Last month, I embarked on a transformative journey with Katrina Hart’s 6-night retreat in Bali. What began as an opportunity to support Katrina in capturing the essence of the retreat through photography soon unfolded into a deeply personal exploration.

Nestled amidst the enchanting landscapes of Ubud, surrounded by lush rice fields and vibrant jungle, every moment of the retreat held a treasure waiting to be discovered. From sacred rituals at the water temple to encounters with the ‘electric’ man, each experience left a mark that will be reflected on for years.

While moments of joy and laughter were aplenty – from zipping through rice fields on e-bikes to immersing ourselves in local ceremonies – the true magic of the journey lay in the beautiful connections forged with the amazing women who shared this path with me. Despite our diverse backgrounds, we found common ground, enriching each other’s lives with our stories and journey.

The retreat was meticulously planned, with every moment thoughtfully curated to maximise our experience. Guided by Katrina and her Bali-sister Dewi, we were introduced to hidden gems and immersed in the Balinese culture. Yet, what resonated with me most deeply was the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Balinese people. Despite the impacts of tourism, the spirit of Bali and its people remains as gracious and welcoming as ever. With a few simple words in their language, I was able to forge connections and have some really beautiful moments.

So, here are a few key phrases worth learning if you ever find yourself in Bali. Despite my imperfect pronunciation, these words never failed to elicit beautiful smiles and fabulous interactions from the Balinese people:

• Selamat pagi – Good morning
• Apa kabar – How are you?
• Terima kasih (MaKasih for short) – Thank you
• Sama Sama – You’re welcome (to respond to thank you)
• Iya / Tidak – Yes / No
• Om Swastiastu – Hello and welcome
• Permisi – Excuse me
• Ma’af – Sorry
• Tolong – Please (help)

Now, let me delve into some of the magic moments of the retreat.

Day 1 – Wednesday: Opening the Door to Discovery

Our journey began as we entered the tranquil, open, fully authentic Balinese space that was Gaia Retreat. In our inaugural evening circle, there was an energy of excitement and definitely a little anticipation of what was in store for us for the week.

We shared some of our hopes for the week and then indulged in a delicious buffet prepared by the Gaia’s chefs. Katrina opened with the theme of being OPEN—open to new experiences, being uncomfortable and shared a little of what the week had in store for us. It was a wonderful way to settle in and meet some of the other women in a very casual setting. I was very excited!

Day 2 – Thursday: Delving into Values Amidst the Rice Fields

After our morning circle and divine, fresh fruit feast, villa breakfast, we started our day on e-bikes, where we traversed winding paths through villages bursting with life. Here, we could see the soul of rural Balinese existence with children skipping to school, vendors preparing their roadside stalls and the yummy aroma of culinary delights as they cooked their one hot meal for the day. 

Guided by the day’s theme of VALUES, our journey led us to a sacred temple, where we stood amidst centuries-old weeping willows while our guide shared stories of ancient rituals, and the beauty of their cremation ceremonies celebrated every 2 years as a village. Here, we delved into the tapestry of Balinese spirituality, gaining insights into the cyclical nature of existence and the profound reverence for life and death that permeates their culture. There are so many beautiful things to take out of these beliefs and a beauty in the never ending journey of the spirit.

We then cycled amongst the rice fields where we witnessed the age-old tradition of rice cultivation. We were in awe at the labour of love that sustains a community and nurtures a way of life here. The patience of replanting and harvesting, and how a small rice field can sustain generations.

We lunched at a restaurant where I enjoyed a local speciality called Gado Gado (if you like peanut sauce this is a must), which was the sustenance I needed after the 3-hour cycle (yes, we had e-bikes, but we also had to pedal!). 

After lunch, we could choose to delve deeper into the culture of Balinese life or visit Kopi Luwak, the famous coffee beans made from the excreted of civet cats. I, however, ventured to one of the bike-tour friends’ kampungs (homes) and saw their beautiful and peaceful way of life. The women when they get married join the husband’s family kampung, and they all live together harmoniously. I asked what happens when they have rows. He said, “We argue quietly and quickly as there is no point in having big differences as we have to live together.” I loved that—one little gold nugget I will share.

After a delicious dinner, we came together as Katrina led us through a Yoga Nidra session, a form of guided meditation also known as “yogic sleep” or “effortless relaxation.” This was my first time experiencing Nidra, and I really loved it. Yoga nidra allows you to access delta brainwaves, which are responsible for the healing and restoration that happens in your body during deep sleep. Activating delta brainwaves during yoga nidra allows your mind and body to rest while you’re awake. Yoga nidra also activates the pineal gland. I was super proud that I didn’t fall asleep, as you really focus on the words and the mind around your body.

Day 3 – Friday: Embracing Strength – The Healer

Friday’s theme was Strength, and this was the day we visited the Healer, a local woman who connects to other worlds—a type of medium who provides insights and answers any questions you might have. I was curious but unsure what to expect.

When we arrived after a drive through a few villages, outside her home the sky was covered in hundreds of swallows, which kind of set a rather surreal scene.

We all dressed in beautiful fuchsia sarongs to respect the local culture and entered the healer’s family kampung. There was water running, an older woman weaving offering baskets, two dogs lazing around and a baby boy playing with some instruments alongside a teenager. We sat and waited while she chose who would come and chat with her.

Each woman returned with a look of processing, saying the healer had said some very interesting things that made sense, and others that still needed time to process. I was selected last, which definitely had my nerves going.

As soon as I sat down, she started pointing out things she was seeing. I was taken aback, as I was all ready with my questions like a good student and wasn’t prepared for her immediate insights. She talked about friendships, health and what to be careful of, which was quite insane as these were the topics of my questions. She mentioned things about my husband that were spot on, which had me totally blown away. She said some insightful things about my personality and life (it felt like she had known me for years) and also some things that were harder to hear. We were allowed to record our sessions, so I will definitely revisit it. Sometimes, you need someone to point things out in a different scenario to truly hear them.

When we finished, she asked if I wanted a water cleanse to help wash away some of the grief she could see I was carrying. It was a beautiful process as her husband (also a type of medicine man) performed a ritual of pouring water over me and touching pressure points that felt like it was washing away the past in a wonderful way.

What an experience. The process of thinking about our questions, asking a stranger, and then having a cleansing was unique and eye-opening.

We then all jumped in the car and headed for a divine lunch at Teba Sari in Lodtunduh, in thatched huts over a koi carp-filled lake overlooking the rice paddies. It was a great moment for us all to chat about the things we had discussed with the healer while dining on local delicacies.

The Sacred Water Temple

Next, we drove to a sacred water temple nestled in the hills of Ubud. Here, we sat together as Dewi led us through a beautiful letting go ceremony before we entered the first freshwater pool to release everything that no longer served us. There was a small waterfall where you could put your head under and feel the powerful water on your back. It was quite a profound experience. The first time I stood under the waterfall, the water felt like it was pounding on my back, pushing me out from under it. When Dewi told me to go under again, saying the process had not finished, the second time, the water felt much softer, almost like it was stroking or patting me, reassuring me that everything was going to be alright. It felt magical.

We then moved to another, much calmer pool, which was the pool of hope. Here, we could wish for future dreams, aspirations, and joys. It was a beautiful way to reflect on what had been a truly unique day.

It was definitely the most reflective and mentally tiring day, but I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. Sometimes, you have to break down to build back up.

Day 4 – Saturday: Deepening Connection – The Electric Man

Saturday was all about Connection, and it was incredibly pertinent. We started the day with Yin Yoga, a wonderful way to connect with our bodies and stretch out tough spots like my incredibly tight hip flexors (apparently where we hold all our emotions). After the emotional day before, I was very happy to give them a good stretch.

Then we hopped into our van and journeyed high into the mountains to meet the ‘Electrical Man.’ I have never heard, seen, or experienced anything like this before, and I have tried a lot of things.

In a very modest kampung sits this unassuming, 50-year-old Balinese man who, with very little English (Dewi translated), directs you to a stool where you sit down, and he starts to press points on your hands and wrists to feel for blockages. The amazing thing is, when he presses in a certain way, it feels like he’s sending a current through your body—not just superficially but right through your entire nervous system. He would press something on my forearm, and the opposite foot would bop up and down. It was wild. He said there were a few blockages he was working through but nothing too serious, which was a relief.

He then turned me around and started on my shoulders, saying I had a lot of fluid in my neck and back from sitting in too much air-conditioning. I don’t know what he did, but it felt like the fluid and knots were leaving my body. He also touched my head, forehead, and face, totally clearing my sinuses. It was strange; I could feel it all draining through my throat. Gross but so good. He also told me to get my eyes checked, as they were strained and causing my headaches. I hadn’t mentioned anything about that, and I already had an appointment booked for when I got back, so I was rather amazed.

After the session, we drove back to the retreat centre feeling lighter and more connected, sharing our experiences and insights.

We finished the day by heading into Ubud centre to watch a Balinese Kecak Fire and Trance Dance Performance, accompanied by a choir of a hundred men. They formed a circle, swaying, sitting, standing up, and lying down as the story unfolded. The sound and dance display definitely put you in a bit of a trance-like state and offered another insight into their local Hindu culture and ceremonies. It was a great way to close the day, connecting us deeper to the culture and to each other.

Day 5 – Sunday: Letting Go – Agni Hotra Fire Ceremony

Sunday was dedicated to the theme of Letting Go. It was a free day that began by the pool, soaking up the sun and journaling about our experiences. We were given the task of writing ourselves a letter, which we would later throw into the fire during the Agni Hotra Fire Ceremony that night, symbolically leaving behind anything that no longer served us in Bali.

The ceremony was hosted by a local priest and was once again beautiful in its rituals, chanting, and acknowledgment of earth, life and spirit around us. It highlighted the beauty of being and our ability to let go. Participating in ceremonies like this provides a beautiful insight into different cultures and makes me reflect on how we should express gratitude for the beautiful world we are fortunate to inhabit. It was a powerful, cathartic ritual that left me feeling excited to embrace the future with open arms.

Day 6 – Monday: Trusting the Journey

Monday’s theme was Trust, it was a day of leisure and bonding. We began with a slow morning, enjoying a delicious breakfast and sharing stories of our journey so far.

We treated ourselves to a beautiful Balinese massage at the retreat—a final indulgence for our bodies that had carried us through this transformative experience. I might have snuck in an extra massage and body scrub on one of the other days too! 😉 When I emerged from my room after the massage, I discovered that Dewi had arranged for a tattoo artist to visit our villas. One of the women had long desired a tattoo and felt there was no better time than in Bali, surrounded by her new friends.

Our farewell dinner was a celebration of the connections we had forged. With live music setting the mood, we laughed and shared heartfelt moments. There was immense gratitude for the experiences and friendships we had gained.

Day 7 – Tuesday: Embracing Gratitude

Our final day together began with a gentle session of Yin Yoga, grounding us and helping us centre our thoughts. We then participated in a Canang Sari making workshop, where we learned to create traditional Balinese offerings. It was a beautiful way to express our gratitude for the week and all the experiences we had shared.

With our self-made offerings in hand, we gathered one last time to reflect on our journey. Each of us shared what we were grateful for. The sense of connection and understanding was profound, and it felt like we had created a family during our time together.

Reflections

This retreat was a journey of self-discovery and growth, enriched by the warmth and hospitality of the Balinese people. The essence of this journey—loving fiercely, living bravely, growing freely, and connecting deeply—can be embraced anywhere.

Gift yourself the time for such an experience; your future self will thank you endlessly. Katrina helped us dig deep, embrace our vulnerabilities and find the courage to chase what truly makes us happy.

I was able to hit the reset button, recharge my body and quiet the noise (oh so much noise 😉 in my mind. Rediscovering the joy of adventure, connection and authentic self-exploration was invaluable.

If any of the above resonates with you, consider joining a future retreat. The next Bali Soul Retreat is from September 22 to 28 this year. Explore more about Katrina’s retreats [here](https://www.hartandsoulretreat.com/bali-retreat-2024/).

To pause and immerse oneself in the magic of Ubud and a @hartandsoulretreat is truly a gift beyond measure. Add it to your wishlist.

Big Love,  

Aisha xox