You too can take this deep leap of faith, and follow your dream, to find your light, to quit that job, to accept that challenge…
Angeline Hayling
Have you watched Julia Roberts’s Eat, Pray, Love? It’s about a woman’s self-discovery and soul-search across Italy, India and Indonesia. ( if you haven’t seen this movie or read the book, I highly recommend it). Well, my story is somewhat of a similar tale, but my movie ain’t done yet! A woman in search of herself… Moving to Bali was one of the best decisions, I’ve ever made, and even though I now reside in California, deep in my heart, Bali is truly my second home. So why did I move? I’ve narrowed it down to 5 reasons:
CHANGE – I yearned for more, to experience a new life. I wanted to “Live off-the-Grid” and embrace a conscious living in a new environment. I was tired of the routine of my life: “Work, Eat, Sleep and Repeat”. My inspiration, creativity and spiritual life had plateaued and I needed more. So I went after it. I booked that Flight in pursuit of self-discovery.
Spiritual Enlightenment – Bali is the Mecca for Healing and one of the world’s most vivid destinations for spirituality and self discovery. It draws people from across the globe interested in conscious living, healing, yoga and mediation.
Work – The Heritage and riches of Bali’s culture aligns with the ethos of Island Tribe. Bali is known for its unique craftsmanship, sustainable production and fair trade practices. At Island Tribe we are committed to sustainability, fair trade and ethical practices ensuring that each artisan receives a sustainable wage to aid in her economic independence. This was the perfect opportunity to partner with a local woman-owned production to bring our designs to life and also to be hands on, and involved in the intricacy of our production process. ( More to be shared on working in Bali: sustainable production, artisan collaboration and Legalities/Visa requirements in upcoming post)
Explore Asia – While living in Bali, I had the splendid opportunity to explore other countries just a few hours’ flight from Indonesia: I especially ventured onto trips to Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, and China. Each of these countries all have a story to be told. It was amazing to experience somewhat similar and yet such diverse cultures.
Namaste & Chill – Life in Bali to summarize: A tropical paradise, delicious organic foods, warm air, salty beach life, and a vibrant expat community. Every day felt like I was on vacation despite working like crazy in the villages. Riding my scouter through cobbled streets, drinking fresh coconut water, eating from banana-leaves, hikes in nature, dancing in water falls, jogging in rice fields all barefoot and free. Yes, to finding me!
There are down sides to every story, and life in Bali also has it’s own complex and unique challenges: Such as missing your family back home, import/export complications, unreliable wifi, and ( to be continued in future posts) but for now, I’m forever grateful for the Blissful life I lived in Bali, Indonesia. “The Island of Gods” where I found my light again, where I took the courageous leap of faith and moved to the other side of consciousness. You too can take this deep leap of faith, and follow your dream, to find your light, to quit that job, to accept that challenge… Just be fearless in pursuit of what sets your soul on fire!
My Bali Life … To be Continued…