Can Shyness become a Negative Force?

The first time that Great Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim explained this concept to me, I did not understand, "Can shyness become a negative force?"  I used to think of shyness as just a characteristic, or that shy people are just scared or weak and unable to come out of their shells.  But she helped me understand it on several levels, and over the years I have observed "shyness".

      For example, especially for would be instructors and teachers that have important things to share with people.  If they have the ability to really help others.  If they let shyness get in the way of expressing themselves in front of others, or helping others, then in my view, they are not doing their part.  They are standing by while others are in need or suffering.  In my view, that would be wrong, and becomes a negative force in your life.

As instructors, we have a responsibility to help others, and we may hold some golden nuggets to share with people that would improve their lives, but if we don’t share, and let people go on suffering when we could have helped, that is terrible.  Instead we must be brave, and fight our inner fears, so we can share our good fortune and years of training with others. 

I    If in your life, you have been lucky enough to have had a good teacher, or mentor, or coach, shouldn't we be grateful, and share our blessings with others.  I feel that responsibility, and it motivates me to be strong and more outspoken.

2.     Many people often hide behind shyness.  Many people that I have known over the years that have seemed shy, often turn out to be the wildest ones in their private lives.  They often have a wildness or behavior that they don’t want anyone to know about.  Not always, but often.  So this falls more into the category of hiding negative behavior that they are not proud of, or feel bad about.  This negative behavior often falls into the category like wild partying, drug or alcohol abuse, abuse, lying, stealing, sexual impropriety, criminal activity, etc…

After thinking about this deeply, I can remember that there were times when I was in a group setting, and I have something important to say, but I didn’t say it.  Is that shyness or is that evil?  I find myself sometimes not wanting to contribute for many reasons, or are these just excuses?  Others are talking, or I feel a little shy, or I am worried what others will think of me, but I now realize that I have to break out of that shell.  I need to realize that it is a sin to let those petty reasons prevent me from speaking out.  I have to break whatever it is that holds me back, and be bold, and with good intentions try to help others.  Great Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim reminded me that Jesus called it, “feed the sheep”.  These are our brothers and sisters.  If we have something good to share, don’t keep it bottled up. 

Thank you Great Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim, for showing me the light, helping me to be a better and more giving person.

Dr. Tae Yun Kim receiving Gold Medal at Stevie Awards 2017.