Juliet LeverI’ve been here less than 24 hours.
I’ve written the outline of my book… Walked on the beach… Had an incredible dinner and breakfast which was exactly what I felt would nourish me… I’ve drunk 3 litres of water… I’ve smiled at countless numbers of locals… I’ve smelt incense… and I’ve buried my bra at the bottom of my suitcase.
Yeah, this feels good.
- If you’ve never been to Bali then you need to read this article.
- If you’ve been to Bali and didn’t enjoy it then you need to read this article.
- If you’ve been to Bali and loved it then you need to read this article..
Here’s why magic happens in Bali:
1) Order in disorder
In Bali, nearly 84% of the population is Hindu and the fundamental principle underlying this is order in the cosmos, aka DHARMA. There is also an equal ‘disordering’ force, ADHARMA. Hindu’s seek balance and harmony between these two forces and never try to control or only have one side of the equation.
WHAT THIS MEANS: The Balinese have a beautiful, relaxed, trusting way of life. To us Western ‘Worriers’ this is a very rare feeling. We are used to trying to ‘control’ the disordering forces in order to bring order to the world.
2) The heat
The humidity in Bali can only be described as though you feel like your entire being is breathing through every layer of your epidermis. It’s like walking in a beautiful gentle sauna, which is incredibly relaxing and healing.
WHAT THIS MEANS: You get a free detox just by being here. Your body will expel toxins as you move. And you have to drink loads of water.
3) The acceptance
The Balinese support, educate and are grateful for the tourists that come here. There are many very respectful tourists, but again (with ADHARMA) there are also the disordering tourists who cause chaos. This is not judged by the locals, it is accepted and the locals are very understanding.
WHAT THIS MEANS: You are free to have any experience you so wish here (legally… obviously)!
4) The mirrors
I have been to Bali so many times now, and literally each time it has been different.
That’s because I have been different. As a woman, I feel free here. Most myself.
What I have found is that in Bali the people you encounter will mirror back any imbalances within yourself (or perhaps used to have).
For example, if you have unresolved or unexpressed anger issues, you are likely to be ripped off or witness someone being angry. If you have a tendency drink too much and ignore your feelings you are likely to do this to excess in Bali. If you are happy and joyous you will be greeted with happiness and joy. Oh, and if you need to disconnect from your old life then you’re bound to have trouble with your phone/internet/wifi… It’s all really perfect.
WHAT THIS MEANS: Accept whatever comes your way, and try to interpret the experiences you have as opportunities to grow, learn and self reflect – rather than blaming Bali for your experience… “It’s not you Bali, it’s me ☺”
5) The inspiration
The beauty is literally overwhelming. Even in the less eye-pleasing areas there will be a beautiful child playing so simply that it touches your heart. In the mountains of Ubud there is art that will make your soul come alive. In the beaches of Jimbaran Bay you can watch an incredible sunset while you enjoy a $10 seafood buffet. You can sit at a café anywhere and write on your laptop for hours on end with no distractions, only to be asked if you would like a replacement fresh young coconut (yes, this just happened, and yes, I am now sipping this!). The island of Bali really feels as though it is in a constant state of meditation and encourages continual gratitude for the beauty everywhere, which makes for a truly breathtaking experience.
WHAT THIS MEANS: You see the world through who you are and how you are.
Every time I have come to Bali I have changed in the most beautiful ways. Bali softens me.
Or is it the act of giving myself this beautiful soulful experience that is in fact softening me?
I am so incredibly excited to see what magic unfolds here over these next 2 weeks….
I’d love to know, what magic have you experienced in Bali?
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