Arriving in Bali felt like an out of body experience. I had dreamed of this place for so long and while driving through the bustling streets, with motorbikes jetting by and seeing ancient temples along with massive handmade stone carvings, I was knew I was right where I needed to be. Arriving at my host family’s home was unreal. It was nestled in the corner of a small village called Bedulu and it overlooked jungle like flora.

Exhale. I was in heaven. The 4-post bed was adorned with a beautiful mosquito net and my balcony allowed for a beautiful space to do my writing and reflecting. I was welcomed with a delicious black ginger tea, which I proceeded to have each day. My heart was open and ready to receive all that this place had to offer and teach.

While staying at the home, I was able to truly witness Balinese culture and participate in several ceremonies during the week I was there. As I observed this new world around me, the one word that kept coming up was Intention.

Each day the Balinese make offering baskets out of palm leaves and in those baskets they put flowers, rice, money and anything else they want to offer to the Gods to say Thank You for all they have given them. On top of the offering baskets, they put a burning invent to attract the Gods. They put these baskets around their homes usually in their family temple, by the kitchen, the family room and at the 4 corners of their house. When they place the offering baskets down they sprinkle it with holy water by means of a flower between their fingers. (This water is gathered from the springs in the nearby temples). They pray while doing this and I have loved watching the women do their offerings on a daily basis. Whether it is while I am walking down the street or eating breakfast at my hotel, I take a moment to reflect on their act of worship and their intention to practice gratitude everyday. A great lesson indeed.