Blissfully Ubud

Just one hour away from the Bali center is beautiful Ubud! And it was just an amazing place! Upon arriving, the first thing I noticed early in the morning is that the Balinese have a spiritual practice of offering whatever they reap to their gods before themselves everyday. Suffice it to say, a lot of us need reminding of this.

.. Just a thought..

But there is a reason why I was meant to be here and that was to experience the annual Bali Spirit Festival of Yoga, Music and Dance.
Six glorious days of learning, loving and healing. With or without the festival, Ubud is just a place that speaks Yoga almost everywhere. The streets are filled with little shops that cater to the many yogis that visit. And temples galore, reflecting the spirituality evident in the atmosphere. Hence, I could see why many visiting yogis are drawn to the energy of this place.


Rice Paddies.. Main Staple of the Balinese


At our hotel, a local artist sells his eggs and paintings. I bought pictures of the popular Ganesh and OM kara. :)


The Kafe in Hanuman road. The most popular chill-out spot of all yogis who come and go.. Also, the drop off and pick up point of the Spirit shuttle that takes you to the festival..


Now moving on to the Bali Spirit Festival in Purnati Center.. You can do as many Yoga Workshops as you please.. The geek that I am, made a list of workshops to attend. :)..


1st Workshop with Danny Paradise: Ashtanga Yoga and Shamanism


2nd Workshop with Mark Whitwell: Individualizing Your Practice. He is fantastic! I heart him a lot!


Yoga shopping time!


Music: Awesome Kirtan night with the band Shanti Sounds :)


Dance: Participating in the trance of the Yoga Dance :)


..Feeling the love with Rebecca Plaumb..


Learning to dance the Balinese way is not that easy at all!


Yoga and Ayurveda: Balancing Prana, Tejas and Ojas



One with the creatures.. little girl is not afraid and enjoys baby Burmese python..


Python and I.. a symbol of accepting my Kundalini rising..

..I also took Twee Merrigan's: The art of Hands-on Enhancements and Yogeswari's: Jivamukti Backbends.. but no photos.. :)



..And finally, the icing on the cake for me was a visit to the Elephant sanctuary..


..After riding them, it was feeding time and they are always hungry.. :)


Loving Ganesh with Bro.. Remover of Obstacles



Not having been to India yet, I'd imagine this to be close to that forthcoming experience. I am throwing it out to the universe that India will be my next spiritual sojourn.

Till then, OM NAMO NARAYANA! I salute consciousness!