A Mindfulness Journey to Indonesia
"If you do not cook with love, nothing will taste good."
- Sri
(a brave and confident Indonesian cook)
THANK YOU for the support as I peeled away for my 2 week solo mindfulness journey. I return from my travels changed, yet more myself than ever. Isn't that strange? Peeling away the conditioning of stress and scarcity, allowed me to come home to my body.
The primary medicine from my time away was wonder & awe. Accessed through spaciousness to connect with myself, the natural world, and the loving (slow) rhythms of Indonesian people. I spent my days in mindfulness practice, noticing the tastes, smells, and sensate experience of being alive. Returning to my breath over and over again when I became distracted. I floated in clear blue water realizing my sons are watching this same water run through the freezing river outside our windows. Through this presence I was constantly reminded of our interconnection. That what I can't see is real. Remember, the stars are always there, even in the daylight.
The small islands I visited, and in particular Bali, are vibrant with Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism. The language was even different from island to island! With one universal Indonesian dialect to build a bridge among all. Even with all these differences, they co-exist peacefully next to each other! Unlike our country, these people weren't bred on competition and hierarchy. There was a stark absence of a “better than you” mentality, and this harmony permeated every interaction. When I shared my observation with one of my homestay hosts, he said, “Of course, we take care of each other. You can promise you will never go hungry. We feed each other.” With time and presence I began to feel this sentiment ripple through my bones, and a sense of connection strengthen under my feet.
I was feasting on the abundance of love. And why not? I am only here this once, and being human isn't easy. I get sores on my feet, at times my body feels weary, and sorrow scars my heart. Will you wonder with me: why not mindfully feast on every precious moment? Why not surrender to my belonging and wear sunlight on my skin? Let go of the scarcity mindset and settle into abundance and love. This feeds me when I feel dark and hungry.
Time in mindfulness, play, and away from screens, helped me return to the reality - of which I easily lose touch with - of our interconnection and abundance. Given I want to spread this medicine, I am excited to share…
You were with me on the trip! I held you in my heart as I recorded guided meditations, poems, and teachings. Check them out free here! I hope you feel transported to the jungle and receive some of the trust and love I deeply want to share.
With Love,
Ellen