Days 32 & 33: Tirtagganga ~ The Palace of Holy Waters

Today as I awoke the sky was pink and the earth was misty. There was a fine line between heaven and the ground. Perhaps I have found a place where the two become one. The ocean lies on the horizon, and some mountainous islands sitting as if they were afloat on the majestic sea. The thousands of lotuses open and close, devoted to the low light, and the fragrance of incense and frangipani’s wafts through the air. My ears are not distracted but soothed by the constant sound of the ever flowing spring fed fountains. My eyes relax as I take in the early morning sunlight through the trees, giving thanks for another day in this blessed, beautiful, holy land. I can see dozens of fountains from my pillow in my hand carved wooden bed. I feel the wind and smell the morning mist. I am honored to awake in such beauty; a waking dream. I give thanks.

I have been rising at 5AM so that I don’t miss one single second of this precious light. 

I feel like a Queen. I am actually staying in a villa that was formerly royal headquarters. There was a time when this was truly a palace, now it is mostly a place for tourists to view and local children to swim, but luckily, I have a connection to a friend who owns a beautiful villa on the property. I am using this time and these sacred grounds for creation. I am allowing my waters of creation to flow. Of course, my moon water has also come during this time. By moon water I mean ‘my period’. This is auspicious in my eyes, as a woman’s moon time is her prime peak of creative focus, a time for nesting and being nurtured, and a time to honor the waters of the world. So Here I Am, in the Palace of Holy Waters, being served delicious and nutritious foods, writing, dancing, and feeling right at home as a royal citizen of this precious planet. 

I am only here in Bali for one more week. I am writing this on a Thursday and I leave next Wednesday. I will be back on Maui in 8 days. Wow. It’s kind of crazy and hard to feel into that. I feel like I am just completely arriving, actually. I am just learning my first words of Indonesian and Balinese. It’s peak Durian season! I am just now beginning to know the names of the beautiful faces I have been meeting and seeing over and over again amongst the festivities and social happenings (which are ALL the time in Ubud). I really love it here. I tell the truth when I say I will have a home here some day. One day, hopefully in the near future, I will have a place here in South East Asia to call my own, a place to keep my ‘Bali Wardrobe’ and snorkeling gear, my Asian adornments and Hindu inspired altar pieces. I realize I want homes in many regions of the world; Continental North America, Hawaii, Asia, South America and even though I haven’t been there yet I feel the call to Southern Europe. As a global citizen, I feel blessed to be able to travel the way I have, to stay in places like this beautiful Water Palace, from where I write these words. 

As my skin is softened and browned by the sun during my time here in Bali, the waters have softened and suppled my soul. I feel more radiant and in my female prowess than ever before. Finally, I feel like a woman. I have embraced my power, my beauty and my mission ten fold since setting foot on this lovely land. I am beyond grateful for these people, the culture, the food, the wisdom, the volcano which I have to visit first thing when I return, and especially thankful to my dear sister in creation Jaguar Mary who created Sacred Circularities, the platform that I love so much that brought me all this way. I may have made it some other way at some other time, but I am so glad I was invited to teach hoop dance in Bali! I keep saying it over and over again, but it's real....Dreams Do Come True!

Lunch is now served, so it is time to retire from my keyboard for the day. Until tomorrow, be well and vital in all that you do, and know that time is only a tool to keep us on track in achieving our purposes, passions and positive perceptions. As the time has flown by as swiftly and silently as an owl in the night during my time here, I realize that we are simply spinning, turning, twirling like the tides, neither coming nor going, but moving in the moment, as the moment also moves. It is time. Whatever you desire, now is the time. Follow, reach, grab and go. Don’t cling or hold, just flow with the wave. Wherever it drops you, there you are. Sometimes you get lucky, and the tide drops you in some magical royal quarters at a beautiful Water Palace in rural Bali. Hold the Flame!

Bless You!

May you see magic in every moment,

Shellie White Light

Enjoy the magical pictures!

11 Days of DeLight ~ Part II

I will miss the morning light streaming through the rice fields just past my doorstep at Ananda Cottages. The lotus pond that received my moments of meditation will always hold a space very dear to my heart. The family that I greeted daily at breakfast with excitement and curiosity of what the action packed day would bring will always be a family I can count on, a family I feel is truly my own.  I love my hoop family so much! As I pack my things, many of which I brought and many of which I bought, I realize how at home I had begun to feel. Yet truly, I feel at home all over the world. I am looking forward to unpacking in Austin and not having to repack everything I own for a while. Even though I will be traveling in shorter bursts this summer, I will finally have a home base, and I feel that will serve me well. Until then.....

I spend the next four days posted up in a place called Ani’s Villa which has an amazing pool with my lovely sister from London, Sofia. I stayed there during my Bali Spirit Festival experience. I attended Bali Spirit Festival as a Presenter’s Assistant by day and Fire Dance Performer by Night. Wow, what a powerful and potent time for this festival to be in full swing, with Saturday as the pinnacle, as a Full Blood Moon Total Lunar Eclipse darkened the skies with a rosy hue. 

Thursday was a blast as I assisted Mailaka for her 5 Elements Dance Activation. It was really fun and informative to witness this shamanic dance journey being held in the open container of a festival scene. I am used to small, intimate dances in candle lit spaces with women I know, and this was a day time, open air space with many faces I’d never seen. A perfect situation for me to grow! I helped set up the altar, retreat flyers and such, getting the space dialed in. Once we got started and were going strong there were a few folks on the outskirts just watching and wondering what on earth this fun was, and it felt really good to pull them in and say ‘Dance with us! We are currently dancing for ‘the earth element’ (or fire or whatever element they came in on). It was a super delightful experience to dance with all of these beautiful beings, holding space while Malaika facilitated with ease, grace and power. She even received sign ups for her Elemental Embodiment Retreat w/ Deya Dova and for her 5 Elements Dance Activation Teachers Training! I am all about helping others step into their power, and these trainings are certainly one fun and full on way to do just that. I’m really grateful for my continued studies with my Shamanic Dance Mentor, Malaika Darville. 

That night I cruised over to the beautiful resort where Bhakti Night was being held. I love devotional music. Being raised in the church I sang hymns of praise, and now the earth is my church and I am still singing praises to the Most High just in different languages and contexts. I will always love music and music will always love me! I was very inspired by tonights music, especially Peia. WOW! Her voice blew my mind and melted my heart. I will be listening to her and picking up on the tones and vibrations, allowing my own voice to mimic this angelic vocalists. She is truly a gift to this planet and the heavenly realms. PachaMantra was also an amazing inspiration to me with their danceable medicine music and multiple musician band. Every time I listen to music that moves my soul I realize this is part of my highest calling. This experience in Bali has led me to an understanding of my higher purposes and gifts, and I really look forward to what they look like when in full bloom. Right now, the little lotus seeds have been planted in the fertile grounds of my humble heart, and with practice and prayer I will nurture them dearly. Another seed that was planted came through the meeting of an old friend, Eugene, who is putting on the first Tantra Festival here in the states this September. We both feel that my hoop dance and breath work offerings would be a perfect match. The Tantric Path has been a study of mine for the last 8 years, so I look forward to deepening my connections in this realm. Thursday was a lovely first day for me at Bali Spirit Festival on every level.

Friday was a very different type of day. I have just come from a full on three week retreat and right into festival mode, and had to be honest with myself and take a day off! There was no assisting or performing scheduled for me that day, so I slept in. Upon waking Sofia informed me that our neighbors had acquired the tiniest little kitten who’s mommy had abandoned it. They were leaving and needed someone to care for it until it found a home or the rescue people could come. Of course Sofia and I said yes and we took this precious little cat, a sweet little calico no bigger than my own tiny hand, under our motherly wing. We fed it every two hours with a syringe and it was so tiny that we even had to help the little critter pee since usually it’s mom would lick it to help it do that. We used a wet cloth and it worked. Talk about bonding! Sofia was the one who really stepped up since I had festival responsibilities and she did an amazing job. We even made a little bed in a bag for it and took it shopping with us and everything. We even took the little thing out to our friend Lenna’s birthday dinner with us and let all of our friends see how cute it was hoping one of them would want it. No one could take it, and eventually Sofia had to give it to the Bali Animal Welfare Association. I hope they care for it properly and find it a good home! It is literally the cutest little cat I have ever seen and it opened my heart up so wide and big. Funny how something so small can make you feel love so big.

Saturday was a massive day at Bali Spirit. That night was the Total Lunar Eclipse, with a Full Blood Moon in Libra, and also the night I performed with one of my favorite down tempo electronic dance musicial duo’s, Desert Dwellers. The day began very early at dawn as I arose with the geckos and lovebirds to catch a taxi to the daytime location of Bali Spirit Fest to assist Malaika with the Shiva Shakti 5 Elements Dance Activation at 8AM. Getting a taxi was a minor nightmare, and then finally the one we did catch was some random man on a bus who said he knew where he was going but stopped his huge bus every five seconds to ask random sidewalk strangers where the place was. He also kept changing the price the entire time. Well, hello eclipse energy! I could tell today was going to be one heck of a ride....and it was, starting on the rickety bus with the nice but odd man who finally got us to Purnati for BSF. 

We arrived just in time for the Shiva Shakti activation and wow, what a special and amazing experience. We united our Divine Feminine and Masculine in really sweet exercises, together and apart. Lots of eye gazing and soft touches. Much celebration of the beauty in the other and recognition of uniqueness. It was lovely. Then, to my surprise, Malaika called me into the middle of the circle and blessed me with a red rose and flower petals that Kellen had requested be delivered to me. It was our two year anniversary that day, and since we couldn’t be physically together he had Malaika honor me in front of 50 other people as his Divine Beloved Shakti! I accepted the rose and cried with happy tears and could feel the love all the way from Texas! What a beautiful honor and surprise. Thank you, Kellen! I love you baby. 

After the dance, pool time and delicious noms I got super glittered and glam for the evening of music and performance. I felt SO honored to be taking the stage with Desert Dwellers, Tammy FireFly, Dai Zaobob, Forest of Liquid Fire Mantra and the amazing Tribal Fusion Dancer Deb Rubin. What a dream team! We all were dressed and made up and sparkling to the nines and ready for the show. We rocked it solid with fire palms, staves, bugaang, fire hoops, double fire hoops, aerial silks and exquisite stage presence. Truly, I had the time of my life! With it being my Two Year Anniversary, a Full Moon Total Lunar Blood Moon Eclipse, Day 3 of Bali Spirit, and my debut performance with these epic musicians, I felt like my life reached a pinnacle moment of completion. Love, Purpose, Passion, Travel, Artistic Collaboration and FUN...it really all came together for me on this night in Bali. I am feeling so beautifully blessed, and if this is what the first year of my 30’s looks like, then I can hardly wait to see how this precious decade of my life continues to unfold. Giving THANKS!

Sunday was the final day of Bali Spirit and it went out with a bang fo’ sho’! It was a late night for me after Saturday’s performance and a little dancing at the after party, but I still made it to the festival in time for the infamous Sunday Bali Spirit Ecstatic Dance. I can see what all the rage is about! There was an epic DJ who was bouncing the house with trancey-techno-house beats and the crowd was a rolling ocean of sweaty smiling and very ecstatic dancers. I had a moment where I felt so happy that tears popped out of my big brown eyes and I just looked towards the sky, twirling all the while. I had so much fun dancing with this tribe! I danced right on over to the breath work hall to help facilitate  the lovely Christabel Zamour’s Breath of Bliss workshop. I was already high on life, and then to help hold space while Christabel facilitated all kinds of heart opening, identity dissolving, mind melting breath work to over 250 people (50 of which were non-english speaking local Balinese) was a rare and wonderful gift. She has such a radiant presence that I aspire to also hold, and it was very educational and inspiring to watch her do her thing and receive the transmission. I would like to study more with Christabel and as a breath work facilitator myself, I am deeply inspired to create my own breath work training so that even more people can be reached and revived through the power of their own breath. 

Wow, as if it weren’t already a full on day and weekend, it was time for another night of epic music. I made my way over and had a really amazing time hanging with new friends backstage, and watching the amazing dancers and musicians. A kid named Daniel Sonic BLEW MY MIND with his liquid pop and lock routine, and the feather head dressed Dayak tribe from Kenya blasted the crowd with very unique tribal show dance. Dustin Thomas pierced through our barriers and straight into our hearts with a captivating set featuring the guest voices of the Aloha Family Band (Tubby Love, Amber Lily and Jus Wright). I love hearing Dustin’s songs and storytelling. I want to sing with him on stage one day. I also would like to sing with Nahko. Part of me feels the dreams are far fetched, but with my track record of manifesting exactly what I want and feel aligned with, I know that if I keep training my voice and calling in the songs from spirit that this is a truth and reality I can honestly claim someday. I love the way it feels to watch a musician on stage powerfully stepping into their talents while using the microphone to also deliver messages of timely truth and activation! It is time for our Rainbow Tribe to rise up with words as weapons and hearts of fire, to blaze forth towards a world that no longer tolerates the destruction and desolation of the waters, lands, animals and ecosystems. Dustin speaks on this and so will I. He lit a fire in me that is burning bright and I will fan it with my lungs bellowing the beautiful words that spirit sends. I am open. I am ready.

The night also included amazing music from one of my new favorite bands PachaMantra and also David Block of The Human Experience. All rockin’! I had a really good glow hoop session to PachaMantra and was all geared up for the glory of the after party. Once I got to the after party it was almost 3AM. I realized I needed to be heading to Denpasar to complete my Visa extension by 6AM, so around 4:30 I decided to take a nap before making the hour trek to immigration. The after party was pretty fun, but since I don’t drink alcohol I felt like I couldn’t appreciate it like everyone else. It would have been nice to have some family fun favors around, but that kind of thing is tricky here in Bali, so I walked a straight and narrow path, had some fun dances, and called it a night (or a morning) just before the sun came up. Sunday became Monday and I met my friend to cruise over to Denpasar to make it all good with my Visa (it’s $20 a day if you overstay!) So, I had a super crazy fun blasty blast of a time on the last day of Bali Spirit and STILL made it to my 8AM appointment. Good job, Shellie! I think I might be stepping into some form of actual adulthood, even though I hula hoop, dance, and travel for most of my ‘living’. If this is what being an adult can look like, I think I can finally accept ‘being 30’ :) 

All in all, Bali Spirit Festival and all of the beautiful people that came along with it just made my world a wonderful place. I feel so honored to have been a presenter’s assistant this year for Malaika Darville and Christable Zamour, and to perform on stage in front of over 1000 people with Desert Dwellers. This experience, and the climactic moment of the eclipse during it all, has been one of my wildest dreams come true, and I am eternally grateful to Great Spirit and all of the loved ones helping me along the way. Next year, I plan to BE a presenter and continue to perform and play with all of my new and old friends. Bali Spirit will be a Festival of choice for years to come. Thanks for the good times, BSF!

Now, I am decompression and filming some hoop, fire and fauna footage on the lovely grounds of the Tirtagganga Water Palace out East. It is SOOOOO beautiful here, my god! I am blessed to be staying in a villa known as the King’s Quarters, and feel that one day, perhaps this will be one of my many homes. I feel like calling it ‘my writing villa’. Being here really inspires me to write and dance, and since I am outside of Ubud I have less social distractions (even though I have a slight case of FOMO ((fear of missing out)) due to all of the EPIC post Bali Spirit Music happening right now in Ubud). I needed some downtime, though, really really intensely. As much as I want my life to be one continual stream of socializing and connecting, I needed some space to clear my head, my energy and REST. This has been the perfect place. I hope you enjoy the beautiful pictures of Bali Spirit, and check out my facebook page to catch some video clips of Desert Dwellers, Dustin Thomas and The Human Experience! 

Blessings to you all from the World of Holy Waters,

Shellie White Light 

11 Days of DeLight ~ Part 1

This blog comes in two parts and covers days 20-31. I had the powerful intentions to write one blog a day, but as Week Three of Sacred Circularities began and I decided that my body needed more yoga and less time at the computer, more sleep and less late nights up writing, more hoop and less observation, and then with the epicness of Bali Spirit right after that, my blogging has lagged for the last 11 days. So, this blog is a recap of all of Week Three, and Part Two reveals the magic of Bali Spirit Fest. I write this from the villa that sits on the pristine grounds of The Water Palace on the East side of Bali. I am listening to the fountains and streams serenade me with the subtle sounds of surrender. Water flows. It simply flows with no resistance or argument. That is me in this moment. I ended up here by allowing my path to flow along without any struggle. The past 11 days have been a whirlwind. A tidal wave. Now I have a moment to reflect i the mirror of the lotus pond. Ready for the ride?

Let’s start with the beauty that was the last week of Sacred Circularities Hoop Dance & Movement Meditation Retreat. We savored the last days of SC Bali, and drank up all of the delightful nectar that was dripping from every sacred syllable and sound spoken between us, every sweet glance exchanged, every touch and gesture...each moment precious and irreplaceable. Each day, we gave thanks. Every meal delicious, every sunrise and sunset sacred and soothing. We could feel the time slipping by so fast, and we know that clinging to a moment is not an option. Instead, we soaked it into our very beings. Our DNA is now programmed with the joyous times we all shared here. Joyous times indeed.

The teachers here are some of my best friends. I feel so lucky!

The workshops with Caterina Sutton were amazing and inspiring, as we Metamorphasized as butterflies, explored the floor and some fancy footwork and used “breaks” as a breathing meditation. Gail’ O’Brien’s workshops melted my brain a little as always, as we tossed, twisted, and trained in the technical realms. I am always inspired to practice SO MUCH MORE after hooping with Gail! Babz blasted us with tantalizing tricks and groovy leg work, and left us with some great material to incorporate into our flow for some added funk. Jaguar Mary led us through some amazing meditations, some really sweet partnered exercises, and opened our minds and hearts to the realms of inner beauty. I love it when JM does her thing! It’s always an inspired experience. Francie led some super succulent yoga classes on the mornings I wasn’t teaching breath and I made it to as many as I could. I love the way she facilitates and speaks. Francie is an inspiration to me for sure, as she is living on of my future dreams of holding international retreats and living the healthy life! 

My workshops were some of my favorite to teach out of the three weeks because I was able to share one of the most powerful technologies I have ever experienced: Breath Work. The facilitation of The Breath Empowerment was incredible and very special. People truly have life changing experiences and it is such an honor to hold space and guidance for this transformative 90 minutes. There were at least 35 people there, which may be the largest circle I have held on my own. Everything went perfectly and everyone had a powerful experience; my prayers answered! I have been incorporating more singing into the closing portion of the practice and really enjoy using my voice a shamanic tool. The Breath Empowerment paved the way for participants to fully receive the next two workshops I led, based on the Nine Breath Method, which is just a powerful as the Breath Empowerment but a shorter and more succinct technique. Both of those workshops were incredible; the first one being instructions and practice for the technique, and the second one being a Nine Breath Healing Circle which had a great turnout and potent results. After my circle, I received the message that Christabel Zamour of Hoop Girl & Breath of Bliss wanted me to help assist her Bali Spirit Workshop! What a blessing! Looking forward to that. I LOVE teaching breath work and feel that breath, song and storytelling are certainly in my future career cultivations :) Be on the lookout for recorded audio versions of these powerful practices.

Photo courtesy of www.BBalancedPhotography.com & Sacred Circularities

I also had a beautiful time at Malaika’s 5 Elements Ecstatic Dance.This is my sixth 5 Elements Dance led by Malaika, and every one is unique and different, and as a facilitator I love witnessing her variations and seeing what feels really yummy to incorporate into my own facilitation! It always feels right to sweat and pound the floor with my feet. This is how I truly worship. This is how I expose my soul to my Creator. 

Ah, sweet release! 

Afterward, I felt very honored when she asked me to assist her during her 5 Elements for Bali Spirit Fest. This week is bringing me lots of opportunities to fully participant in the Bali Spirit Festival which I have been asking for. Again, prayers answered. More on the epic surprise I received during that dance in Part Two.... ;)

We also had a lovely excursion to Ganung Kawi, an ancient Buddhist Temple that dates back to the 11th Century. There are massive stone carvings in the side of the cliffs, all built around the royal tombs of the ancient kings and queens. The river and rice fields surrounding the temple helped me to feel at home. There is something about the swaying of the rice in the wind, and the rushing of a river over my feet that assures me of the simple truth that ‘I belong here’. We all do. Everyone deserves this. We are all Royal. The beauty that was once for the rich dead is now for those alive and well, here and now, able to climb the 300 plus steps it takes to get down to this beauty. I do appreciate the intricate carvings and aesthetic pleasure here on this island. The Balinese believe if they make things as beautiful as possible, the gods will stay pleased. It seems to be working.

Another highlight of Week Three was the Tribal Market & Performance Showcase. I was blessed to be the Emcee again, and I seriously love that playful job! It’s an honor to witness the vendors shine in their creative light, introduce the performers and watch them passionately display their talent and art, and have the opportunity to be myself while serving my community. Plus, all of this emcee experience is showing me how much I love being on the mic! Like I said before, I feel a new and expanded career path coming on....

I also managed time for a photo shoot with Bailey Wheeler this week. Here is a sneak peak at some of the lovely images that came from this really amazing experience. I had so much fun and felt so beautiful. We had the blessing of perfect lighting, a lotus flower that fell right into my hands, and a beautiful little spiraled friend that showed up as a sweet surprise in the petals! Thank you, Bailey of B.Balanced Photography for provided not only me, but pretty much every instructor and some lucky and smart participants who booked sessions with you with the most amazing photographs and memories. What a talented young woman with extraordinary gifts. I just loved this co-creation. 

All Photos Courtesy of B.Balanced Photography ~ Bailey Wheeler ~ BBalancedPhotography.com

Finally, after a week of daily dancing, sunshine, temples, talent shows, tribal markets, workshops, epic food, laughter, loving, learning, letting go, taking in, watching, waiting, witnessing, helping, hoping, highs, lows and LOTS of life lessons we came to the humbling and heart centered Closing Circle. As we all shared our stories about the week, and for many of us the past three weeks, tears streamed and smiles beamed. We couldn’t believe it was really over, and were also ready to take our experience with us into our daily realities. I know that I am really looking forward to a daily hoop practice commitment, as well as incorporating all of the aspects of myself that I have discovered along the way. The Closing Circle came to, well, a close...haha, and it was time to say Good Bye to the friends we had made with lots of hugs and sweet words. Truly, it never feels like ‘goodbye’ in this community. I know I will see my spinning brothers and sisters again...it’s only a matter of time and travel. Two things that I feel blessed to be abundant with in this life.

Overall, my three weeks teaching and writing at Sacred Circularities was absolutely one of the most profound and perfect experiences of my entire life. This dream has been three years in the making. I remember when I was in Australia in 2012 during a total solar eclipse that fell four days from my birthday, wishing I could extend my trip in Australia so that I could fly over to Bali for a while, and I have been wanting to teach at the Bali SC for some time now. Here I am in Bali, present for an amazing eclipse three years later. There is magic in the moon. Sedona is also so amazing and teaching there for two years has whet my appetite to deepen my involvement with the SC family, so I feel so blessed to have gone three weeks deep with this tribe! I am so grateful to Jaguar Mary for founding and forging this Sacred Circularities path that affects so many in such a positive way. Thank you, JM, for bringing us all out here together to teach and learn, to touch and grow, to feel and express, to transform and be transformed, to experience and witness, to be in this beauty and feel the depth of the culture. Truly, an ultimate dream come true. I can only imagine what’s next!

As soon as SC was complete, Bali Spirit Festival had already begun and I am diving straight in...read all about this initiation and co-creation in Part Two! I hope you enjoyed taking in these words and images as much as I love delivering them. 

Blessings to you from the clean, clear flowing waters of the Water Palace in Bali!

-Shellie White Light

All Photos Courtesy of Bailey Wheeler ~ B.Balanced Photography ~ www.BBalancedPhotography.com

Day 18: The BegENDing

Today is the last day of Week Two Sacred Circularities Hoop Dance & Movement Meditation Retreat. Week Three begins tomorrow. I can feel the energy cultivating for me and the others who have been here since Week One. After SC is complete I am performing two different nights at Bali Spirit Fest. Dreams really do come true! These are dreams I have been curating since 2012 when I was in Australia. Bali felt so close yet so far away. It’s beautiful and challenging all at once, because the one person I wish could experience this with me is thousands of miles away at his new house with his beautiful children in Austin, TX. It feels amazing to be living out my most personally rewarding achievements, and at the same time I feel like theres a bit missing, and it’s my Beloved. I so wish he could be here, being my DJ, my right hand man, my best friend. I grew up an only child, so it’s easy for me to be on my own on big trips like this, however, after we went to Peru together I realize how much I love traveling with the one I love most. We look after each other and lift each other up. Le Sigh. He is as supportive as he can be considering he is in Texas with his three children, doing the “Dad of the Year” thing. We love each other very much and are trusting that this distance for two months will only make us stronger. In the meantime....I do my makeup for the Instructor Photo shoot. Glitter...check. Feathers....check. White Light Attire....check. 

Camera Ready! 

After we took a few group photos and individual shots it was time for African Dance. I observed African Dance instead of fully participating this time to let my ankle that I twisted fully heal. It was so much fun to watch all of my sisters shake, sweat, laugh and cry and heal with dance. Malaika is such a beautiful facilitator of shamanic movement and female empowerment. I have mentioned it in previous blogs but I am so happy and honored to have studied with Malaika. Her mentorship and movement inspire many.

After breakfast was the Closing Circle. There were tears of joy and gratitude all around. This event changes peoples lives. Bali changes peoples lives. Bali plus Sacred Circularities alters the way people perceive the world around them forever, so naturally the Closing Circle is a sobering moment for some as they realize they now must return to ‘real life’. There was one extra special moment where a little girl who had been present for the week, named Shanti, was passed the microphone to share her experience and she said her name (she is three years old) and then in the cutest little voice she sang ‘Let It Go’ in Spanish (she is also Peruvian). Then I cried because it is really special to hear a little girl sing her sweet song without abandon. No self doubts. Only self expression! It was a heart melting moment for us all, hearing her angelic voice remind us of why we are all hear....to express our inner child FULLY. This Closing Circle was special because it was all women. There is something to be felt when dozens of women gather together to celebrate being in their bodies, their communities and their creativity. I love this hoop community like family, and that will never change.

The latter part of the afternoon consisted of an Instructor Meeting and a few private sessions of Human Design Readings. Serving and sharing with my community will always be at the forefront of my passion and purpose. I am learning how to balance my family of heart and hoop, my travel, my writing and my personal practice of dance training. This will be my focus upon return to my real life. I say ‘real life’ with gratitude because this actually IS my Real Life! From Hoop Gatherings to Festivals to exotic lands...it’s been my real life. After this trip and my month on Maui for Omni Love’s birth, I will be stepping into a reality that is less travel and more focus on work and family, so I am really soaking up the epicness of this exotic adventure. I am grateful to be able to create my life exactly as I choose, and I love every aspect of it. If you are interested in creating a life you love, and wanting to talk with me about how to begin that journey, click here and tell me about it. I’ll listen, and we can talk! Thank you, as always, for coming with me on this unique experience. I look forward to the 21 days ahead. 

Staying Present,

Shellie White Light

Day 17: Amazing Grace

Today is the last full day of Week Two Sacred Circularities. As soon as I got out of bed my foot reminded me about the little tumble I took on the bridge. Hmmmm... a hobbling kind of day. Take it slow, take it easy, breathe deep and stay present. This is my mantra. This is my pace. I have been running all around writing and teaching and taking classes and eating with friends and Skyping with Kellen and just having a grande ole time! But now, The Universe says “Slow Down”. I listen, thankful for the grace and gentility of this tiny lesson, that could have been much worse. Today we go In Depth the Gail, Tammy and myself, and have one super fun workshop with Gail as well. I love learning from these amazing women, truly. They inspire me beyond my realm of mental comprehension. I will admit here and now that I never feel ‘like the best hooper in the room’, even though I feel very confidant with what I teach, way I teach it, and the clarity it brings my students. I feel acknowledged for who I am and what I offer, and I also feel very inspired to take it to the next level with my hooping, so that I can continue to inspire the community on multiple levels. Today I was able to inspire during my In Depth in a way that is new for me, and people appreciated very much.

In Depth with Tammy FireFly was such a sweet and intimate experience. She is so beautiful! I remember when I met Tammy in 2010 in San Diego, on my first round of touring with the Qi Revolution. She was walking up to the event with hula hoops, staves and poi in hand, and I had my multiple hoops walking into the same door. We were instant sisters. To hear her speak on her journey, her size, her methods of training and her dedication to health and well being was magically inspiring. I am so grateful to be able to witness Tammy ‘do her thing’ with such grace, beauty and majestic quality. She may only be 4’9”, but has the BIGGEST heart and the BRIGHTEST talent! I love you FireFly! Thank you for being in my life :)

The “Two Hoops One Hand” Workshop with Gail was so much fun and very mentally stimulating. I have taken a workshop from her on this material once before at HoopCamp and have been practicing her teachings ever since. I love it! It hurts a little in the beginning to find the control on your hands, fingers and forearms, but the rewards are great and very visually pleasing to an audience. We worked also on Four Hoops Two Hands and I think this is where the majority of time in training will be spent. I really like the shapes that four hoops can create and love showing the world the sacred shapes of hoop dance. Geometry makes the world go round, and hoop dance is a mystical story being told by the dance of our bodies and circles, and very heart opening to all who witness. Thanks for showing us what hours of training a day looks like, Gail! Practice More! 

In Depth with Gail was equally inspiring and heart opening as Tammy’s. Gail didn’t start hooping until she was 29! She is so badass you would think she’s been at it for a lot longer. She was inspired by a young girl in Bolivia, while training for her previous profession as a physiotherapist. Being from a small town in Belfast, Ireland, she is absolutely the lead hoop icon of the flow community there, and around the world for that matter. She has the tattoo on her feet for us all to be reminded; “Practice More”. Yes, Gail, yes. We can see how her hours and hours of practice daily pays off. Her performance is always moving to the depths of the soul and her technique is flawless. She is so innovative, and has inspired me to get back to the roots of my own practice....my training. I love you, Gail. It is an honor to teach at the same retreat with you and all of these other phenomenal women.

In Depth with Myself. Ha! It actually did go quite deep. I had a hurt foot, so while all of the other hoopers danced their most inspiring dance at the opening of their In Depths, I was ‘forced’ to do things a little differently. I sang. I sang my heart open to the tune of the first song I remember learning, ‘Amazing Grace’. Singing in front of my peers is a new experience that I am embracing in a beautiful light. Singing and Storytelling. At the same time. This is my newest expression, my most authentic art. I shared my story, from beginning to present moment. I spoke about my up bringing as a southern baptist preachers daughter, ever-evolving relationship with my amazing father and mother, which was the most inspiring portion to many, bringing tears to the eyes of women who could relate. I mentioned how my hoop career was fueled by a breakup, and how I would not tolerate being with a man who could not appreciate the way I was blossoming and growing into my highest self. I got raw around my issues in my late teens and early twenties with alcohol, drugs, promiscuity, food, tobacco, and depression. I shed some light for those who have battled with mood disorders and a lack of self love. It was so refreshing and liberating to be able to tell my story, be heard, loved, valued, and honored for it. “You are a wonderful story teller”, was the feedback from every participant there and many of the other instructors. I realize this is truly my highest calling, and am choosing to embrace this. Inspirational Speaking, Motivational Improv, and Stand Up Comedy here I come! ;) 

Anyone willing to book me for my first gig as a Storyteller with a Circular prop?! 

All in all, it was a very sweet closing to the gathering in it’s fullest expression. I had a very fun Human Design Reading with a 21 year old participant who was so grateful and loving about her session afterwards. She even paid me extra. It feels so amazing to assist people on their own evolution. I am feeling Bali mold me and curate my offerings to be of the highest service to my fellow flow folk, and for the masses. I feel the book brewing, and promise that after this 40 Day Blog Challenge is over, the books are my next project. Stay tuned and sign up for my mailing list so that when it is complete, you can snag a free copy! Blessings and Beauty abound from BALI ~

One in the Sacred Story,

Shellie White Light

Day 16: Step Lightly and With Love

Week Two of Sacred Circularities is drawing nearer to a close. Today was certainly the busiest day of the week for me by far. Early morning massage, teaching my workshop, private breath work session and the resident of the drum jam this evening. Full on! It’s the kind of busy I like to be. I love serving my community in ways that help them discover the Master Within themselves. Teaching, private facilitation, and storytelling are the areas of super juicy magic in my world; the deepest waters in my pool of purpose. 

The massage session went beautifully, as did the breath work. Both women were incredibly grateful for their opportunities to release and let go. It is something special to witness a woman step more fully into her power, step further away from pain and closer towards comfort, step out of the story and into a new realm of speaking about herself, and feeling whole and complete in the moment. My passion is to assist my sisters into a way of life that is free from self-doubt, lack of confidence, pain in their bodies, confusion in relationships and suffering due to body image issues. My work with massage, breath, Human Design and hoop instruction is curated to help my clients learn to experience life through a perception of positivity, healthy relationships with themselves and partners, and free of mental prisons; holding space for them to embrace achieving their highest purpose. The hoop community has fully embraced these gifts I am offering and I could not be more grateful! I am loving this variety of private sessions I have offered here at Sacred Circularities. Click here if you are interested in booking and let me know a little about yourself, I’ll write back letting you know what kind of session we can curate together!

Tiana had her last In Depth session with us today, and of course it was beautiful to watch her dance with such grace and effortlessness, and inspire the second wave of SC attendees with her story. I admire Tiana so much. She has inspired me to embrace my own unique flow while continuing to push my boundaries, follow my art, and stay sensitive. She is such a kindred soul. If you don’t know who Tiana Zoumer is, click here. Also, it would be so kind and generous of you to donate any amount of money to this indigogo campaign on Supporting the Hoop Arts. Tiana and Morgan of The HoopTown Hotties made an epic Video to Stylust Beats’ song Dark Paradise. This fund supports the creation and production of this groundbreaking style of performance art, and you get to choose from some really amazing perks that are worth way more than the donation amounts! Donate any amount at all if you Support The Hoop Arts!  Thanks for bringing the sweet vibes to Sacred Circularities Tiana! We will really miss you during Week Three.

Tammy rocked a Rhythmic Hoop Class after that and that was so much fun. Tossing and twirling and turning, cartwheeling and rolling...there is so much you can do with your body while the hoop is tossed up into the air! I always appreciate how Tammy is always doing something next level in the hoop, something that has inspired her from the circus or aerial world. Thanks to Tammy for showing us new ways to express ourselves in a bigger way!

Dream Theatre with Jane was full laughter of synchronicity. As we looked to each others dreams for answers to our own life’s questions, we found that we are all deeply interconnected. Jane Carleton is such an empowered dreaming goddess! She always has profound insight for our waking and sleeping dreams, and is a very loving encourager for all dreamers everywhere. I love her classes, and I love her presence, knowing that I can call on Jane anytime to help me sort out my Delta states of mind.

My workshop today was called The Circle Sutras. This is a play on words, based on the sacred text of Patanjali’s The Yoga Sutras. The curriculum covered the Yamas (Non-Harm, Truthfulness, Non-Stealing, Remembering, Non-Grasping) and Niyamas (Cleanliness of Body & mind, Contentment, Training of Senses, Self-Study, Surrender) and a few sun salutations to incorporate the asana aspect of yoga. We massaged each other to show non-harm, spoke our truths to each other out loud and danced the words into the earth, came up with our own super cool hoop moves that we had never seen anyone else do to represent non-stealing, remembered our highest truth through grounding into the solid posture of horse stance, and danced with our hoops in a non-grasping fashion, dancing for a whole song without grabbing with a closed hand. This was our practice for the Yamas. Our Niyama practices included using our hoops to cleanse our bodies and mind, dancing in our hoops to a song strictly for being happy without practicing or proving purpose, drills and training to sharpen our circular senses, and hoop dancing as I read the passage ‘On Beauty’ from The Prophet to represent the study of sacred text. For the surrendering bit, I sang to my sweet students. I sang Nahko’s Great Spirit as they rested in Savasana. Everyone was so grateful for the different type of class style, one not based on tricks or technique, but a journey through the Sutras, circle style. I love teaching this class and hope to bring it to festivals this fall! 

I was the resident teacher for the Drum Jam tonight as well. Malaika and special guest Fantuzzi rocked the house with jammin’ beats and super rootsy rainbow songs. The hoopers were filled with joy and dancing in ecstasy! Everyone had a smile from ear to ear as we connected through Mother Earth’s heartbeat and songs from Spirit. It was a perfect ending to a very busy and perfect day. Until.....

I was multi-tasking. Video Skyping with Kellen while walking back to my room in the dark and slipped on the very slippery bridge. I twisted my ankle/foot pretty good, unfortunately. I slammed Kellen’s virtual face onto the bridge as I took my spill. Sorry, babe! ;) Anyway, as I type this it’s packed in ice and I don’t think it’s strained or sprained or anything, I think it just needs a rest and some TLC. It’s just the Universe reminding me that even though my ‘very busy day’ is ‘over’ and I’m on the walk home, it’s still important to be full present with each step. I hear you loud and clear Universe! Note taken! :)

I am so thankful to be here in the beauty of this place with this amazing, amazing family of dancers and dreamers. We are truly one as we connect here, each sister and brother special and unique. Feeling blessed and allowing rest, tomorrow is the last full day and we go In Depth with the instructors and enjoy our last big day of Week Two at Sacred Circularities. It just keeps getting better. Life is beautiful.

One in Circle,

Shellie White Light 

Day 15: Nyepi

I turned off my phone before I went to sleep last night just to see how long I could actually sleep, without an alarm. I went to sleep right at midnight, after a beautiful skype session with Kellen and his kids. I was teaching them some Indonesian sayings and we were all blowing kisses back and forth. After that I slept soundly for an entire 11 hours! I arose naturally this morning around 11AM, to the sounds of little kids screaming joyously by the pool. Noise? On Nyepi? Hmmm...I could tell this was going to be an interesting day.

The sun was shining so naturally I wanted to go to the pool. Luckily, there are three pools at Ananda. I went to the one I like the most (the lovely infinity pool) but there was an entire family of Japanese tourists there being super loud, not just the kids. The adults were all talking to each other, and actually encouraging the little kids to yell and scream all they wanted. I found myself slightly offended. I went up to the Dad and said “Do you all know this is an International Day of Silence? It would be nice if you could at least lower your voices a little. I understand you have small children and that’s one thing, but could you ask the adults in your group to not speak as much and so loudly?” The woman replied with “We are trying”, as she continued to chat with another lady. Even after my request, they all got even louder. I decided to just go to another pool. The man couldn’t understand why I wanted to leave and was even shouting at me as I left. I just don’t get it. I don’t understand why people wouldn’t want to at least somewhat honor this day. I suppose I am just very into fully experiencing the cultural ways. I also suppose being a tourist myself at a hotel with a bunch of other tourists who can’t leave the property is an equally powerful part of my experience.

At the other pool there were still a whole bunch of people talking. I didn’t bother to ask anyone to shut up even though I wanted to. It was a practice to have compassion and to not judge. This is a Balinese Holiday, and these people are not Balinese and just because I think it’s awesome to observe a day in silence doesn’t mean any other Westerner does. I just wish people would be more respectful of those of us who were actually looking forward to a day of total silence. But you know, that’s what I get for having expectations. So, I turned inward and just absorbed the sunshine and swam laps for a good long while.  It’s hard to hear people talking while under water. I rested in the sun and before I knew it everyone had left the pool and I was actually alone and not in hearing range of another humans voice. That was a special moment. I slipped in and out of sleep, hearing only the sweet hum of insects and the breeze in the trees. A moment of bliss indeed.

After I realized I was getting a bit burned, I headed to the lotus pond for some meditation. I sat observing the lotuses, the seeds, and the fallen petals in the pond. This place has been such a solace for me every morning and evening the entire time I have been here at Ananda. Today I asked the pond if I could take a piece of it with me, to plant in Austin. She gave me seven seeds. They rest on my altar, and I will plant them in a handmade lotus pond when the time is right. Whether they grow or not, at least I have a little bit of Bali with me in my home soil. 

After my time with the lotuses I felt the call of the hoop. I made my way to the wantalon to get in a solid and solitary hoop practice. There were already quite a few hoopers already in there, hooping silently and with focus. This ended up being my favorite hoop jam yet! It was inspiring to see everyone working on their own stuff, not just techniques we have learned over the last couple of weeks. I felt like everyone was really riding the wave and honoring the silence. I got super sweaty and tired after a few hours of solid practice and decided to beat the mosquitoes back to my room. I took a shower and began to write. Bailey came in and said a few words that I am glad she said. She invited me to the rice patty to watch the stars and the fireflies. Of course, I said “yes”.

This was literally the highlight of my Nyepi experience. I found myself in deep gratitude and prayer as I witnessed more stars tonight than I have seen in the 15 days I have been on this island. The stars were so bright, as well as the green and yellow fireflies that blinked by the thousands. The beauty compounded upon itself as the lightening flashed in the distance. With all of this brilliant light in the night, my prayer was simple. A reflection of the present moment. “Great Spirit, let me truly be a bright light in the night. Let my soul serve as a beacon for those who wish to know you, find a clear path to you. May my light be an inspiration, a guide and a service to all who see it. Amen. Aho.” As I watched the fireflies light up the darkness, and the stars speckle the sky, with the lightening periodically pulsing, I felt at One with the forces that be. This is becoming more and more regular, these feelings of being At One With the Universe. On the same page. Speaking the same language. I have always felt relatively tapped in, but once I started hoop dancing, the shapes starting to show me a truth free of story, dogma or creed. Since then, my path has been a clear display of the magic the universe offers, each moment so special that I find myself continually in childlike wonder. Tonight was one of those moment, one of those precious moments, where I recognized that the ‘specialness’ of the day was hiding in the darkness as light. The bugs, the beauty, the brilliance all came together to help me remember who I am more clearly. The stark contrast of light in the darkness always helps to remind me. White Light. We are all White Light. I just happened to make it my name, so that I forget less frequently. 

This Nyepi New Years Day has been a blessing. There will always be sounds when it’s meant to be quiet, and always be light in the night. We live in a world of duality, and for this I am grateful. We learn through contrast, and our wisdom is greater from it. I feel like today was as beautiful as it could have been, and I feel beyond blessed to be here in Bali during this most auspicious time in history. Thank you, as always, for coming along with me on my journey. I look forward to taking you deeper, as the days to come reveal the magic that has been cultivating and culminating. 

One in the Circle,

Shellie White Light

Day 14: New Moon Total Solar Eclipse Spring Equinox Nyepi Eve

Today is a very energetically potent day. Not only is it the Vernal (Spring) Equinox, but also a New Moon, Total Solar Eclipse (we can’t see it here in Bali) and also Nyepi Eve; the day of the Ogoh-Ogoh Parades. I am also teaching today! Everything is perfectly aligned for real transformation on many levels, one way or the other.

As always, I visit the lotus pond first thing. I have started placing traditional offerings in front of the lotuses. I place a tray of flowers, fruit and incense to represent me and my family. I wish they could be here, but I know that Spirit is working magic through us on many dimensions and angels. In time, we will all arrive together.

The first two workshops of the day were wonderful, of course. Tiana guided us through the oceanic and organic realm of ‘Fishies’. Riding the waves of momentum and surrender, we incorporated this new concept into our dance. I liked what Tiana has to say about this abstract dance technique. “It the existential crises of ‘am I the fish or the current’?” As she poses this question, I begin to wonder...

Next Tammy took us on a yummy adventure through flexibility and aerial introduction. It takes so much strength to even climb those blessed silks! We spent much of our time cartwheeling, rolling, stretching, and hanging upside down in relaxing and therapeutic postures. I love aerial dance and plan to train so that I can dance higher one day! 

After lunch it was time for me to begin my workshop. My workshop started at 3:15 and the Total Solar Eclipse started at 3:30. Perfect. The focus of my workshop was using two hoops while sustained spinning. The focal shape of the workshop was the Vesica Pisces, which also happens to be the exact shape that the Shadow of Earth and the Sun make while in the process of Eclipsing until they merge as one, creating the actual Eclipse. I find it synchronistic and appropriate that the Universe would set it all up this way, for me to teach about this shape as this astrological rarity takes place. This New Moon is also in Pisces, go figure. There are almost too many synchronistic example to name! That is how I know I am on the right path; when my life is totally aligned with the bigger picture. 

There were only 10 people in my class today, and I think that was a blessing in disguise, as it opened up the entire room for those dedicated participants to be able to fully express themselves with the two hoops. If there had been more people, their would not have been enough room for everyone to hoop with both hoops. Everyone who was there was in deep appreciation, and I was feeling immensely grateful to be doing the EXACT thing I love to do most (teaching at sacred hoop dance retreats in exotic and spiritually centered locations) EXACTLY while the New Moon Total Solar Eclipse on Nyepi Eve was actually happening. I mean, really??!! I feel like the Universe is screaming at me “This is your purpose! Keep doing it!” I am listening full on with both external ears and especially with my inner ear. The ear that hears the whispers from Great Spirit. The whispers on the wind in the rice fields while the sun is shining on the freshly blooming lotus petals. I like this kind of listening. 

After my workshop it was time for us to gather to walk downtown to the Ogoh-Ogoh Parade. It was so awesome to witness the family that lives here at Ananda walking around at sunset banging pots and pans and laughing and chanting and doing all the things to rid the property of evil spirits. Once we got to town we saw so many amazing demon puppets that were incredibly huge and elaborate. The different villages around Ubud created all sorts of intricate Ogoh-Ogoh’s, and I loved seeing all of the little children dressed in their matching village T-Shirt sitting on and around the creations. The youth were the ones carrying the massive puppets, and also the youth were the ones playing the instruments. I love that the children and adolescents are so involved in their village and the festivities of the holiday. I feel like American’s really lack in that area, that there is not much village participation, short of block parties and things of that nature. I know that community participation is present in our culture, but it feels few and far between. It appears so obvious here in Bali, and also when I was in Peru. The villagers really know each other, buy from each other, work together, etc. In America it feels very spread out and more corporate centered. Which is why I think I am attracted to the Hoop Community. As hoopers we tend to gather together frequently in different areas of the world, but I still see the same people, and they have become my family, and dearest friends. I buy my clothes and adornments from hoopers, and we learn from each other. We like to be around each other! It was really special to be with them while we watched the Ogoh-Ogoh’s paraded down the street, complete with drums and symbols, bells and celebratory voices. After all of the Ogoh-Ogoh’s were displayed and paraded to the Center Square, some amazing performances began. There were thousands of people so standing room was literally shoulder to shoulder and I had to worm my way up to the front just to be able to see (I am only 5’2”!) and I am glad I did. Each village performed with their giant demon creation, and each one was very different. The puppets were all sorts of dragons, deities, sea creatures, monsters and more. The performances incorporate everything from traditional balinese dancing including men and women, little kids in monkey masks, fire hooping and poi spinning, colorful fans, acting out stories and theater, etc. There was so much art happening in honor of this day. The Balinese dancers were so spectacular. The way the women move their eyes and fingers is phenomenal. The way the men leap and pause and create such dynamic movement is astounding. I am so honored to have been able to witness as much of this parade as I could. I ended up getting stepped on a lot and there was a lot of police pushing the crowd in different directions as the different Ogoh-Ogoh’s needed room to come to the center, so I eventually had to leave because I was a little over all of that. For the few hours I was there to watch, I was amazed. What a rich culture, with such gorgeous art forms, and beautiful people. I love Bali!

After the festivities I was blessed to have a juice with Jaguar Mary and Lynn at Casa Luna. It was nice to decompress with these sweet women who have put this whole thing together. JM purposefully planned it all so that Nyepi would be right in the middle of the Three Weeks of Sacred Circularities. Brilliant! There could not be a better time to peak your retreat experience than with a Total Solar Eclipse New Moon Nyepi! We are so privileged to be here during this time, doing what we love, with our community. It is nothing short of my biggest dreams come to life. And now that my biggest dreams have literally unfolded before my eyes, I find myself creating New Dreams during this New Moon. What is your next big dream? We must keep dreaming or we are only sleeping. This blog is a part of my biggest dreams. My dreams of being a writer getting paid to live and work in paradise are coming true as I type. The seeds are planted in the fertile soil. In a few seasons, the harvest will be reaped and more dreams will be realized. I hope you have found a way to take advantage of these powerful astrological times we are in. May you be blessed by the convergence of the shapes of the moon, earth and sun, and feel all of the blessings the heavens are joyously bestowing upon you! Happy Nyepi from Ubud!

One Under The Eclipsing Sun,

Shellie White Light 

Day 13: Mother, Water, Life

As I type these words I am a complete puddle; juicy with thanks, saturated with love, and overflowing with awe at the Creation around me. Today was a day filled to the brim with traditional cultural worship, humble learning, activation and contemplation. Thank you for reading and coming with me on this one. May you feel how blessed I feel through these words. 

I awoke early and feeling a bit sore and sleepy from such a full on day yesterday, but was able to work through that due to the excitement of giving a bodywork session first thing and then heading out on my excursion to the temples. The massage went great, and I felt really connected to what her body was saying, and was thankful that she was in such a sweet space to receive it. I love giving bodywork, even at 7AM! We have to fit each other in where we can during these retreats. My people need me, and I am happy to work it in so that everyone wins. And winning, we are!

After that I was picked up by the small group I would be touring around with for the day. Wayan was our driver, and Rhaiti, a Balinese Princess our guide. As we were driving to Basahki, The Mother Temple, we were noticing all of the Ogoh-Ogoh creations everywhere. These Ogoh-Ogoh’s are huge flammable statues made in the image of demons, monsters and evil spirits. They represent lust, greed, and all of the “sins” that humans confront within themselves. The idea is that Friday night, the day before Nyepi, they parade around these Ogoh-Ogoh’s and bang pots and pans and hoot and holler and call attention to all of the demons and spirits, attracting them into the Ogoh-Ogoh’s. The spirits come into these creations because they look like each other. Likenesses. Helps the little demon feel right at home. Once all of this has taken place, they then burn the Ogoh-Ogoh’s in an effigy. Then all goes silent. Nyepi begins. Seeing all of these structures on our way to the temples was fascinating. Each small district raises money and builds one. I am looking forward to seeing how this all plays out.....

The Mother Temple, Besakih, is the Central Temple of Bali. It is considered the most holy, and sits terraced on Mount Agung. Tradition claims that all souls comes from the Mother, and to the Mother Temple they shall return. I wore traditional Balinese dress of a long sleeved cabala, a sarong, and a sash. We entered the temple, and began to make the long descent up the stairs. On the right side the gargoyles were smiling, on the left side the had faces of anguish, the stairway up led right through the center of these stone creatures. Rhaiti said it’s because you have to focus your mind, our minds are always in the middle of happiness and anguish and we have to stay focused on what we are thinking about. Just at that time I saw some little children making offerings to a baby goat. The little children were all laughing and smiling, making the offerings to the goat as a man was tying the goats feet together. Rhaiti looked at us and explained that this was a sacrifice to purify the land. Sacrifice? I asked her if they were going to kill that little goat. Yes, she said. “Like, right now?” I asked. “Yes”, she said again. I decided to go on the other side of the wall to look at some messy offerings on the ground. She said the offerings were purposefully offered messily because ‘that is life’. I heard the goat bleating. No pun intended. It made a few noises that sounded sad to me, and I said a prayer for it’s soul. Being raised Christian and reading about how Jesus encouraged the Jewish people not to sacrifice the paschal lamb anymore created a belief in me that there is no need to sacrifice animals to Spirit. I have no judgement around this little goats life being offered, but it was still hard to witness. 

So up we went. Each level of the Mother Temple represents a chakra. We prayed at the first level. I really appreciate this method of prayer. We had little bowls of flowers in front of us and some incense. The Princess said ‘the incense is the witness, the flower are the beauty’. We lit the incense and before each prayer (there were five) we purified our hands in the incense smoke. With each prayer, except the last one, we held a flower in our hand. When done with the prayers we put the flowers in our hair and behind our ears. The first prayer was for ourselves, one prayer was to the sun god, one prayer to the Creator of All The Universe and I can’t remember what the other two prayers were. For me, each prayer was full of gratitude. After four prayers, the priest came around and slung a bit of water on our head, and then gave us water in our right hands to sip three times, then the fourth handful of water was to cleanse our crowns. Finally, rice is placed on your third eye. Then the fifth prayer. We were kneeling all the while. Your feet are never meant to point towards the temple. We didn’t pray at every level, just the first one. We walked around while Rhaiti explained how the Balinese people pray, and how they are different and similar with the blend of religions (Muslims, Hindu, Christian, etc). It was all very fascinating, and I am honored to have bared witness.

Next we had lunch in the company of a view of the volcano. Rhaiti explained to us that the Balinese believe that three dragons keep the Balinese islands together. Praying to the dragons keeps the volcanos from erupting or earthquakes from shaking the islands apart. It was amazing to see the pathway of the lava flow from the top of the mountain to the village. The black sands leading down the mountain were like scar. A stark reminder against the green jungle that this island is ever changing, and even with all of the prayers to the three dragons, there is still a chance that lava could lap up this lushness in the blink of an eye...

Finally we arrived at the Water Temple. Tampak Siring. We went into the temple portion and were led through the same Five Prayer Practice that we learned in the Mother Temple. The Mother Temple is where the Balinese go to retrieve the souls of those who have passed, and the Water Temple is where they go to Purify and Cleanse their own soul while it’s still in their body. The water comes from a Holy Spring that bubbles up out of the ground and flows into the stone fountains and pools for praying. The spring fed pool was beautiful. Fish and eels freely swimming. Freshwater coral and plants swaying softly. When we went into the Fountains, Rhaiti explained what each one was about and what I  was meant to do. At each fountain we washed our mouths out three times to purify the words we speak, and cleanse our mouths from anything harmful or hurtful we have ever said. Then we wash our face three time, to purify any harmful actions or movements we have ever done. Then you bathe head under the fountains to purify your mind. There was a fountain for each chakra, the two for funerals which we skipped over, one for cleansing bad dreams, one for forgiveness of the father and one for forgiveness of the mother, and then finally one fountain that you actually drank the water three times instead of spitting it out, and that fountain represented being blessed by 99 Priests. There were some other fountains that you could collect water from to bless your home, new job, family, new car, etc. I just stood in front of them and prayed instead of putting my body in them since I didn’t have a little jar for collecting water. Then we got out and dried off and went home. Just like that. I had some profound sensations while in that Holy Water. My prayers were deep, saturating me to the core. I trust Great Spirit heard, felt and saw my intention. I am feeling very grateful that I was able to participate this way, especially in the days leading up to Nyepi.

I got back to Ananda in time to receive another massage, and take a very hot bath. After that I wrote this blog, feeling like a puddle of a watery woman. The water is a theme here. My dreams have all had the reoccurring symbols of tidal waves or rain. The last dream I had about tidal waves I actually leaped into the wave. I feel that this is poignant, as I have taken the leap to live based solely on my creative pool of resources. We are water beings, and being blessed by the water today resonated deeply with my soul and spirit. Tomorrow I teach again, Twinning and Spinning. Then the Ogoh-Ogoh parade, and then the Silence Begins. Until then...may the water within you vibrate at it’s purest cellular structure possible. Aho!

As One,

Shellie White Light