LIVING YOGA

If, like me, you wish to spend less time on your mobile phone and more time being present, then this might just be the opportunity to put our electronics aside in favour of nature and community. Our environment plays a significant role when we grapple with the discomfort of being offline, and while I've toyed with the idea of hosting a digital detox retreat for a long time, I never quite found the right place. Until I stepped onto the grounds of this gorgeous coffee estate in Tabanan. Now, if the past four years of digital detox retreat experience is anything to go by, we will be held in a truly magical oasis that is made to support the transition into offline mode.

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What makes it really special, is that this year's retreat is scheduled over the local New Year, Nyepi, a sacred day when locals focus on spiritual purification, renewal and harmony with the universe. On 8 March, the entire island goes into a period of silence and inactivity. This is taken very seriously — no person or vehicle is allowed on the road, and even the airport shuts down for the day. So apart from being offline, we will also practise a full day of silence on Nyepi.

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Most of the time, our overstimulated minds are akin to a bottle shaken up with mud. Silence is a simple but profound practice to let all that sediment settle. revealing the clarity of the water (our mind). Not to worry, you will be supported through the day with written prompts for journalling and contemplation, as well as simple movement, pranayama and meditative practices. And it is only for a day. ◡̈ 

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That said, there is plenty of colour to be experienced right before Nyepi, one of which is the lively Ogoh-Ogoh parade, where giant, handcrafted demon statues are paraded through the streets, and then burned to symbolise the destruction of negative traits and purify the island of all evil. (This is why the island shuts down the day after, so as to trick evil spirits into thinking that it is deserted.) 

​​​Our time starts together at 1:30pm on Sunday (7 March) with lunch and an opening circle, after which we will head down to the village to watch the Ogoh-Ogoh parade. The next day (Nyepi), we will practise complete silence, but trust that you will be supported. The following day, after an early morning Yoga practice, we will break our silence with intention and welcome the new year with a melukat (water purification) and blessing ceremony at a private local spring and temple (for many Digital Detox alumni, this is one of the highlights of the retreat), and then exercise our voices again with kirtan! Our time together ends the last morning after we watch the sunrise over Mount Agung and enjoy one final phone-free breakfast.

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These four days will be a wonderful time of purification — physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It is also my hope that we will experience the quiet in the boisterous and, in return, the fullness in silence.

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So come with a friend, or solo! It's always fascinating how quickly like-minded travellers bond, so don't be surprised if you end up sharing laughter and long conversations with new friends! And I always LOVE it when digital detox alumni return!

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How the digital detox works
In the spirit of digital detox, you are encouraged to leave your laptop at home, and to leave your mobile phone with the retreat management for safekeeping. I will give you the contact number of the property's manager, which your family and close friends can reach you at in the event of an emergency. If you MUST have your phone with you, please use it sparingly at the end of the day and only within the vicinity of your bedroom (and I urge you to avoid usage entirely on Nyepi day). Do also be considerate with your usage if you have a roommate.

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Please note

• All rooms have ensuite showers and toilets

• Rooms are unique and different in size and design (but all gorgeous!). You will choose upon sign-up on a first-come-first-served basis. Full accommodation details for selection will be disclosed after deposit is received.

• There is no A/C in the rooms; only ceiling fans. But don't worry! We are at a higher altitude so it's pretty cool, and night-time temperatures can drop to as low as 10-15 degree Celsius. (I am serious.)

• We are surrounded by rainforests, so there will sometimes be some insects (but not too many, as it's cold). I humbly request that you do your best to co-exist with them; please do not kill unnecessarily.