Bali is known as the Island of the Gods… a place of healing, transformation and manifestation. This week I joined a yoga retreat with a group of extraordinary women from all over Earth, ranging from age seventeen to forty-seven.
We started our week with a yoga class on the grass under a kite-filled evening sky, surrounded by lush vegetation, melodic birdsong and gecko calls that sound just like their name: “ge-ckooo!” When we hear them we’re reminded that we are speaking and living our truth.
We were blessed by a Balinese high priestess with holy coconut water; given gift basket offerings of flowers and incense; and had rice pressed to our throat chakras and our third eyes. We learnt about dharma and karma and muscle groups. We went back to basics and learnt about the history of yoga.
We shared our stories and what has brought each of us to this sacred place at this time in our lives… some women have lost loved ones; others have left abusive relationships; many, like me, are in a transitional phase in their lives. There were tears and fears and love and encouragement shared freely amongst a mighty group of girls.
As we learn to meditate on golden saaa’s and haaang’s and pyramids that reach our heart centres, we’re surrounded by frogs and geckoes and all of nature’s echoes. Mangoes drop to the ground with a crash and a thud; raindrops fall with soft splashes on large leaves and we’re aware of the cleansing that is happening here.
Our serene yoga teacher reminds us of the Japanese proverb: “The Bamboo that bends is stronger than the Oak that resists.” I think we are all becoming bendy;)
The first Indonesian words I learn are Terima Kasih… Thank You. 
goodwillhunter.blog 