.

As I prepare for my next belt promotion, I feel immense gratitude. Gratitude for Greg, for Master Kim, for Master Jin Mok, for my fellow practitioners, and for the wider Sundo community that keeps unfolding before me. This path has given me not only strength and clarity, but also a deeper connection to life itself.

Sundo has carried me from resistance to renewal, from boredom to breathtaking transformation. It’s a reminder that sometimes the things we resist most are the very things that have the power to heal us.

If you’re curious about Sundo — or if you’ve ever struggled to stay with a practice — I invite you to explore it for yourself. You may find, as I did, that what begins as “broccoli” becomes the most nourishing part of your life.

To learn more about classes, retreats, and opportunities to practice, visit the Melos website practice page.