We Didn't Drown!

There are way too many roosters here.

Something about Bali that’s interesting. Liz and I have been around the shops and though the first time we found them, it was kind of a shock, we’ve grown accustomed to finding small wooden keychain penises and large wooden bottle-opener penises. Apparently, in Hinduism, it’s a sign of good luck. So don’t be offended if you receive one of those little charms from me. ;)

It’s been another eventful few days here. A couple days ago, with only the intention to go to the beach and lie out and read, our driver actually talked us into going to a beach water-sports business instead. At which point, Liz talked me into scuba diving. I have never been more terrified in my life! Looking back, being emerged deep underwater for a half hour straight, feeding tropical fish right out of our hands, and seeing clown fish in the anemone right up close really was a cool experience...but I wasn’t really fond of having nothing between me and drowning but a mask and a little rubber tube connected to a tank. I may have kind of freaked out a little bit. When we began to see sunlight filtering through the water, I reached my hand up, ready for the relief that would wash over me when my skin broke surface. So this leads to our next tip. (Forewarning, this one may seem a little weird—keep in mind that these tips are mostly for my benefit and you are free to choose whether or not to agree.) TIP #26: When in fear of a new adventure, keep the adventurous spirit alive by staying in the moment as best you can, but also picture the comforting face of someone brave (like Jesus, maybe your best friend, or a sumo wrestler) who's spirit can carry you through the adventure. And distract your mind when staying in the moment is like facing death from thick foggy goggles.

Another lesson I’ve learned. If you are lucky enough to receive the opportunity to attend a legit Balinese temple ceremony, always wait until the end. On the way to dinner last night with Pak Wentan and Bu Nanik, Nanik told us that near the end of the ceremony we attended the other night, around three in the morning (after we left), many people began to go into these crazy trances. The most spiritually and enticing part of any temple ceremony. And how many chances is one going to get to see that?!

It’s a rainy day in Ubud today. Liz and I are planning on taking another Yoga class, though I’ve been sore for three days since our last lesson. But I dig it! The instructor begins with a little sermon on how to live a more peaceful and kind-hearted life. It's like church for the body AND soul!