The Sudden Breeze

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our thoughts that we forget to trully see the beauty that surrounds us. Things I saw while I was sitting after prayer, with no thoughts in mind. A moment of bliss.

Here's a rundown of my weekend without the running of course :) On saturday I woke up at 8. I really wanted to stay in bed a little longer but Bali's sunshine is so bright I would need black shades and tape to block out the light. It's a great change from my dungeon in jakarta though. The sun definitely gives the boost of energy that I need. I decided to read some articles on my blackberry, and I ended up reading this article about invisible computing. Quite an interesting read. After too much information for a weekend, I opened all the curtains and shutters around the house. The skies were a bit cloudy but it was still very bright. The cool morning breeze was quite refreshing. I was going to turn on some music while I folded some clothes, but decided just to have silence, observing and listening to the sounds outside. There is an elementary school a few roads down so there were shouts and laughter of children playing, birds chirping, and occasional sounds of motorbike...

Last night I was able to finish "The Witch of Portobello" by Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho. I've read a few of his books and his stories continually presents a magical wisdom that constantly gives me "aha" moments. This particular story gave me plentiful of mind-opening thoughts Some words from the book: "Let go of the idea that the path will lead you to your goal. The truth is that with each step we take, we arrive. Repeat that to yourself every morning: I’ve arrived." "You are what you believe yourself to be. Don't be like those people who believe in "positive thinking" and tell themselves that they're loved and strong and capable. You don't need to do that because you know it already. And when you doubt it — which happens, I think, quite often at this stage of evolution — do as I suggested. Instead of trying to prove that you're better than you think, just laugh. Laugh at your worries and insecurities. View you...

When we fast, not only do we abstain from eating and drinking reminding us of those less fortunate, we also practice self-control in our speech, thoughts and actions, filling ourselves with prayers, patience, charity and positive energies. It's a month meditation to rejuvenate the mind and body, beginning the year with a reawakened spirit. Our first day of fasting in Bali was quite nice. The day actually passed by quickly probably because we were having fun making "biji salak" one of my favorite Ramadan treats. The color turned out a bit green, because we used a japanese sweet potato, but it was still yummy :) there's a great recipe to follow from the blog last-bite . Today I also finally got the chance to watch the movie "Precious". A heart-wrenching, tear-jerking movie so prepare a box of tissues if you haven't seen it already. There's this quote from the character that really took a hold of me: "Some folks has a lot of things around th...

It's been exactly one month since I've moved to Bali. How has it been? At times I still have those occasional episodes of negativity and brooding, but I must admit it has been so much easier to become quickly aware and breathe in to the present moment. I've become more kinder to myself. Basically I feel at ease and renewed :) Not sure if it's the move or if I'm just at that stage. The atmosphere definitely plays a big role. Tomorrow fasting begins for the month of Ramadan, and for our last lunch today I decided to prepare a meal of falafels, hummus and some fresh salad. I tried a recipe that I found at  about.com turned out pretty tasty! Even my sister ended up eating the falafels with 2 servings of salad, and she's the type of person who doesn't eat greens. Why the sudden change of heart? Maybe because I grated a lot of cheese on top!! :D falafel hummus My first self-cooked meal in Bali :) A Ramadan poem from Mawlana Jalal-al-Din Rumi O moo...

Feeling a bit under the weather today but I just enrolled in DailyOM's course 'A Year of Rumi' and I wanted to share a beautiful poem that immediately lifted my spirit up: If you are seeking, seek us with joy For we live in the kingdom of joy. Do not give your heart to anything else But to the love of those who are clear joy, Do not stray into the neighborhood of despair. For there are hopes: they are real, they exist – Do not go in the direction of darkness – I tell you: suns exist. - Jalal-ud-Din Rumi (Translated by Andrew Harvey from A Year of Rumi) "Suns exist" :)