In which Laura leads 14 writers on a restorative, creative journey to explore the healing heart of Bali.
Today we got to witness the cremation of Cokorda Istri, a member of the noble family of Ubud. As the time for the cremation procession approached, the street got fuller and fuller until it was teeming with people, some in ceremonial clothing, some in tourist garb, some in bright green or bright orange uniforms with […]
Here’s the thing about teaching writing in Bali. From day to day, moment to moment, I never know what we’re going to do. No wonder my pre-planning is useless. I don’t use a set curriculum. Especially not when teaching a group that’s traveling as a community, when writing is just one component of a multi-faceted
Teaching Writing in Bali Read More »
Yesterday, we ended the first leg of our 15-day tour of Bali. We moved from Candidasa to Ubud, and travel/transition days are always stressful. We were leaving our idyllic beachside resort behind. I’d warned people in our orientation on Day #1 that people often get cranky during transition days. I see it on every trip,
This morning, we took a special excursion to south Bali to the compound of a High Priest and Priestess for a purification ceremony for each trip member. The most moving part for me were the high priest and priestess, an older couple who married each other late in life—the first marriage for both of them.
Today, we transferred to Puri Lumbung, a beautiful hotel set in the rice fields in Munduk, the coffee growing region of western Bali. It’s my favorite stop on our tour, a deeply peaceful and natural place. After lunch, we met in our new writing space for the first time. And this was what we wrote
The Work I Can’t Quit Read More »
The very first day of our retreat, during our all-group orientation, one of the ground rules I laid out as a core group agreement was this: “One of the great things about being in Bali for 15 days is a break from the news. I know some of you—those from the United States—are looking forward
How many water blessings can you receive on one trip? Apparently, one more. Our third location, Munduk, is great for hiking. Here, we hike in the morning and write in the afternoon. Our first morning hike was to my favorite waterfall. Take a look.
Today we took a break in writing class so we could watch the children’s dance class that meets on the hotel property. This is just one of the many things I love about Puri Lumbung. Turn up your sound to hear the music. Then the boys. The teacher invited those of us watching to join
This is a compilation of responses to final writing prompt of this first of two retreats. Those of us who have all been here for 15 days together are all going our separate ways today. We just had our final closing circle. I’m going to be resting for the next 4 days and then will
Since I’ve Come to Bali Read More »
Today is the last full day of our retreat in Bali. I’m teaching my last writing class for this group right now—they’re busy writing—and after our final class, the day is free for people to do whatever they want to do with their last hours in Bali. I’m getting a two-hour massage, that includes a
Well It’s Almost a Wrap Read More »
I’m on the second day of my four days off between my first group of Bali travelers and my second. The last day of our trip, I woke up sick with a head cold. My body held off on getting sick until my responsibilities were over, and then it knocked me flat. My plan for
Why It’s So Hard for Me to Rest Read More »
Since I was out of commission for the first couple of days of my own retreat, I asked group member, Jamie Slaten Weil if I could repost her description of the outing I missed. Writing and photo credits to her. Today was a special day in Tenganan Pegeringsingan Village located 15 minutes from where we’re staying.
Guest Post: Tenganan Pegeringsingan Village Read More »
One of the things I love and admire about the Balinese is how they’ve maintained strong family and cultural ties despite the tourism that is so much a core part of their economy. Family ties are incredibly strong in Bali and each village is organized in a banjar, where the whole community provides mutual support
A Society Steeped in the Sacred Read More »
Today we left our beautiful, peaceful resort on the shores of the Indian Ocean and drove to Ubud for the middle section of our trip, which focuses on seeing local healers, experiencing traditional purification rituals, and learning more about Balinese spirituality. On our way, we stopped for lunch at Senang Hati, the only center in
Putu’s Impossible Dream Read More »
In the early days of writing class for group #2, one of the prompts I gave my students was, “Write a set of directions for how to bring more wildness into your life.” This was my response. What would yours be? Stop listening to the news. Stop looking at your list. Better yet, burn your
How to Make Room for Wildness Read More »
