The island of Bali is unique in so many ways, from the vast open green landscapes of rice fields to the barren active volcanoes, beautiful white and black sandy beaches, the rich culture that is witnessed daily and of course the people. The general pace of life is slow, priorities are different and there is a sense of acceptance and kindness among the locals.

Please know I am sharing from my own personal experience, based on coming to Bali since the late 90’s and returning on a regular basis during the past four years for my retreats. I stay away from the major tourist hubs and do not seek out familiar western style activities to keep me entertained. I do what I can to learn about the people, their culture and still feel very new towards their language, customs and day-to-day life. You will find me mainly in Ubud silently writing at a variety of cafes, going on river walks, seeking out waterfalls and watching sunsets over the rice fields.

So what makes Bali a mother? Looking at the energetic spectrum Bali is very much resonating with the vibration of the heart. You may have seen my Facebook live a few months ago from Ibiza before my Refine Your Art, Yoga Mentorship Retreat, where I was sharing my thoughts on why I chose Ibiza for that particular retreat and insights behind the energetic pulse of the white island that strongly resonates with the muladhara / base chakra. Bali is at a different spectrum – with her fertile soil which encourages roots to grow strong and the harvest to be sweet and juicy, Bali’s vibration is very nurturing and deeply healing for many, all of these are the qualities of the heart chakra.

Energetically Bali takes care of you. There is a gentle settling in oneself when spending time here, permission to slow down and rest. I find myself here in between my travels, to focus on my projects and ultimately to receive. There is no pressure to be anything or meet any expectations, just the simplicity of tuning in and listening.

Bali is the kind of place where you can’t hide. If you come here to run away from something, your hiding place wont be a secret for long and eventually you will have to face what you are hiding from. There is a gentle fierceness in her method of cradling you in her embrace as she supports you in facing the fire of life.

This Hindu island has inspired many far and wide, from artists, singers, musicians, writers, teachers and travellers. There is a pulse of creativity that runs deep and can be seen in all the fine carvings, woodwork, fine flower arrangements and attention to detail. During my time in Bali my creativity goes beyond! Ideas are flowing and projects are born and I often leave with a very full vessel of creative elixir to keep me inspired until I return.

Ubud means medicine and for decades people have been going on pilgrimage to Ubud to meditate, receive healing, medicine and blessings of health from doctors, priests and healers. Apparently in the 8^th century a Buddhist priest from Java made a pilgrimage to Ubud and after meditating where two rivers meet declared this place holy and a temple was built in that very spot which still exists today.

Fast forward to present day there is Bhumi Sehat (a natural birthing clinic run by donation) a huge array of alternative medicine on offer plus an abundance of tumeric to boost your immune system, fresh juices to keep you hydrated and water temples to cleanse and bathe yourself in.

When deciding on a location for my retreats I choose carefully, I investigate and meditate before committing. With mama Bali’s loving nurturing embrace, creative pulse and sense of ease I felt invited and inspired to hold space for others to come and soak up her sacred magic. Along with the medicinal resonance of Ubud, the tropical climate, fertile soil and powerful ceremonies, attending a yoga retreat here really is life-altering on many levels.

For 2017 my Movement Medicine Yoga Retreat coincides with Nyepi, the Balinese new year which is a very auspicious time of year symbolising endings and new beginnings, after a huge procession with spirit effigies, fire and music to invoke the spirits, the following day the island shuts down (even the airport) and is in total silence and introspection. So if your spirit is being called to explore far off lands seeped in ritual, culture and mysticism perhaps now is the time – what are you waiting for?