For much of the next four weeks, I will be back in Bali, for my 2nd time in five months! (Surprise!) This means my round-the-world-journey has turned into a two times round-the-world journey!
You may remember my “Silence in Bali” post from May, when I announced that I was going to Bali Silent Retreat for 7 days. With all the continent and country-hopping I’ve been doing since April, Bali Silent Retreat is a perfect place for me to unplug. I need this now more than ever. Besides that first visit, I’ve never before been to a place like this; my stay at Bali Silent Retreat had such a profound impact on me, that I knew I would have to come back… (But I sure wasn’t planning on coming back so quickly!)
As a few of you know, since mid-September, I’ve had some pretty heavy clouds above me. Traveling around the world may seem fun and exciting; and much of it is. But there is another side of travel that people don’t often hear/read about, because most writers prefer to focus on the good stories (who wouldn’t?!). It is also important to be aware and mindful of the not-so-good side, and one day I will share some of my personal stories with you, just not right now.
Since March, when my year off and world travels began, my life has been on fast forward. I need to slow down, BIG TIME. Bali will be a big part of the answer.
Tomorrow (October 14) I head to Seminyak for 5 nights, where I will experience a bit of Bali’s beach life for the 1st time! Then, I am heading to a villa near the famous rice terrace of Tegalalang, away from the hustle and bustle of city life; a perfect place to practice the art of relaxation.
Then, to go even further with that practice, I will be heading back to Bali Silent Retreat, where I will give myself the gifts of health, silence, rest and reflection!
Below is a video from when I was saying goodbye to the amazing reception staff (you can immediately tell how warm and loving they are!) I can’t wait to see them again! I will save details and photos of Bali Silent Retreat for a future feature story. (Here are a few for now…)
But….my first priority is to take care of my body, mind and soul and give myself the time to slow down and relax (I really don’t know how to do this!) I have so much to share with you, and I promise my stories will not go untold. It just may take a little longer. Thank you for your patience and understanding:) …For a quick fix, be sure to visit (and “like”) my photography Facebook page, where I more frequently post short updates.
It is 3:22am and my early morning departure from Bangkok will come soon (I have to be up in 1.5 hours!) Stay tuned…PS. Please feel free to leave a comment below!
Travelin’ Tawna in Thailand
Glad to see you are finally taking some time for yourself to relax and just veg out. Especiaaly after all that you have been through. Bali sounds like the perfect “fix” for you. Look forward to reading more and viewing some more of your amazing pictures. Love Pops
BIG SIGH! My time at Bali Silent Retreat couldn’t have been more perfect. It was just what I needed, at just the right time! The villa I stayed at in Tegalalang was also PERFECTO! Wowee! I lucked out on that one. My 4 weeks in Bali have been nothing short of perfectly fulfilling and satisfying. People are so kind and smiley, the food (at Bali Silent Retreat) is out of this world delicious, the weather has been gorgeous every day (although I could have done without some of the humidity). I’ve had unforgettable experiences as a result of interacting with locals; I’m so grateful that I’m not a shy person! Stay tuned for more!
Enjoy your stay in Bali Tawna and like your Pops said…..I’m also happy you are taking some time to relax! Love your photos!
Be good to YOU! Blessings and LOVE!
It was such a fulfilling 8 nights at Bali Silent Retreat! I hope I can inspire others to visit this magical retreat for the body, mind and soul! (Actually, I already have one friend from Australia who is going there tomorrow for the first time! I can’t wait to hear about her experience!)
Another wonderful, astute and honest blog Tawna, and your beautiful images continue to inspire me on my own journeys!!
Enjoy the relaxing inward path and remember, we’ll always be here for you, no matter what!!
Love as always, in gratitude and service,
Arthur & Dale
Arthur and Dale, I appreciate you following along with my journey! It’s such a good feeling being connected to special people around the world, no matter where I am, or where they are…. as long as the connection is made! Thank you for being there!
Enjoyed your post and the pictures are great. Hope you decompress and come up swinging for your next adventure! I’m on my way early tomorrow morning 5am to Colorado to commune with the deer and elk.
Thanks Chris! Yes, I managed to decompress, and it was right at the perfect time! I made so much progress during my stay there, my chakras were balanced, and my mind was more clear than it ever has been! I am now in Ubud, back with internet and distractions. I realize it will be an ongoing practice for me to keep myself balanced, focused and at peace. I will try!!
Your photos and commentary are inspiring and I marvel at your courage and tenacity.A refreshed mind body and soul.Ah what a feeling!Picture it in your mind.I will think of you when I am in Hawaii in Nov letting the beauty of God’s creations rejuvenate me as well.
Love, Aunt Darlene
Thank you Auntie Darlene! I’m happy that you’ve been following along! Bali Silent Retreat is a magical place and I hope that my future stories will inspire others to visit. It really is one of the greatest gifts you could give yourself! Hawaii will be so gorgeous. Enjoy! (That won’t be hard!) I look forward to returning there one day…. That was my 1st tropical/hot vacation I ever went on (with my family), when I was 12 years old!
Tawna, hope this year brings you everything you need including the refreshed mind, body & soul. You are amazing!
Thank you Noreen. It has been truly amazing. I am grateful for this opportunity and am taking each day at a time. Bali Silent Retreat was so gentle for my body, mind and soul. I am so excited to write about it! I hope that my stories will inspire others to visit some of these places and to reach a bit further beyond their comfort zone than they are used to.