My Passport to Peace!

This summer I embarked on a journey of peace, relaxation, mindfulness, and pure silence in the Land of Gods and beautiful smiles....Bali, Indonesia! Between the sunsets, black sand beaches, waterfalls, and food that made my taste buds go haywire, I was literally in pure paradise. This was a disconnect from the disconnect. In other words, this solo-vacay was the ultimate getaway that would put everything I had been so focused on in perspective. This was the final piece of MY healing and MY celebration of being MY authentic self and not giving a damn about how anyone else felt.

​I know I have said it many times before, but it is so important to take time for yourself. It doesn't have to be anything extravagant; but to be disengaged for a few days can make the world of difference...mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I am not talking about a girl's trip, I am talking about time for you, your mind, and your own crap. A time to reflect and sort through your thoughts without distractions. I am not saying things are going to magically shift; however, you will be able to see things a lot clearer, TRUST!

With that being said, here we go! To avoid the possibility of getting burned out in one place during my 11-day stay in Bali, I split my trip into 3 parts.  I spent 3 nights in Canggu, 5 nights in Ubud, and 3 nights in Tabanan at the Bali Silent Retreat for Prayer and Meditation. It was the perfect mix! The only thing I would have done different was spend more time at the silent retreat. 

Canggu

My time is Canggu was strictly beach days, sunsets, spas, and great food!

Ubud Photos

Although Canggu is considered to have more of a surfer vibe because of the beaches, the influx of Aussies, and it being a little less authentic, Canggu was my favorite! Despite the reviews, I still felt the authenticity of Bali culture within the city.

​Much of that was due to the celebration of Galungan and Kuningan, the victory of good against evil. There were spiritual celebrations with people dressed in traditional clothes, visits to the temples, and performances in the streets. One of the traditions that I looked forward to seeing each morning was watching the locals prepare Canangs (a daily offering) to give thanks and honor to the Hindu Gods; I couldn't help but feel the spirit of faith and thankfulness. 

​The festivities and celebrations consisted of beautiful arrays of color and Balinese music with every road lined with penjors - bamboo poles with offerings extended at the end. There was an overwhelming sense of spiritual awareness during my entire stay. It is a rare occurrence to travel to a country and be able to connect with a culture on a spiritual level...how phenomenal is that!​

Ubud

My next stop was Ubud, which was only a 45 minute drive from Canggu. Upon arriving, I felt my energy shift to one of calmness and bliss. It wasn't until then I realized the distinct difference between the cities that were perfect in their own way. My villa in Ubud came with a private entry and pool and my very own cook that prepared my choice of  breakfast each morning.  I was truly living the life!! 

A few of my days were filled with simple poolside relaxation; however, the others were everything but. Majestic waterfalls, rice and coffee plantations, swing rides in the jungle that literally took my breath away, and a visit to a Balinese Healer and Holy Bathing ritual were all cleansing to my soul. The day I visited the Healer and experienced the Holy Bathing, I was drained with an over stimulation of emotion. To be able to describe that experience in words has been challenging to say the least. It was one of those encounters that you won't understand until you've personally experienced it. 

Tabanan

Last, but definitely not least, I spent the final three days of my excursion at the Bali Silent Retreat for Prayer and Meditation. As I was planning my trip, I knew I wanted to have an intimate experience where I could focus only on mindfulness and prayer. Needless to say, the silent retreat offered me so much more. 

The retreat held true to the name. Over the course of the 3 days to follow everyone; guests and staff, was to remain in complete silence unless you were in the chat zone which was quite a walk away. There were no outlets in any of the rooms and Wi-Fi was only available in designated areas, which again, was quite a walk away.  The one thing I loved the most, aside from the silence, was the simplicity of it all. It was a time
​of self-reflection and introspection. No one cared what you were wearing or if your make-up was done; it was a time to be alone and listen. Throughout the day, there were yoga and meditation classes and trips to the hot springs and nearby temples. Guests had the personal responsibility of cleaning theirs rooms and washing/drying their dishes...true Ashram living!

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The Cry Bench

Hot Springs

Although I am still working to master the art and mindfulness of meditating, I have come to appreciate the beauty of being still. There is so much strength and grace that lies within each of us and sometimes we often lose ourselves in things and/or people. And, without us being cognizant, we allow other people to determine who we are and who we're supposed to be; which are both detrimental to us being our true and authentic selves.  It is in those moments, we must take a step back, do some self-inventory, and recognize who we are and proceed accordingly. If you are at the point in your life where everything is a blur, it is time to venture out on your own personal journey to peace!​

If you have any questions about my journey to Bali or just want to show some love, please comment below! 
​~Sincerely LV