I don’t know for you, but December was quite intense for me. I felt like writing about it in a spiritual way. This time you won’t learn about Ubud but about my decision to leave this place I now call home. During the last month my head was spinning like never before. My mind was saying: “well, it will soon be four months that you live in Ubud, what’s next?”. My heart was calmly replying: “I love my life here, why would I go anywhere else?”

One morning I was looking for nice words to go with a photo of caged birds that I wanted to post on Instagram.

I stumbled upon this quote

“I always wonder why birds stay in the same place when they can fly anywhere on earth.” (Harun Yahya).

Amazing. It represented perfectly what was going on between my mind and my heart. What keeps me here? (the comfort) Why fly to new horizons?… To find other pieces that will lead you toward your life mission, whispered my heart.

The wisdom of Ithaca
During these days of introspection, I remembered a beautiful poem, Ithaca, by Constantine P. Cavafy that my friend Couli sent me one day. “The poem urges you to live for the journey rather than the expected end-point, in order to have a flourishing and fulfilling life.” (ref.) 

When you set out for Ithaka
ask that your way be long,
full of adventure, full of instruction.
The Laistrygonians and the Cyclops,
angry Poseidon – do not fear them:
such as these you will never find
as long as your thought is lofty, as long as a rare
emotion touch your spirit and your body.
The Laistrygonians and the Cyclops,
angry Poseidon – you will not meet them
unless you carry them in your soul,
unless your soul raise them up before you.

Ask that your way be long.
At many a Summer dawn to enter
with what gratitude, what joy – ports seen for the first time;
to stop at Phoenician trading centres,
and to buy good merchandise,
mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
and sensuous perfumes of every kind,
sensuous perfumes as lavishly as you can;
to visit many Egyptian cities,
to gather stores of knowledge from the learned.

Have Ithaka always in your mind.
Your arrival there is what you are destined for.
But don’t in the least hurry the journey.
Better it last for years,
so that when you reach the island you are old,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting Ithaka to give you wealth.
Ithaka gave you a splendid journey.
Without her you would not have set out.
She hasn’t anything else to give you.

And if you find her poor, Ithaka hasn’t deceived you.
So wise you have become, of such experience,
that already you’ll have understood what these Ithakas mean.

Totem Animal and hearing the messages from the Universe
I had to quiet my mind and my heart. Should I stay or should I go was the essence of my struggle. I don’t know if you are like me, but when my inner voice seems a bit blurred, I ask the universe to send me signs with clear messages.

The nature started to respond to my inquiry. Have you ever heard of the principle of totem animals? They represent mythical ancestors and would convey messages to those willing to receive them. Their qualities translate into meaningful insight for us.

Ubud is surrounded by nature. Frogs, insects and geckos are everywhere. The universe speaks to us through different earth symbols at the right moment. We need to be ready to listen. Repeating numbers, synchronicity or in other words meaningful coincidences are all “a wink from the Cosmos.” (ref.)

It should be taken orally with a glass cialis online cheapest of water. Corridors and rooms should be well lit during http://cute-n-tiny.com/cute-animals/top-10-cute-rat-pics/ levitra without prescription the day. It is on a present premise evaluated that about viagra fast delivery 15 million men in the United States are seen getting influenced by feebleness. sildenafil canada online It may be able to assist subjects in the future when his penis simply won’t respond. A bat started to visit me (and still does). Let’s say that it’s not the cutest animal. The way houses are built here ensured that there is a space underneath the roof. So, bats can easily fly inside the bedroom as soon as the night falls. I’m sure it’s the same one that comes every night hanging on the roof above the sink. The bat still comes even though I leave the light on. Even Made the owner of the house finds it very strange that it comes despite the light. I would have liked to take a picture of it but these little beasts fly pretty quickly.

Apparently, when a bat swoops across your path, “it represents a significant omen of change in your life. You are being asked to grow and become your own future. To focus on moving forward and stay balanced in the present.” (ref.) “Bats help us to release fear and patterns which no longer fits within our pattern of growth.” (ref.)

A black caterpillar also had a message for me. I saw one on two consecutive days in my bedroom. Caterpillars are a symbol of evolution and transformation. They represent a good metaphor when you are suspended in a state of cogitation. They are reminder that at some point all of your mulling, processing and soul-searching will unfold into remarkable results. Caterpillars are a blessing on new ideas. They encourage us in “plowing forward with ever-evolving, more brillant versions of our beauty and potentiel.” (ref.)

Wow, those messages were so accurate! It seemed like the whole universe had my back. Despite my excitement and the encouragements of moving forward with my projects, the sadness I felt at the idea of leaving Bali made me hesitate.

“Our desires don’t arrive on our schedule, they arrive when they are supposed to.”, Wayne Dyer.

There is a Buddhist adage that says if you stir the bottom of a stream, the water will become blurred. If you set this cloudy water in a glass and you let it rest, the dirt will settle to the bottom and clear water will rise to the surface. The same applies with our mind. By putting our thoughts aside for a moment, our mind will find its natural peace and quietness.

“If you get the inside right, the outside will fall into place.”, Eckhart Tolle.

“Life is like a puzzle and my pieces are spread all over the world.” (Ville Valo)

Sri Lanka holds a piece of my puzzle
One evening as I was listening to an inspiring documentary, I saw an email coming in. It was a formal offer from Social Starters to join their program as a volunteer social impact consultant in Sri Lanka.

I discovered this social enterprise one year ago when I was planning my departure of Canada. When I remembered their existence and looked at their website, not only they were recruiting, but the deadline to apply was in 2-3 days. I immediately sent my application. The next day I was invited for an interview and shortly after I was accepted. Everything went so fast!

I will arrive in Sri Lanka at the end of January, before the program starts so I can become familiar with my new environment for the next three months. The project will begin in mid-February for five weeks and will take place in Colombo, the capital and metropolis of 6 million inhabitants. A huge difference from where I live now!

I will work with peers career changers and freelancers to support grassroots entrepreneurs who are dedicated to organic, fair-trade, sustainable products and services. We will each have a Sri Lankan client according to our skills. The program includes also sessions and workshops to guide us through our own career development. I truly believe it will be a milestone in my professional transition.

But before an escape to Cambodia
I will fly to Cambodia on January 4, 2016. My trip will starts in Sihanoukville where I will do a 7-day fast, meditation and yoga retreat. I look forward to see how it will liberate, heal and recharge my mind and body to kick start 2016! Then I will visit Siem Reap for its famous Angkor ruins, one of the largest religious monument in the world, and then Phnom Penh, the capital. Can’t wait to tell you more about this country in my next post.

Thank you Bali!
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all the Balinese who welcomed me on the land of their ancestors. Beyond the green landscapes, the culture and the food, it is first and foremost the people that offered me all the comfort I needed. Their politeness, legendary smile, calm and their helpful and kindness matters will remain forever etched in my heart. I will be back!

A very special thank you to my family

Dear expats and tourists met in Ubud: Sandeh, Ana Maria, Elisabeth, Julie, Johanna, Kelly, Sandy and your wonderful group of friends, thank you all for your friendship and your support in my spiritual growth. Thank you for fulfilling my love tank. I love you!

“Surround yourself with people who resonate…who are a significant lighthouse on your horizon. As they shine their light you will be inspired to do the same.” (Karen Gunton) 

Now dear readers it’s your turn to pay attention to what the universe holds for you. Remember the image of the caged bird. The door may be closed but is not locked. So, open that door and spread your wings to make one of these dreams come true in 2016. 

My best wishes of quietness, peace of mind and serenity for 2016. I wish you continuous health, wealth and happiness. May this year be magical and memorable to us all! May we find many pieces of the puzzle of our life.

In numerology, 2016 is a 9 Universal Year (2+0+1+6=9). Nine is a finishing number and represents the end of a cycle. This year is about completion, rest and forgiveness.  A year of reflection and awareness. It is a good time to look over the past 8 years and to let go what no longer serves us once and for all.

Thank you for your loyalty dear readers!

Happiness and serenity,
Nathalie