A Reminder of Presence in Bali

Ten years ago, I was living in the rice fields outside Ubud, in an area known as Banjar Sala, Pejeng. Going slowly broke while trying to build a retreat business.

Whether it was the timing, a mismatch of some sort, an initiation into what was to become my business — a learning of sorts — alignment, a lack of marketing skills… who knows. Or perhaps a mix of all of the above, along with parts unknown. But I couldn’t get a single person to sign up.

I lived here for six months. Six glorious, challenging, and deeply enriching months. Being back here in the rice fields — albeit on the opposite side of Ubud — brings it all back.

That feeling of tranquillity.

Not the monetary or business challenges — we simply learn and grow through those. Not the losing my mind moments with the children pretending to do their schoolwork while actually watching YouTube, failing subjects, and God knows what else. And yes, I take responsibility for that — I should have watched more closely — but I was also trying to keep a roof over our heads.

But aside from all of that…

I remember the deep, serene feeling you experience when looking out over the rice fields. The varying shades of luminous green. The sway of mature rice stalks dancing with the gentle breezes. The ducks going about their business, and the swallows (I think that’s what they are) darting in and out of view — perhaps targeting a poor, unsuspecting dragonfly as it tries to live its already very short life.

The coconut palms separating the fields, lining the many streams and channels. The clouds drifting across the sky — white, all shades of grey — presenting endless shapes, testing and teasing our imagination, prodding us for interpretation.

The air — thick and heavy. Not in an oppressive way, but in a heavenly, fragrant, luxurious way (unless you walk past the back of a warung… that’s a whole other kind of thickness). It’s the kind of air that says, I’m here. Witness me. Breathe me. Feel my presence. Soak me up and carry me with you — always.

Remember me.

These rice fields are a reminder of presence in Bali.

And we all need that reminder from time to time in our lives — otherwise…“If you’re always racing to the next moment, what happens to the one you’re in?”

Big Love & Gratitude from the rice fields of Bali.