Hello from Bali!

As I’m writing this,  I’m waiting for Wayan to drop off some holy water.

I’ll be doing a ritual later this week and I need holy water for the ritual.

When Wayan called a few minutes ago to plan the drop off, he gave me the low down on holy water:

“You can’t put it in your bag. You can’t put it lower than your stomach. It’s holy water. You have to respect it.”

And me: “I know, Wayan. I used holy water last year. Remember?”

Wayan: “I don’t know if you forget. I just telling you. Holy water must be the respect. You must the respect the holy water.”

So while I wait for my holy water I will tell you what I’ve been up to…

What to write. Hmmm.

Well, there’s no way I can say it all so I’ll give you the short and sweet version.

For the record I’m having a great time. Even better than last year which I didn’t think was possible.

Wow. Wow. Wow.

A week ago I skinny dipped in a pool with friends while watching Russian fire dancers wave torches and spin around in the full moon. It was so surreal, like many of the magical experiences I’m having here.  While it was happening I was thinking: Am I really in Bali and are there really fire dancers in front of me?

Then there are the countless motorbike rides around Ubud which put such a smile on my face. Sometimes three of us will ride on a motorbike:

Delicious meals in one of the many beautiful inexpensive restaurants. Rice field walks in the morning while rice farmers and ducks work the fields. Yoga class after my walk.

But what is most yummy are the people who are here from all parts of the world. There is a consistent open-hearted quality about the expats and fellow travelers that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. We’ve developed such a rich community of people in such a short amount of time.

You would love each one of them.

There’s Michael from Scotland who is so vulnerable and willing to share his feelings no matter how challenging that might be for him. And Manuella who lives in Ubud and has a fiery, honest spirit and a gift for color. “Don’t wear light colors, they fade you out. Wear bold colors.” There’s beautiful Tesa, originally from Paris, who quotes poetry in the most sublime way. Charlie from the Bay Area who teaches Body Meditation and with whom I’ve experienced such a heartfelt connection with. Robin who has a zest for life and a knack for creating a beautiful home whenever she lands in Bali. Dennis the lively almond farmer from California who has the bluest eyes you’ve ever seen.

Then there is Marie Jose from Holland who leads the weekly family constellations that have brought us together as a group. RJ from England who had a housewarming party in his new Ubud home on Saturday night. Anthony who has hair like a lion and writes the most incredible stories you could ever hope to read. Eleanor, such a talented photographer and her endearing musician boyfriend Jamie, both from England. Felice from Oregon who gives enveloping, loving hugs. She lost her 2 daughters and ex-husband to a plane crash 4 years ago and came to Bali to heal her heart. Felice has the most joyful spirit and her presence reminds me that if she can have happiness in her heart after her three losses, anyone can.

And many more amazing people that I just could fill this page with…

Slowly people are starting to leave (back to their homes or to other spots to travel) and you know what?

It is hard for this girl.

I want everyone to stay.

I don’t want anyone to leave.

As it is, many have extended their time here to really sink into what we all realize is a rich, unique, loving community of like-minded souls. A convergence of soulful people that rarely happens in one swoop. Who would want to leave that juicyness?

But homes and work and other travel destinations are calling some of these lovely people I’ve met…

As my friends leave I have some fear that I’ll be left all alone in Bali.

It’s just a fear.

My deeper sense, when I get quiet with the thought of the inevitable leaving of these people, is that there will be more wonderful people for me to meet when these current lovely souls leave to their respective places.

I’m trusting that. And like last year’s trip (and life in general) I’m doing my best to stay in the present moment and just enjoy what is here NOW. Not look too far out into the future which is always so compelling yet so undefinable. How can I know what will happen even later today or tomorrow?

I do know that will be returning the Bay Area in mid-June or mid-July depending on what feels right.

And meanwhile I’ll keep in touch on this blog as that feels right.

Sending you love from Bali!

Tagged as: Bali, expats in Bali, expats in Ubud, Ubud, Ubud Bali