My journey so far has really been focused on connection. After my initial culture shock and impatience faded away (and my Vata was back in balance), I was able to clearly see how fortunate I was in the present moment. I had the opportunity to stay with a childhood friend, Liat Solomon, that has been living in Bali for 20 years. Not only did she open her home to me, but she fed me some of most delicious, healthy, juicy food that I’ve ever had. Liat owns a vegan restaurant here called Earth Cafe, and the menu is full of clean and fulfilling dishes. Not only was I immediately fed well, but I realized that I was among family.
After spending a week with Liat, I was ready to hit the road and experience Bali on my own. I gave myself time to become more comfortable and grounded in this brand new country. And once I broke off onto my own journey, I still ended up seeing some friends from all over the world who currently live in Bali. After lunch one day, a friend of mine took me around to show me “the real Bali.”
This is when I realized the things that began to connect me to this place. I felt love for the devotion of the people making puja each day and burning incense that was full of intoxicating scents. There was incense at every corner I turned, which reminded me to slow down and breathe, and that in each moment the universe is there watching and guiding.
The thing that’s helped me the most on my journey is being able to trust that everything falls into place and that you don’t necessarily need a plan. Some might call this faith. Before my trip, I had spoken with some friends who had traveled here to get recommendations and advice, but I truly want this trip to flow moment to moment with little calculation. I want to allow the freedom for things to unfold naturally. Some might find the unknown scary, but that’s part of life - we can’t ever know it all. Our story is created as we go along.
I believe that traveling and exploring other cultures helps to add depth to our personal stories and connects us deeper with our Self and the universe around us. It brings new opportunities into our lives also. I am so honored and grateful that a special opportunity fell into my lap - I will be teaching at the Bali Vegan Festival in Ubud next month. Just another event that will build my personal journey in Bali.
]]>A few years back, I realized that I wanted to teach people how to work on the Self and build the home within. It's amazing how that concept has changed for me over the last few years. I didn't know at the time that life could be funny - what you teach is what you need to learn.
My home within has changed for me so much since my separation because my actual home was falling apart and my external world was pulled into pieces. There was nothing familiar to hold onto and it's scary when you don’t feel somewhat in control. Finding my home within was really all I could do to pull myself through the hardship.
And I would repeat the words of Ram Dass to myself, “Be here now.”
The only thing you can control is your state of mind by choosing to be present in each moment and letting the present moment inform you on the next moment. The breath can assist you to be present and enjoy the moment, helping you work with what is right in front of you. The answers are right here. There is no place to go or anything to search for. That is how you build trust in yourself - by trusting the moment and knowing you have everything right here.
That is when you arrive home. You realize you have been going in circles and you are trying to run away from yourself. There have been moments in my life where I’ve met a teacher and I listened to the wisdom that channels through him or her. And I’ve realized through listening to them that my whole being is home and that’s where I need to be. And then I wonder just how long I’ve been here, at my home within.
The universe only gives you what you can handle. And each challenge is for the sake of coming through stronger and a better person with a bigger and fuller heart.
So just remember to stay present and take small bites, small steps and deep breaths.
-Osi
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