Not back yet from Bali, but promised a report on my spiritual retreat with 1Made Sumantra.
I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life. Last year was full of grief with the passing of quite a few people close to me and some other traumas. So was looking to 2008 for a much better year.
As I had trouble getting a driver, I decided to stay 2 nights in Ubud. I stayed at the Camplung Sari hotel. Room was large and clean, bathroom interesting, with pebbles surrounding limestone blocks. Every time I showered it looked like a river in the bathroom!
Service and food o.k., although I think the water was turned off about 4 times during my stay. Was told it was a 10 minute walk to markets.... well not for this old girl, more like 20 and with all the gutters in the footpath, the hill and the stairs up to my room, my legs got a good workout. Had forgotten about some of those muscles!!
Wednesday morning I was met by Made at the hotel, wow! what a beautiful man with a beautiful smile. We got in the car and started driving to Piru Tirta Temple at Tampak Siring for a purification ceremony in the Holy Waters. Just sitting in the car, I could feel a huge amount of peace and positive energy.
We chatted along the way and the scenery was simply stunning, up and down hills through valleys and rice fields with Kintamani in the distance with a soft cloud cover about 3/4 of the way up.
We arrived at the Temple, and of course dummy me had worn shorts, so Made had sarongs for me which I put on over my shorts. We proceeded to the holy waters and realised that I should have put my bathers on!! I had thought about it, but looking at Made's web site, I was expecting a retreat style place and thought I could change there.
Made prayed and made offerings to the Gods and then we went to the other side for me to strip off and put on sarongs. Well, I can tell you it's not a pretty site!!! Made was very helpful shielding me from view and hey, what the heck, I felt so comfortable with him it just didn't matter.
The purification ceremony for me was amazing, I felt extremely clear in body and mind and felt beautiful energy running through my body. My old bad karma now removed, I feel fantastic and positive.
I was then driven back to my hotel for a few hours of rest and relaxation and only to eat fruit. Had a swim and sunbake, some fruit and juice for lunch, shower and ready for Made to collect me again. I cannot remember ever feeling so calm and peaceful.
We went to Made's Aura Clinic for a series of meditations and healing, won't go into details here, but absolutely amazing. Of course, everybody's experience may be different.
If you are looking for a flashy spa retreat, not for you. If you are looking for spiritual enlightenment, then go for it.
I cannot speak highly enough of Made, his energy, kindness, understanding, open heart and intuition are amazing.
I have spoken to my husband on the phone since and he is amazed at how happy I sound,
He is going to make an appointment when we next come to Bali. I too will be a frequent visitor to Made's clinic, on every trip to Bali.
We all talk about the real Bali, there are many aspects of it. The spiritual side is humbling and amazing.
Some memories:
Feeeling connected with the earth and the cosmic energy.
The very old Balinese man at the temple who welcomed me unconditionally with open heart.
The beautiful scenery,
The beautiful people.
The simplicity of life when you are at peace.
The wonderful energy that I can still feel flowing through my body everyday.
The warmth and sincerity of 1 Made Sumantra
Shhhh, don't tell anyone, I want to be able to make appointments in the future!!!
Cheers
Julie