Monday Meditation (24)

‘The world is a rose; smell it and pass it to your

friends.’

 Persian proverb

The Russian Tea Room

Behold one of my current favourite places: the Russian Tea Room in Skipton, North Yorkshire.

I have to admit part of the attraction lies in its novelty value.  I’ve never before come across a Russian tea room outside of Russia itself – though they probably exist.  But there’s more to it than that.

Entering the ’emporium’ is like being back in St. Petersburg.  Shelves of Russian dolls, extravagantly decorated samovars, even a whole section of specially imported Russian food.

The staff are actual Russians and wear national costume.  The food in the tea room upstairs is authentically Russian.

Best of all, however, is the astonishing variety of teas on offer.  The tea room claims to stock the biggest range of teas anywhere in the UK and I believe them.  Black teas, green teas, fruit teas, herbal teas, wellness teas, tea flowers.  All kinds of brews I’ve never heard of or encountered before.  A sample of each blend is available to peer at and sniff.  My favourite so far is the Coco Chai.

Goodness knows why the owners set up shop in rural Yorkshire but I’m exceedingly glad they did!

The Marshmallow Cloud

As well as the incessant rain and floods, this strangest of summers is throwing up other weird weather phenomena.

I spotted this cloud the other day – pure marshmallow white amongst a sea of dark grey companions.

It seemed to be saying there’s always a bright side somewhere.  And it made me smile.

Changing Places: Flora Bowley on Bali

I’m not actually sure how my obsession with a tiny island in Indonesia started, but somehow I got it in my head that there was a place in the world where everyone was an artist, flower offerings were a daily activity and magic was in the air. This place was Bali.

My obsession with Bali started in 1998. I was 24 years old, and I had only left the United States a couple of times at that point, but my heart was already living far beyond the borders of my country. I longed to go, to see and to experience something other than my usual existence.

So, with visions of flowers, temples and villages of artists in my head, I scoured study abroad programs until I found my golden ticket---a chance to spend two months learning folk art in Bali. I signed up immediately.

You can imagine my disappointment when the whole dream was suddenly cancelled due to governmental unrest, but my obsession never went away. For years, I held onto visions of this magical place, and finally, twelve years after my original trip was planned, I found myself stepping off the plane into the thick incense-filled air of Denpasar. I had arrived.

I have returned to Bali for the past three years to paint and soak up the culture of this place that now takes up a large portion of my heart. I keep surprising myself by returning to a place I have already been (not my usual way), but there is something about Bali that keeps pulling me back.

My idealized Bali, the one with throngs of artists and flowers everywhere is actually pretty darn accurate. In fact, there is no word for “artist” in Bali because it is assumed that everyone is an artist in one way or another. And the flowers, well, they are everywhere, thoughtfully incorporated into everyday life as offerings and decorations. Even the sculptures have flowers placed behinds their ears on a daily basis.

So, yes, Bali has definitely changed me. Its gentle yet hectic culture has taught me to slow down, create more ceremony out of everyday life and flow gracefully through chaos. I’ve also learned about simple beauty, warm smiles, ancient mossy temples, balancing things on your head, the ins and outs of monkey behaviour and warm tropical rain. In this place, my paintings flow freely, my body feels amazing and my soul is nourished to the brim.

The question now is not, “Will I return to Bali?” but “How long can I spend there next year?” Hoping for a few months, at least.

‘Bali Lady’ – painting by Flora

Flora is an internationally celebrated painter, teacher, author and inspirationalist.  When she’s not travelling the world, she lives in Portland, Oregon.  Check out her paintings here….her workshops, e-course and book here….and don’t forget her blog!

Changing Places is a guest post series about the power of place to change us.  You can find more stories in the series here.  If you’d like to share your own story, please contact me for submission details.

Summer Scavenger Hunt

I’ve been putting together a scavenger hunt for long summer days and thought you (or some little people in your life) may like to join in.

Feel free to print off the picture above* and laminate it if at all possible.  Then head out to the woods or park or beach or simply the garden, armed with a gathering bag and a camera.  Bring back actual objects or bring back photos.  Most of all, have fun!

* Please note: this is for your personal use only.  I retain copyright etc.