Following an inner knowing that felt like a spiritual calling and a homecoming, I completed an eight year cycle of deep healing, and let go of my home. I left South Africa at the end of August to move to Bali, a tropical island in the Indonesian archipelago.
The last two-month immersion in a much needed sabbatical and exploration of some of this mystical island, has brought me to a place of deep peace and ease… serenity. This journey has felt whole: full of both amazing and challenging experiences; pleasant and unpleasant feelings… there are always two sides to Life experiencing.
Within the first few days of arriving, my illusions of finding a quiet beach bungalow to rest and energise were shattered! The noisy motorbikes, the busy southern part of the island that has a high density of tourists and the impact on nature from excessive tourism, felt overwhelming. This was an invitation to dive deep into the inner Stillness of my being.
Interwoven in this process, has been the connection with the warmth and wisdom of the Indonesian people. While visiting friends on the pristine island of Flores, I explored parts of the jungle and mountains. My guide, who took me to the Cunca Wulang waterfall, said ‘pelan pelan’ as we wondered through the jungle. ‘Pelan pelan’ in Indonesian means ‘slowly slowly’.
This has been a profound invitation: to slow down. And in the slowing, it has helped me access an experience of softness – in the people, the land and in Life. ‘Slowly slowly’ has brought a deeper appreciation for the sounds, sights and scents of this new Life that is unfolding. In turn I’ve let go of rushing, planning and controlling. I feel more receptive to the wonder of the unknown and am dropping into the synchronistic magic and richness of being in Flow.
My whole being – body, heart and mind – has also softened. I’m meeting a still openness of Heart, which feels like it’s enabling me to bring the authentic power of self-trust, embodiment and wisdom to each experience. This softening has also nourished a depth of connection within me, with other people, as well as with the aliveness – and the stillness – of Life itself.
Ayu is the Balinese word for deep beauty, and refers to both inner and outer beauty. This is certainly a land of awe-inspiring beauty. I’m now living in Ubud, the cultural centre of Bali and I’ve never experienced a city quite like this before. Held by the natural beauty of the jungle, the ancient and modern dance together in a seamless and harmonious expression of Life living itself. Rich with temples and colourful ceremonial dress, it is also a place of contrast: smells of incense, burning rubbish and frangipanis; narrow congested streets, glorious scenery and rice fields; local road side warungs (restaurants) as well as organic health food eateries and juice bars; art galleries, antique shops and live jazz. There is certainly a magic here, a vortex of potent potential and mystery that permeates the air. It is sublime!
I now feel ready to continue offering all Wise Living services via Skype. If you feel inspired, or are in need of support and coaching, please email wendy@wise-living.co.za or WhatsApp +27 72 800 4982 for more information and to book a session. You’re also welcome to simply connect and share with me. Check my Facebook page for photos of this amazing land https://www.facebook.com/wendy.young.31586
With gratitude and in grace
Wendy
Alchemist & Embodied Presence Facilitator
www.wise-living.co.za
‘Do you see that everything in the universe is simply doing its dance –
expressing itself the only way it can…
and this is happening in every moment.
Seeing this clearly brings instant relaxation and peace.
Why?
Because everything is doing the only dance it can,
what is there to worry about?”
Bhakti Maa