Contributed by Brian Ma, Shinnyo-en USA Head Temple Youth Association
IPTP Leadership Retreat #3 was an eye-opening experience that not only deepened my knowledge of Shinnyo practices, but also altered my perspectives on leadership. The retreat provided valuable insights into how we can best support those within our temple community, expand our perspective to encompass wider community needs, and ultimately develop as leaders within both settings.
From my first moment at the retreat, I felt immense appreciation for being given this opportunity. Through various activities and discussions that I participated in, it became evident how much there was for me to learn about leadership. My role as a leader has evolved beyond simply leading Young Adults (YAs) at my temple; now, I see its importance in reaching out and supporting Junior Young Adults (JRYAs) by helping them develop into leaders themselves. Although I wasn’t able to volunteer at LifeMoves on the day of the retreat, I was able to participate a week prior and found this experience to be very informative and valuable. I found myself sorting clothes for those in need, initially approaching it with a somewhat limited perspective. I would sort through the clothes, picking what I thought people would want to wear. However, as I continued, I began to realize that this task required more than just practicality; it required an open mind, as though I were looking into a mirror. This experience challenged my approach to giving and serving, showing me that sometimes even small things, like choosing clothes, can make a big difference in someone’s life.
A highlight of the retreat for me was an exercise titled “Discovering My Inner Toolbox,” where we were asked to reflect on our own tool boxes. For my inner toolbox, I chose a comb and mirror as they represent my role as a leader. The comb represents my ability to assess challenges and organize my thoughts and actions, while the mirror stands as a constant reminder of self-reflection and my dedication towards becoming the kind of leader I aspire to become. As I organized clothes during the volunteer experience, I realized that these two tools–just like sorting clothes–represent how I approach life and leadership. They remind me to remain thoughtful, organized, and always self-aware so I can better serve those around me.
This retreat provided me with newfound clarity regarding the type of leader I hope to become. Now, I understand that leadership is not solely defined by what one does but, by also the ability to adapt and evolve with others’ needs, understanding strengths as well as areas for development, so I can serve those within my temple community and society more effectively.
Please enjoy many more photos at this link.