Reflections from Bali: Rituals of Renewal

Our time in Bali is in the rearview mirror, and I've finally had adequate time to reflect on its richness. As I think back on the multitude of my experiences there, I'm filled with a deep reverence—for the land, the people, and the ways healing is built into everyday life.

The Balinese live by rituals: daily offerings, water purifications, full moon and new moon ceremonies, ancestral holidays like Galungan and Kuningan. Our amazing host in Ubud, Dewa, explained to us that "every day we practice an offering of thanksgiving." Each day he makes an offering and short blessing at his family's home temple before beginning his day. The offerings are made from natural materials like coconut leaves, flowers and rice. Each element has a symbolic meaning to honor different gods and maintain cosmic balance. Dewa went on to explain the importance of auspicious days, using the lunar calendar to inform upcoming events and decision-making. Spiritual connection in Bali is woven into daily life in one of the deepest and realest ways I've seen. It’s part of how they cook, gather, express thanks, and move through the day. As someone who teaches about nourishment and balance, I found myself continually inspired by the way this culture integrates the spiritual realm into daily life. 

While we witnessed many beautiful rituals over our few weeks in Bali, a few were particularly meaningful:

1. Melukat— water purification:

We had the honor of participating in a Melukat, a centuries-old Balinese Hindu ritual that uses water as a spiritual cleanser. Guided by a local priest, we visited a sacred waterfall to offer prayers and blessings for good health and prosperity before stepping beneath the cool flow of sacred spring waters. Under the falls, we were invited to release stagnant energy no longer serving us and encouraged to restore balance—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The ritual ended with sandalwood paste and grains of rice gently pressed to our foreheads—symbols of clarity, protection, and devotion.

This was my first time experiencing a water purification, and what stayed with me most was how it echoes other sacred rituals practiced around the world. And despite our perceived differences in experiences, background and religion, we all have a universal desire for renewal, connection and deeper meaning.

2. Galungan Day— calling in the ancestors:

Twice annually Bali celebrates Gulungan, and we were lucky enough to be visiting during the bi-annual celebration! Galungan is one of Bali's most sacred holidays celebrating the triumph of good (dharma) over evil (adharma). For ten days, families prepare offerings, pray together, and welcome their ancestors from the spiritual realm back to the Earthly realm.

We loved seeing the streets of Ubud fill with tall penjor (bamboo poles adorned with coconut leaves). And on Galungan Day itself, the Island became super quiet as families visited temples and we could walk through the streets with nearly a car in sight (which is saying a lot for Ubud and its crazy traffic!!)

There was something super powerful about watching an entire community prioritize spirit, remembrance, and gratitude. It reminded me how healing it can be to pause and give thanks to those who came before us— something that is often lost in the hustle and bustle of daily life in the US. 

3. Food as ritual:

We had the opportunity to participate in a few different traditional Balinese cooking classes, and during these I was reminded that food, when prepared intentionally, is so much more than just nourishment. It becomes part of a daily ritual rooted in gratitude and tradition. The meals and beverages we made are prepared with local ingredients picked fresh from the Earth, grown right nearby, and recipes are passed down through generations. The use of herbal remedies runs deep and food is often the first medicine to be sought out if an ailment arises.

A few favorite Balinese herbal remedies I'll be bringing home: steeping guava leaves for digestive issues, mixing up a simple jamu (Balinese elixir) of turmeric root, honey, egg yolk, tamarind, and hot water to fight fatigue, headaches or inflammation. I loved their simple "food as medicine" approach and trusting that real ingredients, grown from the surrounding land, will support the body in ways that modern medicine can sometimes overlook.

As a health coach, Bali deepened my understanding of whole person healing. I often teach that nourishment is SO much more than just physical, that it lives in our values, our mindset, and the pauses we make. Bali reminded me that nourishment also lives in ritual. And not just in fancy day-long holiday rituals, but in the simple rhythms of daily life—like making tea, sweeping the floor, or lighting incense. In turning the mundane into something more meaningful, so to care more deeply for our bodies and our spirits.

Grateful for these learnings and know that more will continue to unfold in weeks, months and even years ahead.