If you are reading SIN PRISA for the first time, welcome. If you are returning, welcome back. Mil gracias (a thousand thank yous) for being here.
In case you missed it, check out last month's newsletter on Uppsala, Sweden, a beautiful summer city and amazing destination for solitude and slow travel.
A powerful lesson Iβve learned after a year of slow travel is the importance of habitual self-care practices to care for my whole being.
It all started with a month-long trip to Bali, the wellness capital of the world.
Some travelers are motivated to experience Bali for its aesthetics (beaches, rice fields, tree houses, and swings) while others are eager to indulge in the abundance of self-care offerings (Balienese massages, yoga retreats, and hot spring tours).Β
Personally,Β I was motivated to learn how the island sustains self-care and wellness as the bedrock of their culture.
As someone who grew up in the βWestβ, my awareness of self-care mirrored the concept of commercialized self-care as
so beautifully calls it.Ββ... The term [self-care] is used far more broadly and often for commercial ends. When people talk about self-care today, it's more likely than not that they mean products and services - face masks, yoga retreats, meditation app subscriptions and home-delivered liver-cleansing regimes - rather than the intentional practice of taking care of their whole self.β β Brooke McAlary
Commercialized self-care is found on the shelves of retailers or purchased with a click of a button online. Itβs focused on aesthetics and instant relief vs sustainable habits to care for our whole being.Β Β
Bali is certainly not an exception to this scheme, as the commercialized self-care industry is alive and well on the island.
However, there is a self care and wellness culture rooted in practice that coexists with the commercialized self-care industry in Bali.
I experienced it through the island's cuisine, spiritual rituals, and nature.Β Β
Food as self-care
My first exposure to the islandβs value of self-care and wellness was through Balienese cuisine. From night markets to Warungs (local eateries), quality is at the heart center of every menu. Balinese cuisine is fresh, rich in nutrients, and packed with flavors that feed the soul.Β
Warung Kelapa near Kedungu Beach, is living proof of the commitment to quality food and ingredients.
The entire menu is made with high quality ingredients and spices, many which are grown in their garden. The owners never compromise on quality and serve the best of the best to locals and tourists alike.Β
Through Balinese cuisine, I learned the consumption of high quality foods is deeply tethered to the practice of self-care and requires a conscious effort. What I consume is just as important as other self-care practices like meditation, movement, sleep, and so on.Β
Cleansing as self-care
Melukat, is an ancient water purification ceremony practiced among Hindu Balinese. The practice focuses on cleansing and releasing what no longer serves the mind, body, and spirit. The ceremony is also a sacred time to attract restorative energies to help move individuals forward on their path.Β
I had the immense pleasure to experience a water purification ceremonyΒ in a one-on-one setting, guided by a local Balinese woman.
We traveled to a sacred temple on the outskirts of Ubud, miles away from the touristy area of town.
Β I was guided through various spring water sources, repeating a step-by-step process, cleansing of the mouth, face, and crown of the head.
As I moved through each spring source, I could feel the stress and tension fade into the water, creating an energetic shift throughout my body.Β
The ceremony was a great reminder on the importance of cleansing on a consistent basis, whether through water purification or other means.Β Β
Nature for self-care
Bali has undeniable natural beauty, from mountains to waterfalls to pristine beaches to sunsets. There is no shortage of encounters with nature.
Unlike commercialized self-care, time in nature yields lasting benefits for everyday living like reduced stress,Β attentiveness, and balance.
I found a great deal of peace in remote areas, away from the hustle and bustle of touristy areas like Ubud, Canggu, and Seminyak.
A quiet walk on a crowdless beach, a bike ride through rice fields, or simply listening to the sounds of nature were just a few ways I passed time in nature.Β
It is no coincidence I traveled to Bali with intentions to learn about the foundation of self-care and wellness.
Self-care was the inspiration behind starting my slow travel journey a year ago. I was determined to end my habit of embarking on trips in search of momentary relief, only to return home and continue on a burnout spree.Β
After a year of slow travel, the intention and pace of my travels has shifted how I take care of this being called E.
I no longer wait to reach peak burnout or an βannual vacationβ to practice self-care
The practice is tending to my whole being on a regular basis vs chasing momentary relief. Β
My practice will evolve for years to come. For now a shift from commercialized self care to habitualΒ practices, along with inner work, feels like an appropriate evolution.Β
So tell me, how are you tending, loving, and caring for yourself these days? Let me know in the comments.
Bali at a glanceΒ
Budget: $$
Best time: late August - OctoberΒ
Best transportation: Rent a scooter or hire a driverΒ Β
Primary languages: Balinese and EnglishΒ
Best neighborhoods: Sanur or Kedungu Beach (less touristy)Β
Best eats: Night markets or Warungs
Next month, we are headed on a girls trip to Singapore. I travel solo majority of the time but this trip was a welcomed interruption to my regular programming.
I traveled with my amiga from college as we celebrated ten years of friendship. I canβt wait to tell you all about it.Β
Until next time, take it slow π¦₯Β
E
Questions? Send me a note sinprisatravel@gmail.com.Β
Need support or want to chat? Book time with me here. Iβve curated 20+ trips for solo, couple, and small group travelers across the globe. Iβd love to hear about your trip dreams!
Thank you so much for including some of my thoughts on self-care here Elise! I've never been to Bali, but these photos are making me want to go - so green! So restful! π
Hi Elise, It's Harriet from amtrak, I'm reading your articles again. I keep going back to Uppsala. Bali has my attention now as well. I'd love to be there now cleansing, it looks amazing. I'm on #7 with Coursera. Youtube tutorials have helped a lot. My son started on these courses first. I've passed him now, hopefully we can work the project together. I'd like to just be slow traveling right about now though. Be well and safe in your travels.ππΎ