I had been planning this trip to Bali for years. I idealized what this trip would be like and how it would change my life. It did change me in some ways but not how I expected.
What I found most memorable about this trip is the strong connection to faith that the Balinese have. They are connected to their Gods and there are many. They are connected to each other, as family, community and human beings. They live by the laws of Karma and live in the moment and are very mindful. They celebrate everything, from the first customer of the day to the full moon. It made me really think about how disconnected we are as a society in North America. I work downtown Vancouver, it is surrounded by concrete buildings and we shuttle in and out of work each day like fire ants retreating to our tunnels. No one looks at each other or even gives eye contact. The only time people seem to connect is when they want to confront and argue about something ridiculous like who should sit down or space issues. It's quite sad really when all we all really want is to connect and be acknowledged.
I walk away from this trip, remembering the beautiful daily offerings that the lovely ladies would put out sometimes up to 3 times a day. Arrangements of flowers, incense, rice and sometimes money. It was not important what was in the offering but the intention that was put behind it. Offerings were made for both low and high spirits because they understood in life and death you have both and must honor and respect both.
Just watching the practice of someone religiously putting these offerings out every day for what must be years of ancestry practice was very humbling.
I am inspired to share that joy of gratitude and practice with my fellow human beings in the downtown core. Once a month, I invite you to join me to spread joy, connections and blessings throughout the city on our lunch break. Take a moment and place beautiful offerings of floral petals and intentions like in the pictures and place throughout the city. We will gather as a group, create the offerings with beautiful flower petals, pieces of grass, and most importantly with love and intention. We will place throughout our neighborhoods to remind people to be grateful, present and alive. I want people to have similar experiences and reminder that we are connected and to take time to reflect on life and gratitude.
Will you join me? please email tina.wnielsen@gmail.com if you'd like to create some connection in the downtown core.
Namaste,
the light within me sees the light within you
