Intentional Plans for International Travel to Bali

November 27, 2019

My upcoming trip to Bali, happening this January, feels closer and closer each day. As I finalize details about where I'll be staying and what I'll be doing, I'm reflecting on the ways I want to make this trip intentional and meaningful. Each time I plan international experiences, I remember what a gift these trips are — to my sense of adventure and to my spiritual growth. 

Why I sought out travel at this juncture in my life

When choosing travel, I always ask, "Why?" The initial response is I need a break, and I believe most people always desire to go somewhere more beautiful than where they live. I know beach and mountain people, and they seek out those types of destinations in all of their travel. I love both, but I've come to realize my consistent desire when I travel is to seek rich culture, in the same way some of my friends seeks phenomenal beaches or breathtaking mountain peaks.

I took a trip around the world in 2016 for 3 months. Every place I chose was selected with intention. I sought out Passover in Israel and pasta cooking classes in Tuscany. Madagascar became a place I needed to visit because I have always wondered about it. Curiosity itself can be meaningful during your spiritual journey. The trip encapsulated a destination for a reason — to travel with intention.

My intentions for my trip to Bali

I am looking for meaning in my life. Maybe if I can have meaning and intention in everything I do, I might embody godlike qualities. (Side note: The nachos at 1:00 a.m. last Saturday night had no meaning.)

For me my intention of travel is just that. Everywhere I choose to go, I choose for a reason. Sometimes I saw that reason come to life, and other times there was a new beauty I never knew about but only could learn by being in that destination, at that time. I cherish those experiences most of all. 

A collision of inspiration and experience

I wrote about my dreams of this trip earlier this year, where I talked about John Hardy and the inspiration I draw from him regarding jewelry design. As I contemplated what I needed and wanted from this trip, I realized I truly needed to immerse myself in the jewelry scene to deepen my understanding of how craft and beauty define Balinese jewelry.

I plan to spend time in John Hardy's Ubud Workshop and Showroom, a model of sustainability regarding both cultural and environmental concerns. Not only am I excited to see his pieces in their habitat of origin, I can't wait to see his eight-step process for crafting jewelry. 

A sneak peak at my upcoming Bali experience

As I considered the implications of spending a month in another country, I sought to find a way to reduce my environmental footprint. One of the ways that came to light was staying in a community setting focused on sustainability. Green Village is a Balinese community creating an authentic way of living that minimizes the trappings of a chaotic, modern lifestyle. The bamboo homes offer a beautiful way to immerse myself in the tropical culture there, and I'll even have the opportunity to see the school within the community. I know it's the exact place to be if I want to combine education, inspiration, and a chance for relaxation and rejuvenation for the new year.

Do you have any exciting travel plans brewing for the upcoming new year? 

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.

Name *

Email *

Comment *

---

Also in Blog