I’ve been thinking about how we look at our personal history, the unexpected changes that we face and the ways that we manage those changes for ourselves.

Specifically, I’ve been thinking about how I look at the major changes that have taken place in my life. Getting divorced, was a journey and a transformation that I’m very comfortable with. I’m not going to reflect on that now, not for any emotional reason but because I doubt I have anything to add to the thousands and thousands of words that have been written by others before me on the subject. Also, my point is better illustrated by a more recent change.

Last year, June 30th, I left beautiful Australia, to move to the US. I had a brilliant job lined up, I was moving to a city that I adored, and I was assured a lifestyle that would not tick my boxes but blow them apart. Things changed. The US government – whom I have now forgiven – decided not to issue me a visa and I was left high and dry. As in stuck in autumn-time England with no job, no home, no possessions (all shipped to the US), and not too much ready cash. I had my south-east Asia equipped backpack, and the love, support, wardrobes & bikes of my friends & family. Let me say straight away, I will never forget the easy generosity and care of those close to me during those tricky times.

Six/ nine months on and I’m almost laughing at the heartbreak I felt when I heard I couldn’t get a visa. Life is better now than it ever has been, than I ever thought it could be, and than I honestly think it would have been if that initial dream had come true.

And that’s my point. Without a parallel universe how can we compare what might have been with what is, and do we repackage our alternative options to make ourselves feel better? I honestly believe that things have worked out for the best for me, but is that me repackaging history to suit my present? It doesn’t really matter, I just wonder. Nicholas Nissim Taleb, a smart and entertaining writer, says that when it comes to history the human mind suffers from ailments, amongst which ‘retrospective distortion’. He’s looked into this so clearly he wonders too.

Quite specifically I’m referring to changes that aren’t entirely within your control, like divorce and visa applications. I’m sure you have a wealth of examples of your own. We all have them on a micro scale – changes to our lives because of the weather, those sliding doors moments. This isn’t about how you respond to those changes either. The responsive decisions you make, the path you pursue, your attitude, emotional reaction and so on, are totally in your control, and that again is a different subject. My pondering is, do we kid ourselves about the awesomeness of the present to feel better about a predicted future that alluded us.

It’s a pondering, an intrigue, not a worry or a preoccupation. Like I say, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, cheesy but true and I don’t mind saying it. I don’t just wake up feeling like the luckiest girl ever, I feel it frequently throughout the day. I have never experienced such complete peace, satisfaction, delight and such a rich experience of the world around me.

Here’s some perspective though because things aren’t perfect (sigh of relief). Lola got stolen and I didn’t have insurance for her yet; I earn far less than I used to, or really should; I’m losing touch with some friends although I know that can come as well as go; and I’ve now got cellulite, which is gross. Wonder what I would have made of these challenges if I’d been in my alternative future.

It’s always a question once the word ‘divorce’ has been introduced, so I’ll share. Yes, love, lust and liaisons have been/ are in and out of my life. I’m good and happy with all of it. I’ve spent time with awesome people I definitely wouldn’t have before and when it’s right, something, someone will stay. With regards to that, I’m not predicting a future, that way I also minimise my repackaging :) if that’s what we do, ah, we’re back again…

Thanks for letting me ramble.
x Luce

ooo shopping

It was Day Two for the American team and Day Idunno for Ileana & I. Doesn’t matter, Fridays in Bang Wan are all about the market. The lovely villagers and visiting tradespeople struggled to keep their eyes in their heads and their hands by their sides at the sight of so many farang walking around. The locals were fascinated by the different hair & skin colour, clothes & accessories, as much as the crisp Baht being spent. The Americans for their part were adventurous with the flavours on offer and excitable about the souvenirs that they could buy, they also bought flowers for Gai. That melted my heart.
I enjoyed some soy milk drink (includes a collection of delicious, unidentifiable ingredients), the grapefruit shaped unname-able fruit I found last time I was here (fleshy, big seeds, unnameable), and various bits of banana heaven. I also got a new clock for the kitchen – the last one had said seven o’clock for a while.

divide & conquer

Breakfast was a light, flavoursome rice soup and a landslide of goodies from the market. It was dead nice sitting around tasting, chatting, drinking coffee.
Then down to work. Ile and some of the group went to school. Term hadn’t started properly so there weren’t classes; when they got back hours later they told us how they’d spent time teaching games to all the children, choosing different games for different age groups. It sounded like enormous fun – for everyone.
The team that stayed at Baan San Fan were organised by Sam and went to task on all the window frames and doors: they scrubbed them clean, then varnished them, three quick coats that dried super fast. I felt bad, still do actually, cos I didn’t roll my sleeves up and get down with the manual labour. The truth is I had some really good contacts and updates to follow up on for some (charitable!) websites that I’m working on, ah well. The doors and windows looked great, the team did an excellent job, sleeves down but hats off :)

gossip

I’m not quite sure where the rest of Friday went but there was a lot of talking! A matter of hours together and us girls were talking boys boys boys, ha ha.
Gai made the most amazing curry for dinner, rambutan curry, can you imagine? And then I’m pretty sure there was more hanging out and chatting. One brilliant moment: sitting with Ile as we checked each others’ hair for lice (some of the children have them), now if that’s not old school, female bonding right there I don’t know what is. And then Gai came over to ‘ours’ and the three of sat round setting the world to rights, accompanied by much arm squeezing and laughter. And the nattering continued long into the night, which is perhaps one reason why Ile and I slept through the alarm on Saturday and she had a very rushed last morning. Sorry again Ile (the alarm was technically my domain, oops).

friends

We’d known each other only a couple of days but I did not want Ile to leave :( I didn’t envy Ile’s goodbyes at Baan San Fan, I know how that feels, it sucks massively and makes you ask a lot of questions of yourself. Ile had a really good stay at Baan San Fan though, and the children and Sam & Gai loved having her there, it’s a shame we don’t always know the power of our own presence.

New friends for all of us now.. the team had mentioned their interest to take the children out and to do some sightseeing so late morning we all piled into vehicles and headed.. to an elephant park. I didn’t take any pictures while we were there because no number of clicks could have captured the brilliant expressions and excitement that I saw for the next few hours. The children were crazy about it; the American’s were crazy about it; I’m pretty sure the elephants were going bonkers too. Adults & children teamed up and they squashed onto the elephants to ride around some of the lush Thai countryside. I stayed with Gai and the two little ones, drinking water and laughing at them swinging around on the plastic seats. After the rides there was lots of souvenir kerfuffle, a well trained elephant did tricks with everyone and much laughter. It was delightful.

beaches

Next on today’s tourist trail were Ban Nam Khem and Ban Sak. The former is the location of a nice Tsunami memorial which we looked around before having picnic a la Gai – individually packed curries & rice! – sitting on the grass, right by the ocean. There’s a really big buddha here, I don’t remember seeing that last time which seems a bit careless. The children and I grabbed fresh fruit slushies. You choose your fruit and it’s whooshed in a blender with soda & ice, yum.
Ban Sak is a lovely beach for playing and swimming – decent amount of sand, tiny surf, warm waters, few vendors trickling by on the road. The children were splashing and screaming, the team were, er, doing the same. Sam asked how far I would swim today (he remembered from when we were here last year) and showed no surprise when I said Phuket, ha ha. It’s so hot in Thailand right now (remind me not to return at this time of year) that it was glorious to be in the water and I had a big, beautiful swim before splashing with the children a bit.
There was also some good shell collecting, coconut tree shaking (!), sand structuring going on. In short, ‘you happy?’, ‘I happy’ everywhere. Perfect.

and my work here is done, for now

We were all shattered on the way home and it was lovely to get back, shower & flop. I had some considerable chat & logistics to catch up on because I’d decided to head off the next morning. We’d had a smashing day out, the children, Sam & Gai were all smiling SO much, the awesome team were doing awesomely and, I felt it was time to head off with an enormous amount of pride & peace in my heart at how well everyone was doing.
Til next time…

x Pi Lucy

Great work
Tim, Chris & Shane go to work

gossip corner: Shanelle, Nikita, Caitlin & Caitlin

Brad

Lindsee

Mackay

Caitlin

gardening

day tripping

sunday

aaah, lots of mixed emotions at the moment • time to move • bike ride back home • chat to Ayu • eggs, toast & tea :) • packing • vamos! bye bye little house and lovely family • somehow ride my bike while carrying +-25 kg in two rucksacks, plus a yoga mat, hmm • bye bye almost-trusty bike • walk around town. i now have to put up with the ‘taxi?’ ‘hotel?’ comments • bit of souvenir shopping • arrange transport – it’s nice to surprise one of the ‘taxi?’ guys with a ‘yes please’, ha ha • what’s this?? a cafe on Hanoman that I haven’t been to?? • banana pancakes and a coconut • this place is awesome, the cushions are super comfy, the coconut has a frangipani in it and the pancakes come with coconut cream & palm syrup. ding ding ding • carry on shopping now i’ve had a sugar kick • meet my driver. pretty much pass out on the back seat • my driver says we’re in an area that’s really good for art and i should look round a gallery, okee dokee • it’s an artist’s cooperative or community, i’m not totally clear. but there’s a bunch of people outside painting, and there’s all different styles of painting displayed inside. a lot of it is really nice (quite commercially friendly, clever chaps) • walk around chatting n looking • i’m quite taken with some pieces by this one artist, it’s mostly fish, fishermen, fishing boats, but he uses really interesting colours and shapes. fortunately for my bank balance they are way to big to even consider buying • drive on • have one of those deep, hot & sticky, neck aching back-of-the-car sleeps • arrive in Sanur • my accommodation is significantly nicer than i had anticipated for ten-ish quid a night • pool, dip, sleep • shower • head to beach • dusky light, some of the clouds have golden edges, the tide is way out, there are fishermen at the shore, the volcano – Agung i think – is really clear. this is a gorgeous scene • have a sit and a little cry • have a walk and some peanuts! • it’s very quiet, not many people around at all • find a place with tables actually on the beach. i don’t care what i eat, i just want to feel the sand in my toes • veg’n'rice, sand’n'waves • i’m still reading Coelho and it’s kinda funny reading his very Catholic pov while i’ve been receiving very eastern spiritual education • walk back. i have to go through this big swanky hotel to get from the beach to the road. it’s a really nice place. beautiful lounges, gardens, pools, bars • home • sit at the bar by the pool mucking around on line (Facebook) & writing • nice sleep

monday

woke up at 6.30 • ready • walk to the beach • ah man, it’s gorgeous. the tide is up, lapping at the sand, the sun is inches above the horizon, everything is shiny, shiny and new • swim • i love being in the ocean so much: the taste, the sound, the movement, the dryness, the freshness, the life, the freedom • always makes me laugh how the first few breaths i don’t actually inhale i just pop my head up with my mouth open • swim out to the break. Sanur is really flat sand with a shelf or reef about, i dunno 300 metres from the beach. you could walk out here, it can’t be more than 150 cm deep • there’s lots of seaweed, it’s like swimming over ocean prairies, heaps of swaying grass • waves! not quite surf but waves • swim along the break for a bit • starfish! it’s orange with blue bits • i’ve come further north than i realised, gotta come back now • beach • few stretches. i do flipped dog in the shallow water feeling the sand moving out from under my hand and feet • home • shower • breakfast & computer-y things • writing • get dressed • walk through Sanur, i’ve never seen the town side properly, just the beach • couple of interesting shops n things, lots of the usual • not really heading for anything but about an hour later i end up at the Mercure which is handy because i’m meant to meet Emmie here later • Geranium Cafe outside the Mercure is a really sweet place. i have a really nice lunch (frozen lime slush, crackers, vego noodles) and catch up on some yoga notes • head to the beach • fried bananas • find the Yoga by the Sea studio. i’d seen flyers for this around Ubud and whaddyaknow it’s right here. cool • walk along beach • big posh hotel with a bar that has swings. awesome. coffee here n writing yoga notes • walk along the beach & back to the street • hire a scooter so i can get home quicker, 75p for an hour! • home • little dip in pool, get ready, scooter back to the south end of Sanur • scooter returned • kayak idea is thwarted by low low tide (!) • back to the same posh hotel • get a watermelon juice which i reckon ‘buys’ me use of a sunbed and the pool.. • make my way to the yoga studio • it’s a bamboo building, with a shop downstairs and the room for practicing upstairs, all open sides, it’s gorgeous • Judit is leading our class, she has a really nice accent, a really nice manner and takes us through an awesome practice focusing on detoxing, so lots of twists • my ‘offering’ at the start of class is to never stop learning and Judit – unwittingly – brilliantly reinforces that throughout the class for me as I get some new pointers and directions on familiar postures • headstand, almost • am attacked by bugs in shivasana • head to the Mercure again • chat to concierge and call Emmie’s room but she’s not there and i haven’t seen her around :( • somehow the concierge and i get on to yoga, and he requests a lesson, right there. erm ok. we do some seated stretches and talk about building self-awareness • he practices Reiki so takes me through some Reiki basics • we both keep looking around the lobby to check we’re not getting busted doing new age healing sitting at his desk! • all good • i ask if i can use the showers while i wait for Emmie, he says yes and i go down to the spa • still no Emmie so i head back to the beach • it’s a beautiful night • walk along • find restaurant, a perfect place actually • soda & lime, Bali peanuts, boxes ticked • the service is lovely, i’m on the sand with the waves right there, happy girl • nice dinner, read my book, sigh, thank you Bali • taxi home • lovely sleep

tuesday

7 o’clock • walk to beach • decide i’ll have a little swim this morning and head south instead of north • the water is really shallow, i’m a bit confused, i’m swimming at about the same time as yesterday, can the tide have changed that much.? • i decide to go round this little island • ok, my belly is barely skimming the bigger rocks now and my fingertips have grazed the sand a few times • now i’m having to down-stroke to the side rather than under me, hmm, not ideal • i’ve passed the island and have to swim out to sea to get around it, hopefully it will get deeper now! • yup, deeper • as i come round the island i realise the current is mentally strong, it’s really pushing to get in to shore. if i even slow my stroke i go backwards. this swim has turned into harder work than i wanted! • honestly feel like i’m swimming uphill • get past the island and the current eases off. man, can i have my cruisy morning back please.? • beach • quick rinse n dressed • walk back home via the atm and bakery • shower, half pack • slow breakfast by the pool • second half of packing • taxi • aah, Bali traffic • airport • spend the next hour getting v frustrated at departure tax and visa charges which mean to’n'fro-ing to the atm, so dull • finally through • Denpasar airport is pretty awful • juice, WiFi, Powderfinger • flight is good – Malaysia Airlines, they’re alright • Kuala Lumpur • everything looks familiar • spend the 90 minute transit time trying to work out whether i’ve been here before • yes, last time i flew Denpasar-KL-Phuket, plonker • another Malaysia Airlines flight, a-ok, oh, except a bit of drama, the couple next to me have an argument. c’mon kids, play nicely, you’re on holiday • hot. Phuket is hot • get a taxi quickly • get nowhere in the taxi quickly cos he doesn’t know where we’re going ha ha ha • hotel • all fine. it’s clean, got what i need • they ask why i booked a room with a balcony. i have no idea, no idea at all • walk towards the beach • i know this little path, this is the fence that runs around Nai Yang Beach Resort where i’ve stayed before. yup, there’s the room that Dad and i were in last year, ha • not much has changed in Nai Yang, sweet. including the massage prices, super sweet • foot scrub. not as good as before but it’s ok • massage. waaaaay better than before. marvellous • walk along Nai Yang, maybe there are a few more bars n stuff than before, it’s ok • it’s pretty quiet i reckon • keep thinking of when i was here with Dad, nice memories • choose a beach place for dinner, think it’s called Bana Nas or something, ha • plastic table on the sand, dogs kicking around, gentle waves, perfect • Thai green curry, and that’s it, no Singha, this feels a bit odd • yum, i love these crunchy baby aubergine and fresh kaffir leaves • walk home • aircon, macbook, chilledwater, coolio

wednesday

nice sleep • walk to beach • beautiful bit of yoga on the hard sand • there’s no one around, the tide is slowly going out, the sun is slowly coming over the trees, everytime i open my eyes there’s a different dog sitting next to my bag • the yoga is really good, i’m happy to notice that i’m really giving myself what i need, it’s very intuitive and i’m using a much broader range of postures than i ever did before in self practice • little swim, ah yes, Thai water is as warm and unrefreshing as i remember :) • go to the Beach Resort to cheekily shower n change • decide to have breakfast at the Resort • great decision, i really take my time, read my book, enjoy lots of different things – first bit of banana bread in a while • i’m reading a book about probability and opportunism, it’s excellent, very well written, and very well timed for me • am taking my time, no rush, i’ve gotta wait for my laundry to come back anyway! • get asked out by a Swedish business dude. didn’t see that one coming • it starts to rain, properly rain, didn’t see that coming either • more book • walk back to hotel • shower, packing, sorting • taxi to highway • sit at bus stop reading (novel now) and chatting to the lady who sells mangoes • bus • s’a while since i’ve been on a proper bus journey, they always induce internal ponderings and reflections for me, ever since those first bus journeys in Mexico years ago. my brain is flicking through hundreds of things • little cry (inevitable) • smiling at some nice memories • come up with some new ideas • decide that the new ideas are awesome and that it’s been a very productive bus journey • Thai Muang, a small serviceable looking town. i’ve been dropped off at a desk that says ‘travel’ but there just seem to be elderly people selling dried snacks and no one speaks English • i do some universally understood gesticulations in order to use the toilet :) • some more universally understood gesticulations to express my extreme gratitude • write down where i want to get to – home & life orphanage, i’ve been told it’s near here • a lot of blank looks. ah • someone else comes to help. everyone is being really friendly and nice, we’re all smiling a lot but i’m not sensing progress • ah, this fella’s gonna take me • the old dudes are laughing and saying police. i laugh too, oh yeah, his t’shirt says police, that’s funny, is it.? • hop in the car • oh christ he really is a policeman, that’s his Royal Thai Police hat • oh holy sh!t he’s got a gun • i keep smiling and saying nice things about Thai Muang, what else can ya do • get to orphanage, it wasn’t that far • lots of thank yous and bowing • that’s a bit of an entrance isn’t it.. • have a wonderful few hours at Home & Life • time up, i’ve decided i want to definitely get to Baan San Fan this evening • head back to the road to wait for the Takua Pa bus • car stops • “want a ride?” • seems to be the day for it. there are three generations in the car and since i feel most compromised by the toddler in the back so i say ‘yes’ • they’re very sweet, speaking minimal English, we say the same thing over & over • the little girl in the back is very cute and very, er, mobile. she’s clambering all over, using the whole car as a gymnasium. at one point she does a headstand between the driver’s and back seat and i start to question whether i’m in the car with the next Buddha.. • it starts to rain, smashing down • get to Takua Pa • i’ve never hitched before, how does this work • they chuck your stuff on the street and drive off, that’s how • fair nuff, hitching’s alright i reckon • check bus times, get cash, buy bits of rubbish for the kids, get a bag of pineapple • wait for bus • never got a local bus before around here. i’m glad i’m going a short distance • tell them i want Bang Wan. they look at me like i’m mental • we get to Bang Wan and they’re checking i want to get off, ha ha, yes please • last bit of the journey is the walk up the road to Baan San Fan…

the prettiest coconut competition continues right…to…the…end

dusk, Sanur




dawn, Sanur

suksama Bali xxx

Thailand

Previous posts about this trip

London-Bali
Bali
SOSA (17/200): awakening
SOSA (51/200): absorbing
run through the rice fields
SOSA (day off): enjoying
SOSA (102/200): deepening
SOSA (day off #2): indulging
SOSA (151.5/200): exploring
SOSA (afternoon off!): vegging
SOSA (day off #3): escaping
SOSA (200/200): doing
SOSA (school’s out & graduation): celebrating

Last class done, let’s get outta here! Shattered, I went in pursuit of recovery to Nur’s, a massage place that Christina, my neighbour, had recommended. Bike locked, sweat mopped, bags & kegs dropped, mend me please. Nur combines traditional sweeping oil Balinese massage with Reiki techniques and something else that I don’t know the name of but involves elbow work (her elbows) really getting into the connective tissue, rather than specific muscles. It was marvellous. Slightly hurty and marvellous. After that I biked to a restaurant by the edge of a gorge, so view of green stuff for me, had a coconut, crackers n sambal and my first wok-greasy mie goreng (a month in Bali and it’s my first mie goring..?!). Ah, I was coming back alive!

kirtan

It was full moon this weekend, but this one was especially special (I googled it) because it ushers in a new ‘age’ or something (clearly I didn’t read what I googled) so Sari Organic were having kirtan. I walked through the rice fields from home, it was bright enough with the moon and there was extra assistance from some big lightning cracks in the west and heaps of glow worms floating above the fields.
Sari’s was busy. A lot of the girls were there, everyone looked pretty & relaxed. I squashed onto some cushions with Linds, ordered and we watched the chaos of a kirtan band set up. They were sitting on big benches that normally have cushions & low tables on for eating. There was a didgeridoo, a big drum that rested on the floor, two guitarists, a lead singer with an instrument I don’t know but looked like an Indian version of an accordion, a smaller drum with three microphones pointing towards it, and four backing singers & percussionists. Just as the band finished their sound check & warm-up a voice shouted “Loosi, your order”, so the whole place knew that I had a ginger & lime juice and veggie tempura, ta.
The lead singer was charming, crowd pleasing and drew everyone in to the first chant. He talked a lot about the ‘auspiciousness’ of this moon, yessir. The chant started slow & quiet and gradually instruments came in as the tempo got quicker, and the pitch higher, it was simple & very effective, fun & infectious.

storm

As we were doing the first chant, the rain started to pour and pour and pour which meant a fair amount of drama, Sari’s being open-sided with a thatched roof! When the music finished we could really hear the rain smashing down, and there was some amazing thunder & lightning, it was biblical. The lead singer was a pro: “yes, we are showered with many gifts this evening.”
All round Sari’s there were people sitting on chairs, lying & lounging on the floor, hanging on tables, singing, chanting, swaying, dancing, clapping, tapping, anything really, it was super relaxed. We had song sheets but it was a lot of repetition so easy enough to follow. Sometimes I just sat with my eyes closed, in my own bubble with craziness going off around & outside, that feeling of being at the eye of the storm. Each song was for a different god: Vishnu, Ganesha, et al, not sure which god I got to but I had to make a move. Unfortunately with the rain there was no leaving at that point, so I found some cushions out the back and had a little sleep. Hanna woke me, said it was ok to go and with Ayako, Maxine & Sheri, we sloshed our way back through the fields with the music and singing washing over us.

yoga

Sunday morning I decided it was time for a last big push and went to morning flow. Sky used to teach at Yoga Barn regularly but now travels a lot so just does classes when he’s in town. He led the most gorgeous practice: slow, easing, feeling into the postures. I’m so glad I came to this class, it levelled me, physically – nice to put things in the right places, and emotionally – Sky reminded me to remain humble & never stop learning. Namaste.

graduation ceremony

Ah, the terrace looked beautiful. The Balinese make gorgeous decorations from leaves, folding them and weaving in other flowers & colours, there were heaps dangling in the wind. Plus petals on the floor and all our cushions arranged with a traditional Balinese offering in front of each. Everyone looked so pretty, floaty and fresh, and the atmosphere was sparkly.
Troy and Simone talked about the journey we’ve taken and the responsibility we have in the next steps that we take. They spoke from the heart and the soul. We’ve talked a lot throughout the course about the power of yoga to, yes, change the world. We are each our own universe so any adjustments, improvements, that we make to ourselves can only positively affect the world. We get more aligned – heart, body, consciousness – and we influence the world around us to become more aligned. So, with our new education and enlightenment we’re in an even better, stronger position to effect change. It’s up to us where, how much and how effective.
Irene, Cat, Bex and Tina also shared some words & encouragement, their parting gifts. Then a Balinese monk joined us, in his white robes with frangipanis in his turban, he blessed the space and then each of us individually. He started off sitting in the middle of the circle, jangling a bell and methodically waving incense, dipping frangipanis, tossing rice, and reciting verse all the while. To be blessed we were sprinkled with holy water while we held our hands out, then we drank the water from our hands three times, then the monk pressed rice into our foreheads and collar bones. Bosh, your were blessed. And a bit wet n sticky, I’m pretty sure I heard Troy mutter something about sushi ;
We were invited to share anything we wanted with the group. There was some hesitation, emotions were high & cracking, but a few people spoke, some lovely words, some personal reflections. As much because I want to remember it, this is what I said: “As I get older, my idea of what family is changes, I see before me a family. I am taking a piece of each of you in my heart and you go with my love, please know that you have it. I wish you all the very very best in everything you do.”
Then Troy & Simone called us individually to the front and presented us with our certificates and a thick garland of stunning orange carnations. It was a chance to have a personal moment with each teacher, kneeling in front of each other, not many words needed by this point.

graduation party

Eka and the Handsomes! They were set up on the terrace and played for us as we all danced around with petals underfoot, leaves overhead, and garlands swinging in-between. There were heaps of people – regular Yoga Barn punters – watching from the various studios and decks, so there were eyes and sunshine beaming down on us. Eka is a real performer, he’s got a marvellous voice and sings with heaps of emotion, but he also speaks to the crowd, getting everyone involved, he’s a natural. I can’t recall what songs they were but we variously bopped around, swayed with our arms round each other, and took variations on hugasana ha ha ha. The last song was Untukku by Chrisye. It’s a really well known Indonesian love song, and it was the first song that they played for our shivasana treat last week. We all lost it, it was beautiful.

letting go

I remember other times like this: getting back from guide camp and waiting for parents to arrive, lingering at the end of a wedding, hanging around on someone’s doorstep, holding on after a kiss, not quite stepping through the departure gate. Those times when you don’t want something to end, when you don’t want the inevitability of real life to creep in. You could do ‘good bye’ for ever, there’s always more to say, more to share, but the end is right there, you can taste it and you’re not really paying proper attention because you’re already being pulled apart, the threads are stretching.
If we truly let something go then we can experience it’s true strength, we can see it take it’s own shape and we can watch and see whether it will come back to us. I see my friends go with my love and I’m excited to see what shapes they will take and make in their patch of the universe. I’ll leave Bali and SOSA and experience my own continuing transformation, seeing what stays, what grows, what fizzes.
xxx

Gallery

the prettiest coconut competition continues

kirtan groupies




pretty Yoga Barn








Eka and the Handsomes!!!





yoga love



i got my certificate and magic-ed into a munchkin!

photos from friends, thank you xxx

Previous posts about this trip

London-Bali
Bali
SOSA (17/200): awakening
SOSA (51/200): absorbing
run through the rice fields
SOSA (day off): enjoying
SOSA (102/200): deepening
SOSA (day off #2): indulging
SOSA (151.5/200): exploring
SOSA (afternoon off!): vegging
SOSA (day off #3): escaping
SOSA (200/200): doing

So, we’re in to the last week. Everyone was really aware of this, there was a lot of ‘can you believe it’, ‘where did the time go’, and some mixed reactions about whether we feel ready to move on or sad it’s over, or both, and multiplied. Ah, we’re a sensitive bunch, little learning yoginis.

classes

We started this week with a few more lessons from Cat. To start with I wasn’t really getting it, I mean I enjoyed the chat and the general idea but it wasn’t making a whole lotto sense. Then she had us get hands-on with each other and do some exercises using the principles of energetics. Ah, well that changed my pov. When you get in to this, and I did, it’s massive. I mean, intellectually, physically and emotionally/ spiritually massive because you get so close to someone, there are strong reactions on both sides, and it’s very, how is this working? what is happening? I had a couple of experiences that were really powerful, I don’t know if, when, where or how I’d follow up on this stuff but I’d be interested to, it’s intriguing.
Our journey through the world of Yin wrapped up at the start of the week also. Tina has taken us through the different elements so thoroughly and taught with such gentle, warming passion you just feel compelled to try and spread the good Yin word for her! It’s an interesting science and approach though. And I think I found my most likely element: metal. Defining feature, ability to ‘move on’ :) and the only element that isn’t negatively affected by alcohol, so that’s gotta be it, right.?
Tina also took us through some education moon patterns in relation to the female body & cycles, ways to work with, not against that, and specifics regarding yoga asana to also support that. We had some really good discussion and sharing in that session, and a bit of taboo smashing.
So many workshops this week we only had one talk from Troy. I miss my talks from Troy, he can make anything come alive. Fortunately he still got his Indian accent & head roll in which was brilliant. He talked to us about business & ethics in yoga – he’s got a really thing about that, and fair enough. We all got some sound, practical information.
Thursday was a whole day dedicated to learning about tantra. So it turns out that Uma lives in the tantric tradition. I’m still a bit confused about where the lines blur/ cross/ disappear between tantra and other disciplines or practices but there’s no doubt she’s got her own rules, ideas & a different day-to-day life experience to most. It was interesting, definitely interesting, but bloody hard to relate to or understand. I asked a bunch of questions, trying to understand more and also cos I figured it’s not likely I’ll ever meet someone like Uma again, but in the end I just oom-ed and aah-ed my way through and took a few ideas that might be useful.
Like the breeze that encourages the keen chrysalis to new life, Swamiji – a wonderful, playful, sincere and wise teacher – came and spoke with us on Friday. Two hours flew by as he shared guidance with us. He’s one of those speakers who you benefit from even if you don’t understand the words, his intonation, his intention is absolutely clear. I will treasure that time.

practice

Before getting us into the power energetic work, Cat whipped our asses with power core workout on Monday, it was tough, and evil. Tina’s class on Tuesday was very gentle, in keeping with the lesson she taught later, although thinking about it, I’m not sure Tina can be anything other than gentle. It was lovely and soothing but we all needed coffee after to keep going through the day!
Simone’s last class was wonderful, she’s such a delightful presence to be around, I will seriously miss the quality, the motivation and the challenge of her practices.
On Thursday, in line with the tantra workshop, Uma led us in traditional Hatha, a sequence that worked through the five koshas, layers or sheaths of the self: food, air, mind, wisdom, bliss, that match the elements: earth, fire, water, air, space. The physical practice wasn’t dissimilar to what we’ve already done, and in fact is word for word in one of the course books that I’ve read, but the meaning that Uma was explaining behind everything (matching moves to elements for example) added a very different take on things.
There were a lot of people absent for Bex’s last class (it had ben a heavy week) but actually the smaller class size was really charming and the practice was brilliant, full of interesting sequences, different asanas & asana variations, and heaps of thought provocations & drops of wisdom. At the start of the class she had us walk around and do the eye contact exercise we’d done during the first week. What a different experience once you have a relationship with someone, Cinta and I were welling up before 20 seconds was up and the whole room dissolved into hugs at the end of the minute.
Troy took our final class on Saturday morning. He was a gem, weaving in little anecdotes that he knew we’d enjoy, easing us through the asanas, giving us time for a bit of exploration. Ole happy feet here did headstand unsupported for the first time. Legs bent of course but that’s the next step.

teaching

There’s no test to receive the teacher training qualification; you’re required to attend all 200 hours and demonstrate ‘competency’. With SOSA we’re required to teach part of a flow practice. In week two we were put into three groups, given the date for our session and since then we’ve all been working on our assignments. It boils down to leading approximately ten minutes which is about right for one part of the sequence wave that we’d learned to structure a lesson around. So, we could each choose one part; I was doing sun salutations. Our group had met several times to talk about how we would work together, music, timing, any theme, and other bits and bobs. As the time has come closer for the group sessions the tension has been mounting – like watching the head table at a wedding when you know the speeches are due. I think I changed my intended sequence about five times (who didn’t!) and in the end chose to lead some moon salutations, it being close to full moon, because we’d done a lot of Yin in the afternoon which is a softer, moon practice, and because I thought it would be something different.
The first group did their thang on Wednesday and god bless ‘em for getting in to it when we were all nervous and unsure, and extra special credit to beautiful Anana who opened the whole thing. I had mixed reactions: a pleasure to be led by your friends and to experience different voices, styles & ideas, but also a tricky practice to get in to, probably on account of all the above. To add to the pressure :) Tory and Simone were sitting at the back of the room taking notes. Naturally, that’s a heap of pressure on the person leading but it was weird practicing in that environment too. Anyhoo, there we are, s’all part of the journey.
Our group was on Friday afternoon. By the time we all sat on the mat at the front to begin the class I couldn’t recall a word of what I’d planned to say. Kay took everyone through a good warm-up and then I was on the mat shaking from head to toe! I started in tadasana (standing) with hands at prayer and eyes closed and spent a few moments introducing what was coming next and trying to relax myself. So, off we went… I didn’t make any mistakes as such, got my lefts & rights in the proper places, did the sequence as planned, but I thought the timing was a bit rubbish and there was more that I wish I’d said about alignment and intention. Next time… Hanna was on the mat after me for standing balances and did a great job – she has amazing form herself so she’s great to follow. And so the class continued and the rest of the group did their bits brilliantly. We finished in a nice shivasana from Brigitte, “you’ve worked the yoga, now let the yoga work for you”, I liked that. After a little break we all gathered again and had feedback from Simone & Troy. They’re very good at how they position their comments, putting a lot of emphasis on the positive qualities that we can each work to optimise. They had some lovely words for me, and recommended I work on more eye contact from the mat which was a really good point. Some of the girls shared some really generous feedback with me too, I really appreciated that. Overall, pretty happy, sweet result.
The third group had the honour :) of leading our last ever practice with SOSA. They were awesome, the whole concept of the class was excellent – we were arranged in a crescent so we could all see each other, lots of people referenced the next step of our journey, the music was spot on, there was great energy, I felt very proud of them. After the practice we all joined in a circle, did this group move where everyone wrapped their leg on their neighbour’s leg, it was hilarious and daft. Then Ayako closed with some beautiful, fully improvised, words that captured the group mood just perfectly. Not a dry eye in the house. Namaste x

extra curricular

Following my visit to the Bali Orphan Centre last week I received an email asking if I would go back and teach some yoga to the children. Yikes! And, er, yeah. So I went on Tuesday night, and Emmie came with, not sure what to expect or what they expected. When I was there last week there were 30+ children, tonight there were just three. Ngurah, the Centre coordinator said that the children who live far away go home early and these are the ones who live closest. Until I teach a class of thirty children I can’t tell you which is harder/ more intimidating but three intense pairs of eyes felt like enough for tonight I can tell you.
We had the most enormous amount of fun for the coupla hours. First of all I went through body parts teaching them English words, I’d forgotten from when I taught in Bang Wan how tricky it is to distinguish between mouth & lips or fingers & hand but the children were ace, repeating back, and Emmie knew some Indonesian so we pushed on through. The yoga wasn’t a proper class or anything, I’d brainstormed shapes & positions for fun and Emmie had the golden idea of adding noises, so sure enough we were mooing, meowing, barking and clucking (hen pose anyone.?!) our way around the floor. We were all giggling like crazy. We did some standing up positions, they all liked football (InterMilan and United, no surprise) so we did some goal scoring in there too. My favourite part was when we all lay on the floor to stretch our bellies, none of us could see each other, but I started clapping or slapping different bits of my body to make a ‘tune’ and they were copying, great fun and amazing to see how you can communicate in a simple way in this tiny group.
Emmie, myself, and the boys for sure, all enjoyed ourselves and it was a lovely, light addition to the week.

And then Friday night.. So, how you doin’ with all this new age stuff then Luce.? Well, Friday night I went to ‘ecstatic dance’; two hours of busting moves in a half-lit open-air studio full of definite hippy types. Does that answer your question.? Ha ha, it was properly good fun; felt SO good to shake, grind, jump, sway, anything other than goddam stretch or bend.

routine

Things got a bit shaken up this week, in fact it’s odd looking back to the dedicated routine I had in that first week – albeit thoroughly understandable.
After being at the Centre on Tuesday there wasn’t really time for dinner, so it was peanuts, quick noodles and rice at home, now that’s scrapping the barrel for nutrition isn’t it.
I came home for breakfast on Wednesday – waaa ha – mostly cos Ayu forgot to make my packed breakfast but also cos Emmie let me borrow her scooter, love. Was nice for a change and I took my time over eggs n coffee chatting to Ayu. Maybe it was because I stepped out of the routine in the morning but Wednesday evening I just really wanted to get away – not in a bad way, just in a I-need-to-be-refreshed way. So I went to Black Beach, the Italian restaurant I like, had a coconut on the roof while the sunset then stayed for film night and watched some bonkers Italian movie that’s probably dead famous for being art-y but which confused me. Between that, not thinking about going to bed ‘on time’ and the super garlic-y penne al funghi I got the distance I needed.
Ooo, quick nod to Melting Wok for delicious, simple, fresh food. The menu is on a chalk board and you just choose rice or noodles, then chicken, beef or tofu, then dry, curry or curry & coconut, and there are a few specials. The dishes I had were outstanding.
Friday was another nutritionally challenged night. We finished school a bit early (because we were all knackered!) so I shot to Sari Organic for a coconut and sunset over the rice fields which was gorgeous. But somehow between a Skype call for work and getting back on my bike I forgot about dinner and ended up begging tempeh & rice from Ayu. Good on her :) Chances are I’m now around 30% soya product. Which, makes a change to 30% red wine but not sure either are ideal.

Try Something New

Like I say, can’t believe it’s the end. I mean, walking in to the studio and seeing everyone’s faces for the first time feels like about two days ago; then again it feels like six years ago too. I am a predictable being, so my pondering at the moment are whether I’ve made enough of the month, and how I’ll now tackle everything that I still need and want to do. There’s gonna be some list writing…

Here are some of the really tangible things that I’ve tried really consistently for this month:

• Not checking my phone/ emails etc first thing in the morning
• Being really aware of the first words I speak in the morning (it’s another fast you’re breaking!)
• Doing mediation and asana practice in the morning before eating
• Having fruit as a first meal (followed reasonably quickly by something else though!)
• Being really aware of the power of speech – am I being careless, useless, thoughtless with words or do they have intention
• And, finally, yes, alcohol has not passed my lips since April 1st, so that’s five dry weeks. Huge.

I’m not making any promises about what will stay and what will go but once again I’m reminded of the power of trying to make any change and the lessons you receive and the experiences that you have when you really commit to that change for as short a time as thirty days.

Gallery

yoga, English, football & laughter lesson









school’s out and we’re a bit happy!

Previous posts about this trip

London-Bali
Bali
SOSA (17/200): awakening
SOSA (51/200): absorbing
run through the rice fields
SOSA (day off): enjoying
SOSA (102/200): deepening
SOSA (day off #2): indulging
SOSA (151.5/200): exploring
SOSA (afternoon off!): vegging
SOSA (day off #3): escaping

did i just have nine hours kip.? • get ready • one of the things i like most about my days off is being in the bathroom in the daylight • i’m meeting some of the girls to go on a tour, walk into Ubud – it’s very quiet • walk around the lotus gardens, super quiet • sometimes i think lotus flowers are so extraordinary and unique they don’t look real • meet Emmie, she had the same idea to see the lotus flowers too • we meet our tour bus and tourists :) • driving out of Ubud, feels good to get some distance and to be moving • i guess these are small villages or suburbs that we’re going through • our tour guide, Joe, is giving a good (predictable) chat and we’re enjoying his quasi cockney-aussie-yank pronunciation depending on which word he says • stop to look over a gorge to tiered rice fields. the morning haze in the sun beams is marvellous • about twenty minutes later we arrive in/ around Kedisan, north east of Ubud • from here we have a really clear view of Mt Batur, it’s a volcano inside a volcano, now that’s pretty cool • the outside, big volcano is super old and effectively we, and everything we’re looking at, is inside the crater • the inside, smaller volcano is Mt Batur and it’s still smokin’ in places (last eruption was within the last ten years i think) • sitting with us in the crater is the biggest lake on Bali, Lake Batur; there looks to be a fair amount of fishing village activity down there • the clouds are hanging low over the volcano and the surrounding hills, i’m in heaven • breakfast buffet • breakfast eating on the outdoor terrace overlooking the magnificent view • it’s cool because we’re quite high, the sun is nice, the scene is special, the pancakes are plentiful, this has already been worth it • back on the bus • Emmie, Sarah and i are enjoying the chance to chat properly rather than squash a few things in around our classes • we’re at some sort of Bali-food place, there are samples of indigenous herb, fruit & veg plants. there are also some of those cats that eat/ poo coffee, i don’t dig that, i just don’t • tea and coffee tasting, not in the mood but the view is pretty enough • alright, we’re done here… • tour bus • arrive at bike HQ, now you’re on • bikes, helmets, instructions etc • downhill coasting through villages and rice paddies, this is glorious • actually i feel a bit rough, but this is still awesome • stop at a compound, i sit and watch some ladies making a mat (probably ten by ten feet) from palm • just like when i’ve spent time at Baan San Fan, i’m fascinated by the pace, the methodology, the relaxation, the ease • i can’t help but think.. i’m here, a western girl, studying an eastern art/ science about the journey to unite your body, heart and mind, to find peace is another way to look at it. so i can’t help but think.. are these ladies united, are they at peace. they look like they’ve got it nailed • Sarah, Emmie and i muse on that for a bit and then whistle it off with some more bike riding • sometimes we come out to really open views which is wonderful although we’re very exposed to the heat, which is now intense • and other times we roll through some narrower village lanes, the children all shout ‘hello’ and the grandparents hold up the babies to see us • in one village we stop to look at a great big statue with ten heads which won a contest between schoolchildren. Joe is explaining what all of this means, i half get it, but then i’m only half listening. most impressive is that this massive thing is made of polystyrene so it can be moved easily, also there is a new government law to stop the village burning the polystyrene, they have to reuse it. nice • more free wheeling • we’ve stopped at the biggest tree ever, as we roll over i’m whispering ‘it’s like Avatar’, d’you know how many times i’ve said that in Bali..? • we’ve got to go uphill. this is not cool • gears went kaput so i’m walking up anyway, ha ha • more villages, more children, more chickens, more awesome landscape • we stop by a field and some of our tour hop into the field to play with the rice. i sit under a tree reading Coelho • bike ride finishes by a river • our tour bus is running late to collect us, not a probe but then it comes crashing through the river and skids up the bank, good entrance • cold flannels, lovely • Sarah and Emmmie are bike riding to the lunch stop. good on ‘em. i’m not well enough :( • it’s nice to be on the bus with the air con (sorry) • the tour company also own the restaurant where we’re finishing, it’s beautiful, like one big, open, chunky wood verandah, surrounded by fields n foliage • utterly delicious lunch. we’re given our own speciality vego plates and we’ve definitely done well: pakoras, noodles, wok-fried greens with fresh coconut & chilli. plus there’s buffet, the highlight of which, fresh gado gado rolls – raw vegetables wrapped in cooked cabbage leaves with sloshings of peanut sauce • everyone enjoys the good lunch as we have a chance to chat with some of the other tourists which is cool • the sky is getting darker, the clouds are rolling • back on the bus • oh yeah, our timing was good, the rain is starting to plop down • one of those quiet bus rides where everyone is tired • it feels later than it is, because of the early start and the now dark skies • it’s been a wonderful day out • individual drop offs, it’s only spitting by the time i’m walking up my drive and back home • shower • crash • reading, writing, squirming around, listening to music • not feeling amazing but there’s notalot i can do about it • sleep really early which is perfect

Gallery

Previous posts about this trip

London-Bali
Bali
SOSA (17/200): awakening
SOSA (51/200): absorbing
run through the rice fields
SOSA (day off): enjoying
SOSA (102/200): deepening
SOSA (day off #2): indulging
SOSA (151.5/200): exploring
SOSA (afternoon off!): vegging

woo, yes, i need this • laundry dropped off: ten pairs of pants, two vest tops • bike up to the Natural Food Store • comfy window seat • buckwheat pancakes with raisin compote and a soy cap. meow • bike ride in search of the Hanging Gardens Hotel. i emailed to check if i can use their pool! • pedal pedal up up • am very far from Ubud but no sight of the hotel • it’s lovely out here, rice paddies, houses, there’s a river down a gorge to my left • road does a big u-ey and i’m on my way back to Ubud, guess my map reading skills aren’t all that • bike-bump in to Cat • chat about class • she tells me about another hotel to try • Cendana on Monkey Forest Road • salt water pool, yes mama, thank you • dip • sleep • the pool is next to a rice field that’s not really growing anything, there’s a lot of stubble and ducks • reading • this dude has some cool things to say about how our brains work with regards to storing information • soda & lime • reading (different book) • i’m not sure what i think of Paulo Coelho being his own main subject (again if i’m not mistaken) • dressed • bike ride up to Savannah Moon • spring rolls, fish in banana leaves, yellow rice with cardamom seeds, stir fried veggies • reading • home, chat to family • i have to go in because it’s six o’clock and the Lucy buffet for the mosquitoes has opened, Ayu thinks this is hilarious • writing, homework • do a Yin Yoga practice • it focuses on the stomach and gall bladder and i’m gurgling afterwards! • sleep, solid sound sleep sleep • xxx

Previous posts about this trip

London-Bali
Bali
SOSA (17/200): awakening
SOSA (51/200): absorbing
run through the rice fields
SOSA (day off): enjoying
SOSA (102/200): deepening
SOSA (151.5/200): exploring

the journey

I’ve said before that the SOSA team have this whole thing mapped out really well, and that becomes more & more evident with each day, and now week, that passes. It’s as if they’ve got, somewhere in their office, the most reliable mood and energy predictor ever made. We’ve started to work with all the different teachers now, this week we had more sessions with Uma, Cat and Tina, but we also had our last posture clinics, so, you see, they’ve started to ween us off the pattern too, clever eh.
The atmosphere in the group continues to be really good. There are some really clear mini-groups (emphatically not cliques) which is great because it’s another level of support that we need at this stage – being able to confide, troubleshoot, encourage.
This week I felt that I started to use some of what we’ve learned to make my own shape and feel my own way a bit more, just a little bit.

classes

We’re going deeper into topics and also touching on topics that are perhaps more sensitive, so Troy’s lectures this week were around nutrition, fasting, and lifestyle, everyone had a lot to contribute…
With Uma we learned the basic concepts of Ayurveda, I just thought ‘wow, there’s so much to learn in the world isn’t there’. What’s becoming really apparent is the overlap in many of the theories, although they don’t match exactly, and it truly is (as Troy said it would be) a case of getting tools in our belt to see what resonates, what works, what we want to study more.
Cat introduced us to the idea of energetics in yoga, meaning energetic fields, again, a different perspective from someone very passionate and very skilled in their specialisation.
The classes with Tina are great, she’s so generous with her expertise, opinions & humour. We’ve been going through the different elements associated with Yin Yoga, they also correspond to Traditional Chinese Medicine: metal, earth, wind, water, fire. Each element has various attributes (colour, sound, food, personality) and, depending on where it’s related in the body, there are specific asanas and Yin practices. It’s very interesting understanding how all of that relates, comes together, and to experience the impact on the body & mind.
Oh yeah, and we watched a movie on the history of yoga which was surprisingly engaging and unsurprisingly based mostly in India.

asanas

This week has been rock n roll. We did a lot of arm balances and I was very happy to get in to a few that I’ve either never got far with or have never heard of before, the beginnings of scorpion anyone..? We also did more headstand preparation, practice and partnering so there was more progress and smiles there. In general the thing that has struck me has been the way that asana can really transform your day. Y’know, you turn up sleepy, squeaky, introvert and a bit of well guided pretzel-ing later you’re doing the can can and spreading love around the whole island.
On Thursday Bex had her co-teacher come along to the class and we did partner yoga which was different and boisterous (not sure it was meant to be). We did some balances and stretches with all different partners and finished up with flying yoga. Best way to describe that is the ‘superman’ you might have done as a little kid: picking someone else up with your feet in their belly when you’re lying on the floor. I was flying on Sarah and spent the first few attempts being a complete loser not engaging in the right places, then I got it together (Sarah was proper patient) and flew, hands up n all! It was awesome, ego moment – I wish we had a photo :)
Simone surprised us Friday morning by just announcing, you’re doing your own practice today. Course it’s better that way so you don’t over-thunk the whole thing. It was fun and a real indication of how far my asana practice has come in these three weeks; I’ve practiced a lot on my own but this time, I had a real look inside to figure out what I needed, flicked my head through the sequence wave to structure something, reminded myself of some specific asanas to include and with that all covered in about seven seconds got on with it. I was surprised by just how well I’d tailored a practice for my specific physical & psychological needs, like, I really nailed it, plus I got the pace & timing right, and actually pushed myself quite a lot. As we were practicing it was good to see what everyone else was up to, get drops of ideas for things to do, have a check on the general pace of the room, and of course Simone was at the front being graceful, strong & inspirational.
Ah yeah, and on Tuesday I had to lead a little bit of our meditation (we all have to do it). Proper meditation (not sitting under a tree/ on a beach day dreaming) is new to me so this was quite a challenge. Other people have chosen to use music but I decided to keep it simple and just talk which I felt more comfortable with. It seemed to go ok.

Ubud

When I was out on my scooter on Sunday I passed the Bali Orphan Centre. It’s just outside the main Ubud centre, and isn’t just for orphans but those with one parent or tricky living circumstances, the children come here after school to learn dance, computer skills, English & art. I got in touch with them and they said I could visit on the day they were learning dance. It was cool – these cute children had little costumes on and had to practice their routines. The music all sounded very similar and I have no idea how they remembered such long routines, but it was lovely to watch, they were really good.

My family are awesome. Some nights this week I’ve tried to get back quickly because I want to make sure I see them! Tuesday I especially wanted to get back because Ayu had made gado gado for my dinner, adorable of her and amazing for me because she’s a great cook. I dunno, how do these beautiful women through together a handful of this, a sprinkle of that, all in one ancient pan on an open flame and out comes food heaven. Not just the food though, they’re a lovely family – one night Ayu insisted I use some of the facepack she’d made! – and Chang is funny, proper funny.

Not everything in Ubud is wonderful, I mean, it’s tropical gorgeousness here, and so the bugs are, well, everywhere. I am looking forward (although not wishing away..) to not having that crawling feeling, to not having permanent itchiness and to not having a sweaty neck!

treats/ treatments

Mishaal is a soft, gorgeous, very exotic looking, once-American (she left 20 years ago) who agreed to teach us a bit of belly dancing one lunchtime. She’s learned and taught for many years and has a naturally graceful way of moving, when she started to dance it was stunning. Mishaal was telling us about the history of belly dancing, how it’s about celebrating the female body and it was for women to dance for other women, normally in private. The way she described the moves and the intention was just beautiful. A lot more beautiful than how we looked writhing around and tying our hands in knots.!
When we arrived here we were given a voucher for Ayurvedic massage at the centre here, I went for mine this week. I think I’ve mentioned before that the treatment rooms at Yoga Barn are lovely, so it was nice to go back. Ayurveda is a lot about understanding and regulating your digestion so the massage is tailored towards that – I had to answer a few questions so the right herbs & oils could be used, and there’s a fair amount of massage on the belly. It was a really nice treatment, very relaxing, a different result to other, harder, more physical massage.
I also took myself for a head, back, shoulder massage (I was still creaking from some of the arm balances). The place I went to wasn’t amazing – there are SO many to choose from here – but it did the job, and I mean for a fiver who cares.

flavours

Been back to a few favourites and ‘discovered’ a few newees again this week. The roasted veg wrap at Little K continues to tick the box most lunchtimes, that and a cacao maca shake. I don’t really know what maca is but everyone says it’s a superfood so bring that on.
There’s a cafe off one of the main roads, Natural Food Store, that I want everyone to know about because it’s so good, and so quiet at the moment. It’s typically swayed towards organic, gluten free, vegan, raw blah blah but it’s cheaper and there are a number of delicious (and better priced) things to be had: chickpea burger with red pepper reduction – tchya.
Some of the girls have been going to a little warung, Dayu’s, for a while, I joined them this week, it’s super cheap and proper home made dishes. Really wholesome veg curry one night and a big, mixed, fresh salad another night. So many of the dishes here have coconut in them – the curry with coconut milk, the salad with grated coconut, it’s delicious.
Had my first nasi goreng which is surprising given it’s Indonesia’s national dish (or close to). Rice fried with vegetables and egg, served with a big cracker and sambal. I’ll be honest it was greasy and well received :)

Wednesday

Ah, this was a magical day. Don’t read on if you’re not keen to be over gushed with love!
I arrived feeling stiff and cranky this morning on account of putting a lot into the arm balance session we’d had the day before but Simone led a beautiful practice and I was shaking it off. While we were in shivasana (lying down flat) music started, and someone started to sing. It was Eka, one of the course co-ordinators, with a guitarist from his band. They played for us while we lay there, first a Balinese song then some covers. It was the sweetest gift ever and by the end we were all singing along too. Meanwhile it had started to rain, really come down, which is something quite spectacular here: these massive hurling drops smashing amongst the jungle foliage. Between the singing and the rain we all felt incredibly refreshed.
That afternoon I had asked permission to skip class to go to the orphan centre which was a charming addition to my week (feel terrible writing that actually, it’s not a town attraction or whatever, hope you get what I mean). I made it back to class for the end of posture clinic. Bex had just demonstrated some Thai massage techniques to use on students and, lucky me, Sarah was keen to try them out. Another gift!
Our closing session today was with Daphne Tse, a beautiful singer/ musician who is a yoga teacher and plays mostly kirtan. I don’t know the official definition of kirtan but I think it’s Sanskrit/ spiritual verse or chanting to music. Certainly what we did was sit in a circle, learn some brief verses – Daphne explained the meaning behind everything – and sing them altogether, mostly with our eyes closed. Now, it really isn’t in my nature to do this sort of thing, certainly not comfortably, but it was an incredibly warm, supportive atmosphere, there was a lot of love in the room and everyone had a wonderful experience. It will be a very long time before I forget that feeling, it touched me.

Gallery

beautiful shade of green, hangy, parasitical looking plant

little dudes outside someone’s house

food made with love anyone.?

sunset at my place


tea after Ayurveda massage and Ellen (Miss Estonia) at Yoga Barn

Previous posts about this trip

London-Bali
Bali
SOSA (17/200): awakening
SOSA (51/200): absorbing
run through the rice fields
SOSA (day off): enjoying
SOSA (102/200): deepening
SOSA (day off #2): indulging

have an hour’s lie-in • nice to wake up to sunlight • get ready • rice field run • first k am carrying my Sari Organic takeaway box to return for recycling! • beautiful morning, shiny sun, few clouds, cool air – cooler than normal • the volcanoes are really clear, with fluffy cumuli below the peaks • there’s morning mist caught in some of the canopies of the gorge and across the rice fields • “morning” “morning” • get to the end, about turn • take an alternative path, dunno where it’ll lead • i’m in the rice fields, properly in them • am running on the little strips of turf either side of the mini irrigation stream running between the fields, it’s not what you’d call solid footing • i have wet feet • the fields are all tiered, even if it’s just by 30cm • take a mud path down to the aqueduct, i’m pretty sure this will lead me to somewhere i should be • lots of building work, Luxe Villas, mixed thoughts about that • i’ve not been on this path/ road before, i think it’s leading back to Ubud • there’s a field that’s fallow, is that the right word? not being used for crops at the moment? so it’s basically just mud, and there are dozens of ducks there • lots more building • i’m on a nice little street, cobbled and with cute shops & restaurants • come out by Starbucks (have I mentioned that’s here.?) • run down the main street, fortunately there aren’t many people around at this time. fortunate because i am attired in leggings & a crop top • home • stretch • shower • pancakes, fruit & coffee with Aiyu and Chang • nice to spend some time chatting to the family • work • emails • more coffee sitting on the terrace • listen to Sarah’s playlist, great tracks • “love is my religion” will be in my head all day • change • bike to bike place • trade in for a pink scooter for the day • up to Bali Buddha & Ganesha Bookshop • book of short stories by an Indian author, banana bread, more ‘bug begone’ • scooter outta town • i’m trying to follow the same route that i took when i was in Ubud last • windy roads through hanging trees • little village area • beautiful big temple • the architecture in Bali really is remarkable, everything is big and solid and stone, sometimes I don’t know what’s what, a temple, a house, a wall • open rice fields, bouncing clouds in the sky, lots of herons in the water • i’m remembering the way… • stop for petrol and more banana bread nibbles • roll into the Four Seasons • chat to a few security/ reception people • this place is beautiful, it’s designed to make the most of its stunning location, which is right on the edge of the river valley, overlooking a deep gorge of jungle-ness • take a seat, read some short stories (my new favourite form), soak up the sounds • scooter down the road to Sayan Terrace • they say i can use the pool :) • more glorious views across the gorge and the gardens are lushly lovely too • don’t know what these trees are, the trunks & branches are bare, and almost grey in colour, and then vibrant pink flowers • hang out for the next three hours, dipping in the pool, reading, practising sun salutation sequences and drinking watermelon juice • make some good progress with the sequence planning • get dressed • scooter • ride around more little villages • find the Bali Orphan Day Centre and pick up some information • ride back the way i came • stop in the first village West of Ubud • have a foot and leg massage, need it because my calves are sore • relaxed • roadside warring for watermelon juice & crackers with sambal • these are the best crackers i’ve ever had in Bali • reading • i’ve started two really different books, from really different authors and yet in their opening pages they both express the same fascination – with the changing nature of man. that’s interesting/ odd • scooter back to Ubud • investigate some streets i haven’t bothered to so far • go back to the street i found this morning when i was running • it’s really cute, everywhere looks lovely, twinkling • Savannah Moon • perfect place, the guy is wonderful, the restaurant is charming, the art on the wall is by the owner’s sister, the menu is great, and cheap! • soda & lime • reading • veg curry with tempeh & potatoes, rice with roasted garlic, side of water spinach • so happy right now • and, good news, Pip had got into a touch of trouble but it came good. i think there’s more drama round the corner for him though, just sense it (it’s gloomy) • scooter back and re-swap for my bike • home • Skype • writing • tired, full, happy • zzz

Gallery

the Four Seasons. modest joint



Sayan Terrace, looks more overcast than it was


a little friend to have a juice with

Previous posts about this trip

London-Bali
Bali
SOSA (17/200): awakening
SOSA (51/200): absorbing
run through the rice fields
SOSA (day off): enjoying
SOSA (102/200): deepening