Before I left for my Balinese yoga retreat, I had a clear goal: I wanted to be stronger mentally and find inner peace. I know, I know, it’s a cliché, but hear me out.
I had been busy prior to this trip so I felt like I needed to unwind and sort of find myself again. I’m always busy with something whether it’s work or my blog, and somewhere along the way I began to think about what kind of life I wanted for myself. So that’s why I went to Bali – to reflect.
Read next: How to plan your own yoga retreat in Bali.
The fact that I went there as a solo traveler was probably the reason why I got so much out of it. It gave me all the time in the world to reflect on everything and it intensified the whole experience. Here’s how:
Table of Contents
1. I’M STRONGER THAN I THINK
When I first came to Bali, I was besides myself. As some of you know, it was my first solo trip and I had a tough time adjusting. Frankly, I was a mess the first few days and I was convinced that I’d end up changing my ticket and go home earlier. I didn’t think I could be alone and have a good time on my own.
But… Attending daily meditation classes and giving myself time to reflect made me realize that I was stronger than that. Hanging in there and giving myself time helped me stop the negative thoughts and understand that I had the strength within all along. When I finally left Bali, I felt stronger and more confident than ever.
2. SOLITUDE IS HEALTHY
Before I left for this Balinese yoga retreat many of my friends asked me: “So are you okay going by yourself?” Or concerned family members (ahem, mom) who wanted me to take a companion for the trip. My choice to go by myself was intentional.
Read next: Where to stay in Bali
The way I see it, there’s a distinction between being alone and being lonely. A retreat is a great way to check in with oneself and reflect. I dined alone every day, I went on trips alone, I did everything alone, but I never felt lonely. Taking time off to be in my own company and learning to trust my own instincts was very fulfilling. I believe we should all do that once in a while.
3. PEOPLE CAN THINK WHAT THEY WANT
One of the hardest things in life is not caring about what others think. We all want to blend in, to be accepted and be popular so we delude ourselves to believe that being like everyone else makes us happy.
But being cautious, restrained and always caring about other people’s opinion hasn’t done me any good. In fact, it has crippled my creativity and made me insecure – and for what? So I can be like everyone else and have low self-esteem?
People make up their own minds no matter what you say, so you might as well just speak up. Life is too short not to be able to say what you think. So from now on, I’m taking ownership of my life and I’m going to be more honest and upfront. And if people don’t approve? Well, too bad!
Read next: 20 adventurous things to do in Bali.
4. I WON’T DIE WITHOUT MEAT AFTER ALL
As a meat lover, I’ve never felt the need to try vegetarian or vegan food. However, after staying in an ashram in India, I’ve been more open towards non-meat foods so I tried it again in Ubud. To my surprise, vegetarian food can actually be insanely delicious – so good in fact that I lived as a vegetarian during my entire stay!
5. I NEED TO BE NICER TO ME
Living as a vegetarian and having an overall healthier lifestyle with daily yoga classes and meditation had me thinking. I felt better mentally, I felt healthier, I had more energy and the food tasted just as good as meat dishes. So why am I eating meat again?
I don’t think I could live without meat altogether – I am a sushi addict after all – but I am not eating as much meat any more. After I’ve returned home, we have a few meat-free days a week and it feels great.
Read next: 5 most popular temples in Bali.
6. NOT ALL HEALERS ARE GENUINE
I had a rather unpleasant experience with a reflexologist in Ubud who ended up giving me bruises so I looked like I’d taken a beating – which I kinda had. I spoke to someone afterwards who told me that it was normal to get bruised, but it did not look normal and I felt stupid for not trusting my intuition and leave. So I’m more careful in the future when and if I see a healer.
7. I DO FINE ON MY OWN
I’m a very social person and I like to talk.. like a lot. So I was a bit concerned how I would manage on my own for so long. I thought I would be busy finding travelers to talk to, but that showed not to be the case.
At one point, I met an American girl who wanted to hang out. It would have been so easy to go along, but that would also kind of ruin the purpose of my whole stay there. So I passed. I needed to be on my own, become comfortable eating by myself and learn to feel good in my own company. When I allowed myself to do that, I thrived and I’ve never felt so strong mentally. I don’t need people around me to be happy. I’m already happy within.
Read next: Traveling alone for the first time? Here’s how to do it.
8. MEDITATION CAN BE DANGEROUS
I’ve been meditating for many years, but when I came to Bali I discovered how powerful a tool it actually is. One of the meditation classes I attended was very intense and it brought up emotions and things I hadn’t thought of for a long time. At the beginning it was relieving, but it soon turned into a somewhat frightening experience.
While this is a natural part of the meditation process, it’s important to have someone to talk to afterwards, and because I didn’t do that, the unpleasant emotions were amplified. Certain meditation types, especially those focused on chakras and awakening dormant energies (kundalini) can be dangerous if you are unprepared or guided by an unexperienced teacher.
Always trust your intuition when it comes to trying out a new meditation practice.
9. I’M MORE SPIRITUAL THAN I THOUGHT
I’ve always had a non-spiritual approach to yoga and meditation. For me, meditation is about strengthening the mind and this doesn’t necessarily have to do with spirituality or religion. However, when I attended the yoga and meditation classes, I was repeatedly confronted with hindu gods such as Vishnu and Ganesha in mantras and wordings – and you know what? It bothered me.
I am open-minded when it comes to spirituality so I was surprised to feel uncomfortable with this. But I did. I didn’t want to say thanks to a hindu god, but I had been fine if we gave thanks to the Christian god. I’m clearly more spiritual than I thought.
10. THE MIND IS STRONG
Meditation really allows you to reflect on things and feel everything much deeper. It’s also a strong tool to control the mind with. I practiced the ability to recognize when the mind wanders, then stop it, return to the task at hand, and doing all of that without any emotional reaction what-so-ever. It takes a long time to learn, but I’m improving!
Being in control of my mind and emotions made me feel much stronger mentally. I realised that I can do whatever I set my mind to.
I’ve been a vegetarian for years so I’m pleased to hear you’re finding vegetarian food so enticing! 🙂
We should have more focus on vegetarian food here in Denmark. The possibilities and knowledge is so limited and I think that’s why many Danes (like me) has no idea how tasteful it actually is.
I love the honesty in this post Miriam, it sounds like you got so much out of your experience in Bali. I’ve never really tried yoga or meditation but a retreat like this really sounds like a great way to de-clutter your mind and body. I think it’s great that you did this on your own and learnt a lot in the process.
Thank you so much, Amy. That means a lot to hear! I think we could all use a retreat once in a while, and if it’s not possible to go to Bali, a weekend at home without phone and Internet dedicated to yoga and meditation could do wonders, too. I will definitely try to incorporate it in my schedule.
I always wanted to learn how to cook traditional Balinese dishes!!!! Wow, looks like Bali was a great experience for you!
It was – probably one of the best I’ve had.
Hi Miriam, this is a great post and I am thrilled with your blog. It is a dream of mine to travel and write about my experiences. I have been to Bali but as a young girl so I do not remember much, thank you for taking me back 🙂
Cheers
Paige x
Thanks so much, I’m glad you like it, Paige! Keep dreaming and I’m sure your dreams will come true <3
I have always wanted to do a Yoga retreat. My mind is all over the shop and i desperately need some chill out time. Fingers crossed I get there one day and can learn to still my mind
Luc x
I hope you do, Lucy. It’s an excellent way to really unwind and get some me-time.
It may take time to get the hang of it. But yoga is awesome when you finally learn on how to do it right.
I couldn’t agree more!
I am in love with this phrase, the mind is everything, what you think you become.
It’s a lovely phrase and so, so true.
There is such a difference to being alone or being lonely. I’m one of those people who love being on my own and would dread the thought of travelling with someone else. I find I discover so much more about a place on own than with someone else. Congratulations for taking the journey on your own.
Thanks, Lisa! Traveling solo is definitely much different from traveling with someone. I’ve taken solo trips since this one, but doing a yoga retreat on my own is by far the most rewarding of the bunch.
This was a great post and i would love to go to Bali. Now you said meditation can be dangerous, can you tell us more about that experience? You sad you were trying Kundalini and had some bad memories stir up? Who do you recommend talking to and who did you talk to?
Any kind of tampering with the mind is potentially dangerous, especially if you take it to the extreme. I’ve meditated for many years and thus I’m an advanced practitioner, but I was taking it too far with kundalini meditation. In short, the classes I went to focused on group energy and you had to let go of your emotions – half of the class was in tears, laughing out loud or screaming. It was quite scary.
The most important thing when dealing with meditation is to listen to your intuition and to stop if you don’t feel good about it. I should have left when I started to feel uncomfortable.
I talked to a friend afterwards who is spiritual. She helped me cope with the experience and recognize my personal boundaries. Now that it’s straightened out, I feel more comfortable meditating again, but I will never try kundalini again. That practice is not for me.
Ahhh, you’re so right. Vegetarian food in Ubud is world class! And surprisingly cheap compared to USA/EU/AUS.
So true! I haven’t had that great vegetarian food anywhere else – it almost made me become a vegetarian!
Great. Yoga retreat is very beneficial for everyone. i would also like to join yoga retreat classes. Can you please tell me about any techniques for being a kind person?
Yes, do unto others as you would have them do to you.
Wow! Those are powerful lessons. What surprised me the most is that you’re more spiritual than you thought. Have you noticed your spirituality deepen since you’ve been back from your retreat? And I agree…Kundalini isn’t for everybody! It can be intense.
I have. This kind of experience really teaches you a lot about yourself!
Wow looks like you took away some serious life lessons! It’s pretty easy to eat vegetarian in Bali, so many taste vegan/vegetarian/raw food restaurants!! 😀
Definitely! I had no idea how delicious vegan and vegetarian food is 🙂
Hi Miriam!
I’ve never been on a yoga retreat and enjoyed reading your insights about it. You got so much from your experience and learned so many powerful lessons that will be with you for life!
Although I’ve done Yoga for many years, it’s only been in the last year or so that I realize that the power of yoga goes beyond the physical. It’s helped my inner self with balance and calm, which I love!
Thanks again for your honesty and insights about your yoga retreat…
Best
Lisa
Thanks so much for your comment, Lisa. Yoga is such a powerful tool and I truly learned that on the retreat. I hope you get to experience it some day.
Lots of love from Denmark
Hi Miriam, thanks for honestly sharing your experiences. It is nice that you have wanted to seek inner peace and satisfaction in life. Most of us as we age, are finding that contentment and inner happiness seems to be diminishing by the day. So for me this article shows the importance of taking time out with ourselves with activities such as meditation. I was reading on SSRF about chanting while one is meditating. There it had mentioned some very interesting benefits about chanting the name of God during meditation. Unlike kundalini meditation there are no side effects whatsoever. I have been chanting myself and it has been very blissful What do you feel about it ? Would you like to give it a try?
That’s sounds like a great idea. I did the same thing in Bali when meditating (especially when the teacher mentioned Ganesha). I think it’s important to find something positive and personal to meditate or chant over!
Yes! You won’t indeed die without meat. This is something I learned a few years ago when staying at a Buddhist temple. I was full, felt super healthy and found that I didn’t really miss meat that much at all.
It’s definitely healthy to take a break from your normal diet once in a while. But I don’t see myself becoming a vegetarian any time soon 🙂
Nice experience
It sure was.
Nice article Miriam. I do not travel much and being a tech blogger I’m in front of my system almost 24/7 and that has caused a lot of harm to my body. I have realized the healing powers of Yoga and since then I make sure that I practice it at least an hour a day!
Thank you, Jitendra! Doing yoga every day is great for your body and mind. I haven’t been practicing since I got pregnant, but you just reminded me how important it is that I get back to it.
Dear Miriam,
The benefits of Yoga are infinite. It started off as a practice in ancient India but people these days here are not following much.
Kudos for writing such a nice piece 🙂
Dr. Manish
Thanks so much, Dr. Manish. All the best to you from Denmark
hi again. where did you go for your meditation classes in ubud? i really want to attend some classes but dont know where to choose
I went to Yoga Barn, which in my opinion is one of the best in town. You can find more information about how I planned my own yoga retreat here: https://adventurousmiriam.com/yoga-retreat-in-bali/
Thanks for the fantastic post- very much looking forward to reading more of your work!
Thanks so much, Shayna!
Nice! thank you so much! Thank you for sharing. Your blog posts are more interesting and informative. I think there are many people like and visit it regularly, including me.
I’m glad to hear that! Thanks for reading 🙂
Very informative post. I’ve experienced almost the same kind of experience in Rishikesh India. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, Kerry, and thanks for reading!
I absolutely love this Post Miriam. I love especially how you discussed how meditation can bring up our difficult emotions etc. And how you realised you are spiritual. It’s beautiful, so authentic and helpful to other.
Thank you, Megan! What a warm and heartfelt comment <3
Hi Miriam, this post shows you learnt so much things from yoga and After all, Asia is the birthplace of Yoga. Even though Bali is technically Southeast Asia, you can anticipate a very authentic yoga experience in Bali. Keep Practicing
I’ve always thought of Bali as the light version of India when it comes to yoga. I think Bali is the perfect place for a yoga retreat if you want a more up-scale experience.
Thanks so much for reading.
Nice! thank you so much! Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome. Thank you for reading 🙂
You will learn a lot from the Indian yoga retreat also give us a chance.
Many people come to india Rishikesh. hope so we will see you Soon In India.
I’ve always wanted to visit Rishikesh, so yes, I’ll definitely go at one point 🙂
You inspire me. After reading this, I’m Looking for a month off from my job and visit Bali For yoga.
What you recommend for Yoga In Bali.
What a great idea, Mike! There are many ways to do it – you can join a yoga retreat where you stay and do yoga after a schedule at the same place. Or you can just join classes when you want and stay somewhere else. It’s up to you what you prefer. I’m just very independent, so I like to plan my own time and schedule.
what Did It cost to you? What will be the Price Now? Any idea
Hi Simth, you can check out my other post about planning a yoga retreat in Bali: https://adventurousmiriam.com/yoga-retreat-in-bali/
Wow That is a lot of things. Good to see that.
Right? It was good for the body and mind.