Issue 34: Studying Saju with Sarah Kim
Are you ready to get deep, ancient and divine? I am!
Heeeeey KP!
As an open-minded nerd and cosmology enthusiast, I got really excited by the introduction to saju and Sarah, who also lives in the Atlanta area. What is saju, you may ask? I’m still trying to figure that out myself, so maybe it’s best to pick up Sarah’s book Be Your Own Saju Master: A Primer Of The Four Pillars Method and learn more about her unique experiences and viewpoints below. I am open to anyone and anything that offers new tools for the toolbox to assess and meet our life experiences. Thank you and welcome, Sarah!
Flavor of the Week: KP Q&A with Sarah Kim
Sarah Kim is a writer and counselor who uses the ancient divination method of saju reading to help clients engage with life’s issues and questions. She was born in Seoul and grew up in San Francisco; she holds a M.S. in International Affairs and a Master of Divinity, a Th.D. in Pastoral Counseling. An ordained minister of the United Church of Christ, she served as an educator of progressive theology for over a decade. She believes in the commonality among the various religious traditions in their practices of transcendence through prayer and meditation. She resides in Duluth, GA, with her family and pets..
Introduce yourself more personally in 2-3 sentences.
I’m a spiritual guide for people who seek direction in life. I offer guidance through writing and counseling. When I’m not working, my hours are devoted to maintaining my family’s well-being.
Where are you from?
I lived in California for ten years before moving to the Atlanta area in 1991 and have lived here ever since.
No, where are you REALLY from? Haha!
It’s a good thing I don’t recall my past lives to list them all here, haha. I would say I’m from an in-between culture given my Korean heritage and American citizenship. “Komericanism” only defines my social being though. Divine will and forces of nature put me here for a reason, and I endeavor to meet that expectation.
What’s your sign?
In terms of my saju layout, I’m a yin Fire Day Master. (I can be like a laser beam if necessary.) I’m a scorpio as well.
How would you describe yourself in five words?
Visionary, studious, persistent, compassionate, and considerate.
What do you love about being Komerican?
Having access to both cultures, of course. There are pros and cons to this, but ultimately, it helps broaden one’s mind and perspective.
And of course, what are your favorite Korean foods?
Favorite foods change as you age, I think. If I enjoyed spicy and impactful cuisine in the past, I definitely enjoy mild and subtler versions now. Vegetable bibimbap, seafood soft tofu soup, and japchae are some of my favorites.
What was your childhood like and what has it taught you?
Growing up in an immigrant family had many challenges. I didn’t even know the English alphabet when our family moved to the US. I still had many dreams as a kid. I learned that very few people stay with you over the course of your life’s journey. Those who remain in your life are your family members and a handful of true friends.These people are special.
Can you share something exciting that you’re working on now?
Following the publication of my first book on saju studies—Be Your Own Saju Master: A Primer of the Four Pillars Method—I’m currently working on the second volume. I’m excited that the completion of this project is near. If the first book was just a short introductory primer on the subject matter, this second book explains pretty much every aspect of the saju method. My learner readers are waiting and I hope to meet their expectations asap.
What do people underestimate about you?
Some people don’t get why a Christian minister would offer saju counseling. In my view, they make judgments based on their shallow understanding of Christianity, not to mention profound wisdom of Eastern philosophies. I’ve let go of friends over ideological differences, which is tragic. If people were judged based on their humane actions more than their beliefs, there would be more peace on Earth.
Share your proudest moment in the past year.
I had a tumultuous year last year (2023). The Year of the Rabbit does that for me. I traveled to Korea with my 88 year-old mom. It would be her final trip to her motherland. Our mother-daughter relationship is not the most warm and fuzzy one. While in Korea, I attended to mom’s every need and dealt with her fickleness. I managed to take care of her fully without getting a scratch on the rental car with her in the backseat. I’m proud to have survived the trip.
What was your hardest moment in the past year?
We remodeled our second-floor bathrooms last year. It was a nightmare to live and sleep on the “construction site” for three weeks.
We’ve all been hurt in some form or fashion. What are you healing from?
At this point in my life, I’m healing from my own past mistakes. I’m so done with other people hurting me in any kind of fashion. This doesn’t mean I can’t be hurt by anyone anymore, because this isn’t true. However, as a pastor, counselor, and spiritual guide, I’m in the business of reading people and offering hope and guidance. My bandwidth of tolerance is rather wide, and I can see why people act in the ways they do. I understand them. (If I have their saju information, I can totally understand them.)
How do you love yourself?
Hmm, this is a good question. When I’m immersed in writing, I tend to lose myself and forget to keep up with my basic needs. I make an effort to eat healthy and exercise—I think this is in line with loving myself.
How do you love others?
I contemplate what they might need and provide. Sometimes it’s exactly what they needed but sometimes I miss the mark. Loving others to me is listening to them with compassion and empathy; this is easier said than done as you get older—when you’re dwindling on your life’s quota of patience. Love also requires expression, and most of the time, it is something tangible. For example, my sweet Bulgarian lady neighbor bakes me a traditional pie from her culture to express her love for me. I’d do something similar in return. Expressing love in words alone usually isn’t enough.
What five things can you not live without?
I would boil them down to family, friends, my Apple devices, writing, and a humble belief that I already have enough.
What’s your favorite dance song?
It’s been decades since I danced ’til I have an out-of-body experience, haha. The song by 2NE1, “Ugly,” still cheers me up even though it has sad lyrics.
What’s your favorite kind of pie?
I like the refreshing, gently sweet mango pie.
This Q&A was answered online and edited for length and clarity.
H Mart Happiness: What’s your favorite product and why?
“I love getting large, firm and glorious Asian pears, aside from miso and kimchi.” - Elaine C.
What’s your favorite H Mart product? Share the love and leave a comment!
Crispy Crust: A Hint of Han - Subversive Poetry that Soothes
Back to Reality
I thought Seoul was hot this summer
But nothing compares to late July in Houston
Stepping off the plane onto the gate’s boarding bridge
I run smack into a wall of heat and humidity
With fumes of engine exhaust wafted in
It’s hard to breathe
It’s suffocating
Not just this noxious, steamy density
But after a month away
feeling free
just being me
I see
How annoying it can be
To be the token Asian girl
in my school
on the dance team
in my neighborhood
Where it feels like nobody
looks like me
hears me
sees me
I want to go backLove, Sarah
Sweet & Salty: A Tasty Treat Satisfying all the Senses
This past weekend, I binge watched episodes 1-7 of Culinary Class Wars on Netflix and thank goodness episodes 8-10 release today! If you love a good cooking competition show, this is the one to watch next! I haven’t watched this genre in years, but the Korean cultural aspect intrigued me so I tuned in. I’m so glad I did! Not only is the food so mouthwatering and the production level insane, but it’s fun to learn about both traditional Korean cooking and see who the latest tastemakers are today. Also, I’m really enjoying watching Komerican chef Edward Lee practice his Korean and speak Konglish with his fellow competitors. I really admire his love for the homeland and courage to speak beginner Korean on international TV. Warning: Do not watch this show hungry!