Finding Zen
Jenny & Adam
UBUD, Indonesia // We have been attempting to meditate every morning for the past 2 months. Realistically we really don’t know what we are doing, how to sit, how to clear our mind, or how to breath differently. Simultaneously, we have always wanted to immerse ourselves in yoga for a week and do something physically demanding on our body. In the central area of Bali, Ubud is notoriously known for its chill yoga atmosphere. We decided to get a full experience by scheduling a week meditation and yoga retreat that turned out to be a phenomenal time of learning, exercise, and mindful stimulation.
We arrived in Ubud 2 days early to get a feel for the town, and it was as we had expected. It was filled with earthy overpriced jewelry stores, organic and raw vegetarian food places, and fancy yoga clothes outlets. It had a very relaxed atmosphere though that we liked, the same kind we found in Luang Prabang, Laos or Hoi An, Vietnam.
To get to the retreat, we took a taxi 20 minutes from town, then about a half mile down a side street to an amazing complex of villas. The area was isolated, but very well kept, and the architecture consistent with this “Bali Modern” style. Monday morning the intense practice began and the schedule for the week is the following:
- 6am - 7am wake up tea and coffee
- 7:30am - 9am guided yoga and meditation
- 9am -10am group breakfast
- 11am - 12pm workshop
- 12pm - 5pm time to reflect / relax at villa / go into Ubud town
- 5:30pm - 7pm guided meditation and yoga
- 7pm - 8pm group dinner
This was the first time in a while where we are forced into a formal schedule. The retreat had about 20 other people mostly from America, Australia or New Zealand. After day 1 we realized that this is the perfect time on our trip to do something like this. We can really reflect on a lot of experiences and mental thoughts that we have had over the last few months here over the course of this week.