An Eat, Pray, Love Moment in Bali

My life was in complete harmony with everything at that moment.

Let me say first, that I didn’t leave my wife, skip off to Bali to meet a tall dark handsome stranger, and fall in love.

Honest!

But I did go there alone once and experienced one of the most uplifting moments I have ever had in my life. It was literally one of those experiences that is now permanently imprinted on my heart and soul.

Following my flow, the enchanting surroundings of Bali, and meditation were the key ingredients

As a seasoned meditator and one who often writes about it, I’m not one who believes you have to go to beautiful places to experience deep and tranquil meditation.

But it is nice to do if you get the opportunity but more on that a little later in the post. (Hint…there is a video with this post)

First, let me explain why Bali is so good for Eat, Pray, Love moments.

Bali is the only part of Indonesia that is Hindu-Buddhist

I learned this on my first visit there some years before.

We had a local guide drive us around, showing us the sites and explaining the culture of the island.

There is a strong Hindu-Buddhist influence from the early traders that arrived there before the arrival of Islam and later Dutch colonialism hundreds of years ago.

That is why the place has such a strong connection with Meditation. Hence why it was in the movie Eat, Pray, Love when Julia Roberts is practicing meditation.

It is also why you will see some Temples along with various Buddhist-Hindu rituals placed everywhere.

Perhaps that energy also permeates the island giving it such a deep resonance for meditation, peaceful relaxation, and inspiration.

Away from the boozy Aussie tourists in Kuta of course!!

It’s also very hot

If you have been to Bali you will know how hot and sticky it can get. If you have been to Thailand or other parts of SE Asia in summer it’s the same.

As soon as you leave the cool of your nicely airconditioned room you begin to sweat. Quite profusely sometimes. There is simply no escaping it.

So getting up early in the morning to venture out is a really good idea and that is exactly what I did!

Up with the lark

Although I was visiting Bali with a group I had already decided I would start my mornings early and alone.

I would go to the beach to practice meditation, sun gazing, and quietly absorb the tranquility of Bali.

At sunrise, the temperature is just wonderful. It is still warm but not so humid and hot that you feel you just want to jump in the pool every 5 seconds.

The air was perfectly still and so was the water. Just the gentle lapping of waves onto the shore. I could see the fishermen already launching their rustic fishing boats to pursue their morning catch.

The sun was peeking over the horizon like a jewel rising out of the water in the distance.

I just knew this was going to be a special moment, and it was….

Sun gazing and meditation (The pray, love bit )

I sat there gazing directly into the sun with my eyes half shut. It still had that soft morning glow that is easy on the eyes for sun gazing.

I felt in complete harmony with everything around me. It was like nature reaching right inside me and lovingly massaging my heart and soul to its gentle rhythm.

Meditation is a funny thing.

You can meditate some days and know it was not very good. Your focus was off and your mind did not settle down.

It is still healthy for you because the aim of meditation in the purest sense is not to get anything from it but…. just to simply be with now.

Here in Bali, I was with the best now I could have imagined and this meditation was hitting all the right spots.

The Eat bit

I did manage to eat some pretty delicious food as well. Fresh salads and fish are very easy to get on Bali and it is exquisite. I also did many fun activities with the group I was with during the day.

The whole experience at this place was quite incredible.

In between the group activities and meetings I would wander the lush gardens that reminded me of the many times I have had in SE Asia in particular Thailand.

Bali is one of those places you can be where you actually can forget about the rest of the world. It is quite surreal.

If you stay away from the busy tourist areas it is wonderfully peaceful. The people are relaxed and easygoing. that is, apart from the odd vendor trying to sell you stuff you don’t really want …. but you buy anyway.

These are the moments in life to savor

These moments happen when you take action and go with your inner flow.

I didn’t go to Bali because I’m rich in fact the trip was paid for. Most of it was paid for along with the other people in the group because of some activities I had been involved with a year before.

Again because I was following my flow.

The key, was to make the most of the opportunity and recognize the beauty of that now. It was ‘in that moment’ that my life was in flow and in harmony.

I have always found that travel is a great way to be in the flow and experience ‘Eat, Pray, Love moments of harmony and inspiration.

You don’t even need a tall dark handsome stranger to enjoy it!

Namaste!

What Next….

You can read more of my adventures and what I have learned— An Introverts guide to life, personal growth, and Thailand with a touch of satire — Here on Medium or on my blog at www.djhopkins.net

Lastly, many thanks for reading and supporting independent writers here on medium and in this publication. It is very much appreciated.