The Waters of Paradise
A few kilometres southeast of Ubud at the bottom of 440 steps Tegenungan Falls refract the morning sun through clouds of thundering spray. Hiking down to the falls was a bit like walking down Eight Read More …
The Gardens of Paradise
The lone coconut tree cuts the horizon like a cross. A visual platter of paradise with a road winding from the river valley below to the crest of the rice fields. When Stokey penned John Read More …
The Wandering in Paradise
The suitcases of a war gone by and the helmets are a reminder that the Goliath grunting from across the valley even seems to be filtering into the serenity of Bali. Last night some test Read More …
The Churches of Paradise
Walking past the lilies in the pond on our way to the mall-bar for a church service was a precursor to contrasts. From the bright equator sun to the dark draped bar was like going Read More …
Finding Amed
The sun breaking across blue waters and refracting from wave creases dances as the day begins. Workers return to jobs. Driving across the central peninsula of land puts us face to face with a more Read More …
In the Beginning
Two brightly painted garbage cans may seem an odd place to begin a few remarks about origins, however the ever rolling waves are burdened with litter that has molecules more complex than the water that Read More …
Nyepi — A Communal Celebration of Silence
The celebration of a New Year — whether the Muslim Muharam, the Chinese Imlek or the Christian and secular Gregorian New Year, each celebration is marked by remembrance, cleansing, hope and consideration of others. The Read More …
Ohga, Ohga — Setting the Darkness Free
These youth carry a figure to the parade route in preparation for the evening ceremonies. Each statue is carried on a bamboo frame and paraded by human might. One might wonder what evil these young Read More …
Cleaning and Cleansing – A Communal Whitewash
From first light people streamed to the waterfronts around the island and participated in ritual cleansings. A wash with water. A sprinkling with water. A playing with water. A feasting at the seashore. Food for Read More …
Meditation, Contemplation and Consideration
Adjusting to other customs and superstitions requires some open mindedness. Some acceptance that the other way might be an improvement over my perspective. We attended a recovery meeting at a Yoga retreat and the meeting Read More …