Glynnis

United States
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Profile information

Travel information
I am currently
At home
My next destination:
Japan - from Jan 2026 until Mar 2026
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Description
Welcome to my profile page!
My name is Glynnis (26, USA), and I am interested in art, culture, history, literature, language, and nature. I previously studied classical music (viola), and have worked in the music industry as well as in librarianship and bookselling.
I am traveling as a way to challenge myself, put myself out of my comfort zone, and better understand different ways of life. I feel that traveling brings out the best in me – putting myself in new, unfamiliar surroundings allows me to be more curious and attentive; and the intellectual challenge of interfacing with new cultures brings me a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
I am naturally a quiet person, but love to have interesting conversations about art, history, and culture. However, I am quite introverted, and I value small moments of solitude throughout the day.
Interests
Astronomy
Writing
Vegetarian or vegan
Sustainability
Politics / Social justice
Plant care
Performing arts
Outdoor activities
Nature
Music
Languages
History
Hiking
Gardening
Farming
Drawing & painting
DIY & crafts
Culture
Cooking & food
Carpentry
Books
Art & design
Architecture
Animals
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Italian: Intermediate
German: Beginner
Japanese: Beginner
More details about my language interests
I am specifically looking to improve my Japanese, German, Italian, and Korean; but have a genuine interest in languages and am willing to learn some of the native language wherever I go.
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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Life at a Farmstay
Eco Projects
Animal Care
Charity Work
Languages
Some knowledge of:
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Babysitting and creative play
Being an elderly companion
General Maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Helping around the house
Art Projects
Teaching
More details about your skills
I am a quick learner and open to all kinds of work.
I absolutely love to get outside and am extremely keen to help with small construction projects and yardwork – especially gardening. I am also able and willing to help with animals, if needed.
I am also able to do all sorts of housework – cooking and baking, cleaning, laundry, sewing, knitting, small repair jobs. And I love artistic/creative projects, so if there’s anything more out-of-the-box that you need help with, I am more than happy to help out.
I have specific experience with education and childcare, having worked as a teacher for three years and as a part-time librarian for almost ten years. I also helped to raise my youngest sister, so I can work well with all ages. I am very studious, and have knowledge in a variety of disciplines.
I can teach English as well, if that is desired.
Age
26
What else ...
I value nature and ecology very much, and I love to make time in my day for walking outside. I am very much looking forward to discovering the local flora, fauna, geology, and geography of each region I visit.
I am an avid reader and am very curious to know whether you have any English books in your home – or perhaps have access to a public library with an English-language collection!
I love creating and listening to all types of music. I studied classical viola performance, but can also play violin, cello, and guitar. I can play piano as well (very poorly, I'm afraid). I’d love to make music together or discuss your favorite musical artists. I am especially interested in learning about tradtitional music – in the course of my travels I have encountered alphorns, taiko drums, and erhus. Musical cultural exchange brings me such joy :)
I am also a very creative person, and love making small art projects!
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
- Special dietary requirements
  Vegetarian (...but willing to make occasional exceptions, as a gesture of respect!)

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25 Nov 2024

Left by host (Learn meditation and help us ...) for Workawayer ()

Reading your feedback feels like flipping through a daily diary of life at the meditation center. Your feedback serves as a profile of the center, allowing others to see the lifestyle here. You have used your experience to truly illustrate what the center is about. We are very grateful to you. What you’ve written authentically conveys the… read more

(Excellent )

15 Nov 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Learn meditation and help us ...)

I came to 붓다선원 expecting to stay for three weeks, work alongside the monks, and maybe learn a bit about Buddhism if the opportunity arose. I did not expect that my experience here would be so immersive and profound that I’d extend my stay to six weeks instead of three; that I’d find companionship among the monks and volunteers alike; that I’d feel… read more genuine grief when I left.
Now, having moved on, I think every day about living up there in the mountains, about the peace and quiet of that lifestyle – but mostly about the selflessness of the monks and the simplicity and the contentment with which they live.
Daily life at the meditation center – chanting, meditating, eating, working, resting – all fits into a rhythm that feels natural and right. Mornings start early with chanting and meditation. Meals are freshly prepared and delicious, and are taken silently. Work is split between mornings and afternoons (with frequent tea breaks!) and is never too demanding. Free time during the day can be used for personal meditation, walking in the mountains, or individual work, and in the evenings volunteers meet for group meditation.
At the center I developed an entirely new perspective on work ethic – specifically, learning to value focus and effort over efficiency, and learning to separate my self-worth from my competence as a worker. The monks value doing everything slowly, quietly, and intentionally, and this includes work. On countless occasions I was told to slow down – a welcome departure from most of my other Workaway experiences where I constantly worried about the quality and efficiency of my work.
That's just one example of many to show how safe and cared for I felt at the center. The monks are such kind and gentle people – the joy and contentment they feel in their lifestyle is infectious, and working and living with them showed me how I can feel happiness and fulfillment in a simple, honest life.
Beyond that, the ānāpānasati technique taught at the meditation center has helped me so much in my personal meditation practice, and has enabled me to stay grounded and content in my travels even after leaving. The center is quiet, secluded, and full of fellow meditators: truly the perfect place to cultivate one's focus and skill. Evenings are reserved for group meditation, usually beginning after evening chanting and consisting of a group check-in followed by a short meditation. I learned so much about Buddhism and meditation during these meetings, and the opportunity to regularly check in with Hye Wol-sunim about my individual progress held me accountable in my daily practice.
It should be said that this Workaway is best for those who have a genuine interest in Buddhism and meditation, as well as self-discipline and a willingness to learn. One of the most transformative moments during my stay was choosing to join a meditation intensive for ten days: keeping silent; not reading, writing, or using any sort of technology. This experience was very self-directed; for me, this meant doing little else aside from sleeping, eating, bathing, working, and meditating. During the intensive I meditated for up to 8 hours a day, and it was at this point that I made the greatest progress in my practice and felt my calmest. This is sort of an intense example, but it speaks to the fact that if you remain open-minded, enthusiastic, and disciplined, you will gain much more from your experience at 붓다선원.
There's so much more that I want to write, but putting it all into words feels reductive. I'll just leave it at this.
To the sunims: thank you so much for your hospitality and your willingness to share your way of life with foreigners. I am so grateful for all I was able to learn while staying at the center. I am continuing to practice the ānāpānasati every day, and I think of all of you often. You have taught me to find contentment and freedom in each moment of my life, and while it has made me a happier, more fulfilled person outside the meditation center, I am also looking for my next opportunity to come visit and work with you all again! 사두, 사두, 사두!

(Excellent )

17 Apr 2024

Left by host for Workawayer ()

I would not hesitate to employ Glynnis. She is kind and sensitive and goes beyond the call of duty. Besides, she is good company and an excellent cook! Pancho-the-cat spent most of his time with her. The coordinator of our local Repair Cafe sings her praises. She is multi-skilled, was very helpful in the office on the computer and general… read more

(Excellent )

5 Nov 2023

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help with gardening and small ...)

I stayed with Renate for two weeks in September 2023, and helped with light housekeeping (cleaning windows, organizing kitchen cabinets, etc.) as well as clearing and maintenance in the garden. The light workload allowed me to fully enjoy Renate’s company, as well as her beautiful, art-filled home and the surrounding countryside. My stay felt… read more

(Excellent )

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25 Nov 2024

Left by host (Learn meditation and help us ...) for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

15 Nov 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Learn meditation and help us ...)

(Excellent)

17 Apr 2024

Left by host for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

5 Nov 2023

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help with gardening and small ...)

(Excellent)

24 Sep 2023

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help with our home and garden ...)

I stayed with Rosmarie and Peter for three weeks in August/September 2023, and helped with housekeeping (vacuuming and cleaning the bathrooms) as well as weeding and harvesting in the garden. My working hours were well-scheduled and clearly communicated (with long weekends for exploring!), the house was well-kept and beautiful, and the nearest… read more

(Excellent)

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