Tribe

I’ve had more than a few Ubud friends say to me, “I’m so much more social here than I am at home.”

Me too. It seems I’ve now turned into a social butterfly.

My calendar is filled with more people and activities and parties and events and dinners than I often know what to do with. And since I don’t have a calendar my activities are either in my head or on a sheet of paper which, as of yesterday, I seem to have lost.

Uh-oh.

It’s a lot of connection with lots of people and also really feels right and energizing. The joke around Ubud is that we need a vacation from our vacation. Ubud is that chock-full of stuff to do and people to see and events to attend and well, you get the picture…

And when it gets to be too much for this butterfly I put my phone in the drawer (note: if I’m not answering, that’s what’s up). I then curl up in my extra large cushy villa to watch movies, have food delivered, make popcorn, read, swim, take baths, sleep.

The next day I usually wake up ready to dive into the next social activity.

Not working helps one become a social butterfly for sure. As does not having any of the earthly responsibilities like cleaning the house, cooking or laundry, and paying bills. Yes, not paying bills definitely helps.  (Don’t worry, my bills are getting paid, it’s just that my assistant is doing that while I’m away. Might have her continue doing this when I get back. I realize I really like not paying bills.)

The current group of friends that has taken shape around me in Ubud feels so right. We just gel. There is a feeling of YES with these people, these loving souls from around the world that I get to call friends (lucky me).

They are helping to make this the trip of a lifetime. Without them Ubud would just be a place. A lovely, lush, spiritual place but just a place. Enjoying all that Ubud has to offer with these friends opens up my whole experience of Bali into a more full and rich experience.

I had a tribe early on in my trip in Bali but people in that tribe left the island and things shifted.

When this happened I felt lonely and prayed for people that I really resonated with and who I could sink into.

People that felt like comfy sofas to my soul.

Soul sofas.

Yes, that’s what I needed.

In a short amount of time, I got that.

I’m so very grateful.

I have had so many moments of, ‘When I’m 80 I’m going to remember this Bali trip and be so happy I got to experience that.”

And the thing is I’m so aware these days of how very precious it is to be here now. I’m appreciating most of these beautiful moments in the moment they are happening.

In real time. Not having to look back (though I’m sure I will) and say, “God, those were the good old days.”

I’m aware that these are the GOOD OLD DAYS. Right here, right now. In this moment in time. With these people who have managed to get their butts to Ubud too so that we could all converge at the same time, in the same place.

Thank God!

When I’m 80-

I’m going to remember walking in the rice fields with Diane and talking about what and who brings heart and meaning to our lives.

I’m going to remember sipping wine on Adam’s rooftop deck overlooking Ubud and feeling total and utter peace about my life.

I’m going to remember swimming with Robin in my pool and then us taking a hot bath in the garden bath tub in our swimsuits.

I’m going to remember movie night at the Yoga Barn with the Tribe and eating so much popcorn I felt a bit sick afterward. But it was totally worth it.

I’m going to remember lunches and great conversation at my favorite table at Tut-Mak with Chess and that to-die-for chicken salad that I never get tired of.

I’m going to remember Dream Group with Jane and sharing our dreams and getting deep insights into my inner world.

I’m going to remember Tarra doing Reiki on me and feeling her warm hug that night that I really needed it.

I’m going to remember going to Clear Cafe with Christine and Amber and feeling a synergy of love and connection.

I’m going to remember having everyone over for Writers Group on Wednesdays and Saturdays and opening our hearts through sharing what our brains, pens and computers came up with.

I’m going to remember that moment with Zuri where we both felt safe enough to cry about losing our moms at a young age.

I’m going to remember Jen’s party and how we left scratching our heads wondering, “Why was that party so great?” We all had the sense that it was one of the best parties ever but we still don’t know why. The only conclusion we’ve come to so far is that it was probably Jen working her hospitality magic as only she can.

I’m going to remember the dinner picnic on Emilie’s living room floor in her artsy Om Villa and eating salad with our fingers and the flowers she always wore in her hair, each and every time I saw her.

I’m going to remember, I’m going to remember, I’m going to remember.

Yes I am.

Last Thursday we went on a road trip to the hot springs in Lovina for Jane’s birthday.

13 of us. 2 cars and 2 drivers.

We laughed and played games and sang songs and scrunched up in the car together and just had a fabulous time.

It was so much fun.

We started early in the morning and came back late at night. We were blissed out. All of us talked about it. About how much we had enjoyed ourselves and each others company.

We are now talking about a trip to the sea for a few days next week…

And now, I need to end this as I have a friend coming over for dinner in a few minutes.

Such is the (wonderful) life of this social butterfly in Bali.

🙂

Tagged as: Bali Soul Sofa, Bali Tribe, Ubud Tribe