I left behind a country torn by anger and political divisiveness, my heart raw and aching. What I found in Bali was something I didn’t even know I was searching for—a balm of gentleness, beauty, and sacred connection that would transform not just my trip, but my daily life upon my return.
From Division to Divine Welcome
One of my most vivid memories of Bali was stepping off our airport van to be welcomed at our first seaside resort in Candidasa by lush green vegetation, a still, clear pond and pots of colorful, tropical flowers at the entrance to the open-air hotel lobby. There, we were greeted by warm, engaging smiles from the hotel staff. Holding their hands in the prayer position and bowing gently, they uttered what I later learned was the traditional Hindu prayer greeting, used by everyone we met in Bali.
“Om Swastiastu” is a Sanskrit salutation, conveying divine blessings for well-being, peace and harmony. It is spoken as both people smile and make eye contact. The bow signifies respect for the presence of the divine in each person. This expression sets the tone, not only for each personal interaction in Bali, but also came to symbolize, for me, the open-hearted, sacred way of life practiced by the Balinese.
Along the walk to my private bungalow were ubiquitous pots with gorgeous flower petal mandalas, artistically arranged fresh every day. The entrance to my front door was adorned with whole flowers at the corners of each step. As I entered my new abode, I felt not only welcomed, but embraced by love and beauty, which continued to permeate our days for the rest of our stay. The gentleness and kindness we experienced in Bali was a soothing balm to my sore heart.
Sacred Rituals, Sacred Connection
While at Candidasa, we were provided with appropriate temple garb—sarongs and sashes—and taught how to wear them with respect. A Balinese priest led our group through the prayers and rituals we would soon be practicing at our temple visits. These included burning incense and a delightful sequence of placing different colored flowers in our hair, each representing a different spiritual quality.
Unlike most tourists, who showed up to the sacred temples in shorts and T-shirts, we were welcomed into the inner sanctuaries to be blessed, alongside the Balinese visitors. I loved the feeling of deep connection to the people, their sacred rituals and the ancient temples themselves.
Devotion Woven into Daily Life
One thing that endeared this culture to me was the fact that spirituality was interwoven into every aspect of daily life. Each family had their own altar, where they would place daily offerings of flowers and incense. Every day the women used palm leaves to make small, square baskets, called Canang Sari, and filled them with rice and a variety of flowers.
You would see the colorful baskets in front of homes, temples, even on the sidewalks in front of almost every business. They are placed as offerings of gratitude and devotion to the gods. Our group was blessed to spend time with several Balinese women, who taught us how to create both the Canang Sari and the intricate flower mandalas. Their daily creation is a form of spiritual practice—meditation in motion, devotion made tangible.
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Where All Faiths Find Home
While Indonesia is primarily a Muslim country, the Balinese are predominantly Hindus. Yet, all religions, including Christian, Muslim and Buddhist minorities, appear to peacefully coexist here. This spirit of inclusivity touched me deeply.
I witnessed this harmony firsthand at a local McDonald’s, where we bought burgers as gifts for the village of one of our guides (a special treat, since they can’t normally afford Happy Meals). Inside the restaurant, banners were hung celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, a Muslim tradition—a beautiful reminder that respect for all spiritual paths flourishes here.
Bringing Bali’s Blessings Home
From the culture of inclusivity and genuine warmth of the people, to the beautiful reminders of their daily devotion, to the breathtaking beauty of verdant mountains, turquoise sea, rice terraces, and elaborate temples everywhere, Bali offers an inspiring sensual and spiritual experience.
Since my return, I start each day with a ritual of my own, which includes lighting candles and incense, and sharing gratitude with my housemate before each meal. When I greet people during the day, I remind myself to smile, look them in the eye and say to myself, “I honor the divine in you.”
Bali didn’t just give me a vacation—it gave me a new way of being. In a world that often feels fractured and harsh, the Balinese showed me that we can choose to see the sacred in every moment, in every person we meet. We can choose to greet each day, and each other, with reverence and love.
May we all be blessed with peace, well-being, and harmony. Om Swastiastu!
About the Author
An ordained minister, Reverend Kimberly Hawkins is the spiritual director for Center for Spiritual Living Rogue Valley in Medford, Oregon. Previously, she was a therapist, TV news reporter/anchor, and a television documentary writer/producer. Currently, her focus is to assist others in deepening their connection to Source and to foster a global awareness of our Oneness.
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