The month and a half I spent in Bali definitely gave me a different perspective on life. If you read my previous post, the change in lifestyle was apparent from day one. Living there for a month and half, rather than a weeks vacation, I felt that I was able to get a more enriched experience. When you pass through a country, you really aren't gaining much. I think through traveling, you gain the best education, and that education is really gained from a slightly prolonged stay... rather than a scratch n' sniff experience, where nothing really sticks with you in the long run. If your goal is to fill up your passport book with as many stamps as you can, I'm not so sure you're increasing your cultural diversity or skill set in any way. Stay for a while, get to know the people, let go of your customs and adopt a few new ones, let go of your conditioning, and be open to new experiences. This requires being FEARLESS. But still smart, and cautious, but fearless nonetheless.
I was a bit disconnected for a while, because our power went out and I used my phone as a flashlight to use the restroom in the middle of the night. The universe conspired against me, but I believe it was for my own good, and I clumsily dropped my phone right into the toilet. Being in the middle of a rice field, I really wished I knew how to harvest rice so I could go get some ASAP. Unfortunately my precious lifeline was not able to be saved. To this day, I have yet to have a phone conversation with any family or friends. I eventually got an Indonesian cell and sim card in case of emergency, and I can "what's app" with people here. Other than that, all my communication has been via email and Facebook. I enjoy not having contacts in my phone and not receiving text messages or calls. It's liberating and granted me more freedom. No one to answer to, no feeling that I need to reach out to anyone. Just me, doing my thing in foreign countries.
ALOT has happened and I couldn't possibly sum any of it up into words unless I wrote a novel. What I will say, and what I feel compelled to say, is to trust yourself and to trust life. It hurts me to see so many people depressed with their lives, seeing no light at the end of the tunnel. There is a way out, and your heart knows the direction. Trust that you can do the things YOU want to do. We are meant to be HAPPY. Do the things that make you happy, not the things society makes you think you should do. Whether there is something you have always wanted to learn, a place you have always wanted to go, a project you want to start, etc. Fear is an ILLUSION. Don't let it stop you.
In the U.S., people don't really travel much. So when I decided I was leaving for x amount of time, many people expected it from me because I am rather unconventional, but there were still the people that thought I was nuts and tried filling me with fear." you could extract this disease, that disease, get robbed, raped, don't get in weird taxis, keep your money in 10 different compartments, lock up your stuff everywhere you go, don't drink anything, don't eat anything off the streets" etc. The sad truth is, I felt MORE SAFE in Bali than I often feel when I'm out in Orange County. The people are ridiculously kind, genuine, helpful and warmhearted. I did not fear at any moment that I was going to get robbed or raped. Not even when at times I was walking through a rice field in the dark. (no cell=no flash light)
Long story short- Do what you want, and don't let anyone talk you out of it. Things work out. There were so many uncertainties I faced, and risks I took, but EVERYTHING worked out. If you a feel a calling, go for it. Don't wait for the "right time". There is no "right time" when you will be "ready"... If you don't do it now, you might never do it. It's in your mind to do it NOW, so do it now. Be present. The greatest lesson yoga can teach, is be present. Let go of the past, and release your expectations for the future, and be PRESENT. You can do anything at THIS moment. You're ready. Go.
I just arrived in Koh Phangan, Thailand. Walked up the road and found myself a nice Thai meal that I had the waiter pick out for me. The place I'm staying is right on the beach. There are hammocks everywhere, other travelers hanging out playing pool, good music playing, and I'm sitting on my balcony feeling extremely grateful for this moment. I hope that this post will kick you into a different time zone. If you want to meet me in Thailand, I have an extra bed. Just say the word.
Love always,
Stacia