BY BOHAWI
I was 21 years old when I left England to volunteer as a teacher in the deserts of Rajasthan, India. It was on this journey that I discovered the two passions which would guide the course of my life — spirituality and adventure. Fifteen years on, I’ve travelled almost continuously, exploring over 80 countries and living in almost a dozen. My explorations across the map have not only coincided with the evolution of my spiritual journey — they have been indispensable.
I have always been fascinated by the way in which adventure nurtures spiritual growth. By taking a journey into the unknown we face our edges, forging resilience — the art of not running away. Through immersing ourselves in cultural practices utterly different from our own, we shed our righteousness and relax our clinging to our own belief systems. Ultimately, it is only by cultivating deep presence, a conscious mindset and open-hearted engagement in our journey as it unfolds, that we can open ourselves to the transformational lessons that adventure offers us, opening the door to profound insight and wisdom.
Several years ago, I felt an impulse so strong that I felt like a priest being called to the seminary. I knew it was time to cross the divide, from traveller to guide. I founded my tour company, The Portal, based on the philosophy that the greatest gift that adventure bestows is not bragging rights or social media snapshots — it’s the expansion of our consciousness, the discovery of hidden meaning, our growth and healing. Bali was to be the destination of our first tour, aptly named ‘A Spiritual Adventure’.
Sacred Waters
Our week-long adventure began with a ceremonial blessing from a local Balinese priest. The Balinese water ceremony, known as Melukat, is a cleansing ritual that purifies the body and soul. It’s a tradition that dates back thousands of years, rooted in the island’s Hindu beliefs. Water is more than just a necessity here; it’s a symbol of life, purity, and interconnectedness.
As we sat on the ground in front of the small stone temple, the priest chanted ancient mantras, and I felt a strong sense of humility. I’ve heard prayers in many languages, most of which I have no understanding. But I felt deep within myself the sincerity of this man’s prayers, the joy with which he blessed the land and invited us to play a part in this offering of thanks.
Later, I contemplated how, for some of us, there is resistance to feeling like we are a part of our own native lands, as if we did not feel fully welcomed. Sometimes it takes the blank slate of a beginner’s mind, and a holy man on the other side of the world to remind us that we are a part of this Earth, no less than the trees and the birds. We have a right to be here.
As the priest led us to the holy spring to wash ourselves in the cool water, I brought my attention back to my group, the community with whom I would be spending the next 7 days. I felt the connection between us start to form, bonded by the experience of shared presence amidst the ritual.
Streams, Gently Flowing
Water flows through Bali like lifeblood, nurturing the island’s stunning landscapes and creating an endless series of waterfalls and streams. These waterways are more than just scenic spots — they are sacred sites where locals leave offerings and prayers.
We had begun that morning with walking meditation in noble silence, feeling the presence of one another, but refraining from communication. It was peaceful and I appreciated sharing the experience with them, without feeling the pressure to speak. Moving calmly and in a gentle flow, we noticed that the abundant wildlife seemed less cautious of our presence, and slow to scatter as we moved along the trail. Geckos and monitor lizards bathed lazily in the sun, while colourful birds glided through the canopy.
The heat was intense as we descended the trail, but the promise of a hidden gem kept us moving. This was a site I discovered during my last solo trip to Bali — a secluded cascade overlooking the valley. One by one, we eased into the cool, refreshing water and began our seated meditation practice. The sound of the waterfall provided a soothing backdrop to our breathing, while the cold water introduced a new, challenging dimension to the practice. With new experiences, especially one as wild and beautiful as this, often comes fresh insight and reflection. As I sunk into the meditative state, I was no longer distracted by the roar of the water and its temperature, but able to observe the experience I was immersed in from the seat of the witness, resting back into a state of calm presence.
Rice Paddies and Sunset Soundscapes
Bali is a place of such wild abundance that it’s possible to embark on an exploration simply by wandering out of one’s home. Bali’s rice paddies are perfect wandering grounds and a testament to the island’s agrarian soul. Farmers often greet you with a smile, eager to make friends or offer a cup of tea.
On our last day, our hike brought us through some rice paddies in West Ubud. With the sun dipping below the horizon and painting the sky with hues of pink and orange, we prepared for our final sound journey. An Indonesian sound healer joined me, and together we began to accompany the setting sun with our music, and passing instrumentals from the busy ducks patrolling the earth.
Watching the sky transform while surrounded by open-hearted adventurers evoked feelings of true belonging. There is nothing so universal as music. I felt a sense of simplicity, of the ordinarily-demanding mind slow down, content with the moment. It had been my first time leading a group like this. As a seasoned traveller, I was accustomed to the solitude of my journeys. This time I had been responsible for guiding others through this dance of spirituality and adventure. But as I allowed the music to channel through me, any attachment to external validation or any desires to impress faded to the background.
It was a reminder of why I fell in love with travel in the first place — the ability to be fully present, to witness the wonders of nature, and to immerse oneself in the dance of life.
The Adventure Comes to a Close
As we concluded our journey, I reflected that guiding this journey had deepened my own understanding of spirituality and adventure. It wasn’t just about leading others; it was about walking alongside them, sharing in the beauty and the challenges, and finding joy in the interconnectedness of it all. Bali, with its sacred waters and serene landscapes, had opened me up and shown me new parts of myself. I found that once more, I had exposed myself to new challenges and the rewards of the soul that lie on the other side.
BOHAWI is a founder and lead guide of The Portal. The Portal offers transformational nature adventures, guiding small groups to reconnect with the wildness in their souls. There are upcoming journeys in Germany, Thailand and Nepal. For more information, connect with Bo at bohawi@theportaladventure.com or visit www.theportaladventure.com
