Two weeks have passed and I would by lying if I said I didn’t feel amazing and enlightened. I have now finished all three levels of Reiki training and I’m halfway through the 300 hours of the yoga teacher training. I am overwhelmed (in a good way) with the amount of information I have been learning and doing my best to soak up as much as possible. I have gone through three pens already with the amount of notes I’m writing down!

I quite enjoy the early morning and routine of the day. Even on my off day today I woke up at 5:30am. The routine of eating the same time and consistent sleep schedule has done by mind and body well! It’s incredible how well your body feels when you meditate three times a day or more, sweat at yoga, get ample amounts of sleep with limited stress and also are eating nutritious and healthy meals day in and day out. I hope to incorporate a lot of similar routines into my every day when I return.

One of our instructors, Chiara, really pushes us to realize that we are capable of more than what we believe we are. I have been some how doing yoga poses that I never believed I had a chance of doing! Different balancing and flexible poses that push my own limits but more so have pushed my self belief further. I also love my yin yoga class that is honestly for any body or type of person and the benefits can be immense. Not just alleviating your physical body of pain but also helping organ function and mental health as well. Yoga is so powerful and I have fell even more in love with the practice and its benefits.

We also had a Kirtan night. Kirtan is a type of ritual where there is music and chanting, really a type of Bhakti yoga practice. There was a vocalist, guitarist and someone playing drums as well! One of the students in my class also plays ukulele really well and she joined in too! The energy from the room with the whole group singing chanting and dancing around was powerful!

Balinese people are some of the most kind and happy people I have really been around. Their energy seems so pure and full of bliss no matter what their occupation. They are devoted to their traditions and culture and seem to generally be very blissful people. It’s easy to be happy and smile often when that is the energy and people you surround yourself with.

I am trying hard to incorporate more mindfulness into my life on a daily basis. Through this practice I have been noticing more and more during normal life, such as when taking walks or eating. Being on my phone less and observing my surroundings has allowed me to feel more connected and also appreciate the little things. Lately I’ve been enjoying all the creatures and critters that Bali has. First off, the dogs! So many dogs! I have been posting some of these photos but there truly are pups everywhere, and they are smart! They roam free but know where their homes are and where to sleep at night and get their food. They also look both ways on the streets and move off to the side when they hear a honk from a motobike. The geckos are my favorite and so adorable! I’ve seen ones smaller than my finger, to bigger than my hand. They make a crackling noise and eat up all the mosquitos and bugs! In the early mornings when it’s still dark out I see them on the walls outside eating little bugs and it is mesmerizing watching them. There are several koi fish ponds at our school, including a pregnant one who will hopefully lay her eggs before I leave!

Grocery stores. A place I like to go and really look at what other countries have to offer that is different than my own country. For instance, one of the local grocery stores here, CoCo’s, has a grilled steak flavor Pringles! They also have a vibrant colorful selection of produce! (See photos below). The food here is amazing and there is a great variety of it. I have definitely been indulging when I have time to. The cost of meals here is so reasonable! Most meals, you’ll spend under $10-15 for drink and 1-2 items on the menu and that is at nice restaurants! For reference, I went to a very nice higher end sushi spot, ordered a glass bottle of water, rosewater lemonade, a variety plate of sashimi, and a cranberry cheesecake dessert…..237,600 Rp (Rupiah), which is $14.14! It’s really great being able to order and try multiple dishes of fresh delcious food for more than reasonable prices compared to the US!

Today I am spending my day enjoying delicious foods, exploring Ubud and studying. I am excited for week three and to make the most of these last two weeks in Bali!

Food, geckos and yoga!

First week complete!