If I were brave I would go to Bali for SEVEN weeks to study Ayurveda and Yoga and to experience living in an eco village in the jungle far away from city noises. I would go on this trip even if it meant missing the holidays with my family and even if it meant missing dance classes with my beloved Daring Diva Dance community.
Yep. You guessed it. I’m going to Bali!!
Before I tell you about the trip I want to pause and offer huge gratitude to my mom and dad for raising me to follow my heart. My mom was the kind of mom who was always there when I came home from school, snacks prepared and ready to listen to details about my day. My dad was the kind of dad who willingly helped out with the crazy school projects and took me shopping for prom dresses. He’s also the one who built the sacred screen in my home. They are both compassionate, bright, open-minded, adventurous, talented, deeply spiritual people who have encouraged me to follow my heart – even though from the very beginning it was clear that I was not conventional. In fact, my whole family lovingly calls me “the witch doctor.”
So with a mom and dad like that, I have been following my heart for a long time. What that meant for me is that from the time I was 21 until I became pregnant with my son about 15 years ago I traveled out of the country for extended periods of time at least once every 2 years to study, teach or do medical mission work.
For the past 14 years I have enjoyed sticking closer to home – speaking, teaching and being a mom. Now that my son is turning 14 and my husband is able to be home I am feeling the call to expand my horizons. So I am traveling to Bali to study with Yoga With Uma and will be staying at Bali Eco Village
My intentions for this trip are:
* to experience deep healing and rest
* to shed false outer layers of personality I have accrued as a part of living in a super busy world
* to learn Ayurvedic and yogic practices to help women move through midlife with grace, energy, vitality, zest and power
* to provide my son the opportunity to step more into his power without me hovering
My understanding is that I will only have occasional internet service. I do hope to be able to send you some photos and stories while I’m there. But in case you don’t hear from me for awhile, please know that I plan to share all the juicy details when I return…especially the part about moving through midlife with grace, energy, vitality, zest and power!
Meanwhile, many blessings to you as you complete 2011 and step into 2012.
Love, Deb
p.s. want more inspiration for being brave? Listen to my friend Jana Stanfield here.
You continue to amaze me, Deb! Thank you for being SO brave, it’s inspirational!!
Thank YOU, Danielle! I leave in 2 days and am experiencing alternating waves of excitement and terror!
Deb, your bravery is inspiring. And I love your intention of giving your son the opportunity to step more into his power – now that’s bravery for a mom!! I’ll be thinking of you while you are on this amazing adventure.
Thank you Devika for allowing us to support and in many ways accompany you on this journey ….you ARE brave and have one of the biggest hearts in the world. Wrapping you in courage and compassion as you head into the jungle for this next life adventure. Roarrrrr.
WOW – - that’s amazing and wonderful – - I am so happy for you Deb! What an inspiration you are! Can’t wait to hear about your adventure. Hope you’re coming back to the National Wellness Conference next July and doing a full day workshop on this for us! Maybe someday I’ll be this brave too!
Thanks, Pat! I do hope to see you at the conference in July….still haven’t made all my summer plans, but I love that conference
Thank you for sending me off with the fierceness of a mama tiger!!! I am so blessed by our friendship!
Thank you, Anne! I’m actually quaking in my boots as the time to depart approaches, but I know in my heart of hearts that this trip will be good for ALL of us
I am the wind beneath your wings dearest Angel. I send you all my love and courage, stick my love in your pockets to pull out when you need it. Will be wearing my winter jackets and sexy underwear in your honor. All my love, Suzi
Dear Deb,
I’ve known you through my sister, Carolyn, whom I sent to Nia because it incorporates so much soul-level work for me. I finally got to dance with you during my visit in October. What a GRAND adventure you are undertaking, and how really, really brave you are to allow and know that your men at home will be undertaking their own journey. Your fierce and powerful, beautiful and soulful decision is an amazing one that gives hope and feeds the dreams of all who know you. Sending you many vibrations of pleasure to carry you onward!
Liz
Hello gorgeous Nia Sister! Thank you so much for this reflection. I’ll hold you in my thoughts as I dance through this journey.
Such sweet words to my soul, sister goddess Suzi! I love the image of you in your sexy underwear and winter jackets as I dance through the warm jungle during rainy season in as little as possible. hugs and kisses and LOVE!
Deb…thanks so much for the wonderful experiences we had together in Sanur and Ubud. I’m missing you today…had an awesome day…met some awesome women you would love. Thanks also for tagging me and my video and my website on your post. I am great-full to have such a generous friend! Enjoy your retreat!