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A
stirring
from my mid 20's resurrected in recent years, urging me to go.
Bali was
calling
me again! ... And, I could ignore this prompt no more.
So, at half past midnight I landed; some thirty years later. Despite the long
haul from Toronto, overnighting in Shanghai and the hoards of tourist
alongside me in Arrivals, as well as a corrupt agent's suggestion that to
avoid the immigration line, you just had to hand him US$25, and the 2
hours that I actually waited in line, my travails were washed away, as I
walked out to the warm and noble welcome and residing calm of Agus;
there to meet me. His sign read 'Blue Karma, Ann-Marie Ahye'.
Tears surfaced, as I was ensconced by Balinese architectural forms
that
inspire the human spirit to ascend and the erudite carvings that drew me in
procession to
enter
this sacred land. An inner
calling,
steeped for so long
in receptivity, now radiated a deep sense of
arriving
home.
Daily offerings laid at morn and eventide, throughout generations
Ritual steeped in reverence, bespeaks the gentle Balinese nature
I am enamoured by the ornate wooden doorways to home and temple
At every turn a portal, an invitation to the inner realm ...
1
"Elements of conjoined beauty
sweep me up in wonder."
A Bali
Mosaic
Where
Land, Heart & Sky
Evoke
Sensual
Beauty & Reverence
Blue Karma Secrets
Our fi rst stop, was an oasis tucked away in the heart of Seminyak. My dear
friend Lucy who arrived earlier, had texted that the staff were fondly
awaiting my arrival. Being greeted at 3:30am with warmth, care and
generosity while surrounded by the beauty and delightful charm of Blue
Karma, was such a soothing balm.
We immersed ourselves in the organic luxury of this sanctuary abode
where woven grasses in conical ascent, rippling hues of turquoise waters,
sun-kissed flora and a Rajasthani aroma fi lled the air and bathed our
senses. Fresh and nourishing food and the naturally generous care of all
the staff was our daily welcome.
Head faced down ... delicate marigolds give focus ...
Shamanic wisdom illuminates i
nner seeing
A
shallow green river flows
, as memory voices with fearless ease,
"This is where I was killed."
My body aches alongside pleasure and joy.
Sleep subdues all temporarily.
Rain massages the earth with the same strong vigour.
This was my fi rst entry into the artful hands of a Balinese masseuse ...
Seminyak was our introduction to Bali and our experiences at Blue Karma
offered an indelible impression. In the vicinity, a prolifi c spread of shops
courting lovers of fi ne things and cafes and restaurants with
alluring
facades drew one in, to gaze and partake. Lunch at Mamasan was
particularly noteworthy. The freshest, most flavourful dim sum and sautéed
vegetables! As Ubud would be our next stop, we were delighted to learn
of her sister restaurant there.
An evening excursion to the Uluwatu Temple where the backdrop of sea
and sky dramatized the Kecak Dance ...
Indigenous sounds pulse through male bodies
Arms outstretched towards fi re ... invoking ancient stories
Trance vibrations fi ll the air as dancers weave the tale
Bare feet conquer flames to ashes
Male and female reunite
Wholeness birthed as love awakens
Then a nighttime feast beside the ocean.
Slumber leads to morning light ... Nature awakens Beingness
Sounds of stillness evoke a knowing "Inner and outer beauty are one."
Circuitous notions of Love Kindness and Friendliness ...
"I invite you to know who you really are, at your Core".
2
UBUD
Stirring, swerving ... too much motion
Lush and verdant greenery brings relief
Creative hustle
I seek a calm abode
Ours was a hectic entry into Ubud; the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali.
Everyone and their scooter was on the road. Tourist abound, with many
bearing an edge of displacement from familial ties and in search of a tribe
or place of belonging. Ubud is that vortex.
At Yoga Barn we explored a Tibetan Bowl Sound Immersion. We gratefully
received, though conceded that this was not our scene. A younger, lithe
and
still ‘seeking’
vibe prevailed and we sought a more grounded reality.
We soon found and fell in love with Pyramids of Chi. Here, there was no
peddling of any look nor ideal, but rather the pure heart of Didi that
disarmed any need of seeking and invited instead, an intent to
surrender
to the ancient magic of pyramids and gongs.
Honouring earth's north at her base and father sky at her peak
Her inner space, the womb that amplifi es all life
Restoring us from the poverty of a boxed intelligence
My body lies motionless, while teaming with vibration
Ancient sounds crystallize and magnetize matter while
consciousness is luminous with knowing; beyond thoughts and words
We returned to Pyramids of Chi for a Cacao Ceremony and Healing Sound
Baths, again and again. I observed an old edge of impatience, fall away
from my repertoire of immaturity. I noticed an even deeper slumber at
night and the tonal resonance of the gongs, persisted long after my time in
the Pyramids. Pure magic and delight ...
Obliquely opposite to Pyramids of Chi we visited Blue Karma's Ubud
sister.
This signature of boutique hotels was such a great and destined discovery.
We enjoyed lunch there and the lush, handcrafted surrounds to the crystal
pool waters, that was our view; nestled amidst extensive rice fi elds.
We walked the Campuhan Trail and took respite at Karsa Cafe amidst the
lily pond and open-faced lotuses. At Taksu Spa we were entranced by the
jungle-like beauty that was the setting for more pampering. Firm hands
and warm hearts melted away worldly thoughts and tensions and floral
baths uplifted all senses. At Tegalalang, life's staple flourished in cascading
terraces, deep into a valley, as I soared high above. We found Hujan
Locale, Mamasan's sister and experienced culinary gold, returning for the
same dessert thrice.
3
East to Perasi
Now east to a Duara homestay with a local family. Sister and brother, Nila
and Open were our hosts and along with the youngest Sindu, father and
grandmother, we were warmly welcomed.
We had heard that the east was
home to the native spirituality of Bali.
Foreign scents charm the atmosphere
though I feel slightly ill at ease.
Full moon prayer ceremony ...
elders and children amidst incensed offerings.
Gathered together to partake ...
a gentle humility nourishes
Our hands offer food ... mouths and bodies receive.
Humid night air ... I surrender into sleep
We enjoyed a day exploring Water Palaces, Tirtagangaa and Taman Ujung
Elemental Devas float on the waters ...
Steering our path along lotus pad stones
Steady or uncertain, each footprint 'Holy'
A luminous and quiet devotion instilled
Cleansing, beautifying, Emotional freedom restored ...
After a full-on day with a valiant attempt to journey to the Gates of
Heaven, a day of stillness at Virgin Beach offered repose. The infi nite sky
provided a composed backdrop to the wild Bali waters; a calm amidst my
stomach's churning ...
The highlight of our time in Perasi was engaging with our hosts who were
most sincere and lovely people. Their genuineness, steeped in a natural
warmth, fair regard and industrious nature, spoke to us of the power of
simplicity and reverence. Our return journey
to Ubud
was
via fabric and
basket markets where we engaged in the custom of haggling
.
Bursts of
fun ensued. Open's laughter was most infectious.
In Ubud we enjoyed the convenient ease of Junjungan Hotel and Spa. The
morning mist hovering over the rice fi elds invited an air of both mystery
and serenity upon us. Close to Pyramids of Chi, we returned to this blessed
place and met the owners Peter and Lynn and their lovely
daughter Jill.
Sacred space and ancient vibrations gifted us further; a curative tonic.
We indulged in more culinary delight at Hujan Locale and discovered
wonderful Argentinian fare at Pica ... really exceptional. We shopped and
soothed our bodies and minds with more Balinese spa experiences. Each
day was a blissful indulgence of the senses coupled with retreat into the
inner sanctum. No clash between dimensions; rather a heavenly merger.
4
Gentile Sanur
In conversation on a shuttle ride, we expressed awe as to how the crowded
streets and the weaving of vehicles and myriad scooters, could prevail with
little incident. It was noted that as congested and chaotic as the daily
street scene was, it worked because there was "No Aggression". This
pronounced remark, speaks to a hallmark trait of this culture.
Our last leg took us to Sanur, where the atmosphere was more gentile.
Despite the ocean remaining unwelcoming, the pool waters were silk-like
and luxuriating. We dined at 3 Monkeys and at Minami by the beach. We
were treated to such flavourful and enjoyable meals. And, in a beachside,
cooking class, preceded by a trip to the local market with our gracious
guide, we cooked up some scrumptious local dishes of our own; sambal
matah, Balinese spiced grilled fi sh in banana leaf, vegetables in
peanut
sauce and shrimp spring rolls. With expert guidance we were assured a
favourable result, which we feasted on, to our delight.
A day trip to Lembongan, took us across the eastern seas to a quiet island
of beautiful bungalows and smoothie bars. The sun was unforgiving as we
explored and collected shells along the shore. Back at Segara Village
Hotel, a fi nal Balinese massage for me, drew thoughts of when next I
would return to this precious land. In present time, I was fi lled to the brim
with gratitude for the abundance that Bali had gifted me. Experiencing a
culture where men embraced their feminine, not just comfortably and
elegantly dressed in their traditional sarongs, but in their demeanour. Not
weakened by softness and kindness but rather, empowered. This land
where genuine warmth and friendliness reign, providing a priceless GDP.
Through our exploration of this sacred place, we shared a deepening
friendship and dreams that spoke to each other; illuminating parts of self
needing caring attention. Our enjoyment of Bali, was fostered by a likeness
of heart and intention. Our togetherness and the space between us was
enabled by a warm caring and an allowing ease. This was an immersion
that took us beyond
the senses ... So much magnifi cence ... Gratitude ...
Though it took a while, I had heeded that inner call. And memories of
gemlike quality will now bejewel my heart, for all time.
I will venture to Bali next year, bringing others on Retreat. This tropical
haven will delight and illuminate our repertoire of inner practice. So if this
resonates with you, be in touch. Truly an experience not to be missed.
In deLight ...
Ann-Marie
energeticpresence.com
5
