I haven’t seen The White Lotus but your piece has really got me thinking about how often cultural traditions are misrepresented in the name of tourism. Thank you.
I love what you’re saying here, I’ve experienced something similar. Every time we have curated experiences, every time we engage in experiences like that that feel safe and self-reinforcing, we’re passing by the real opportunity. In my experience authentic ceremonies, teaching events and moments always leaves the ego a little disappointed! « Is that it? » it asks. And we’re invited to connect with the profound in a very simple human experience.
I love your writing, unpacking your reflections with clarity and care.
So aglad this spoke to you. Agree that sometimes the most profound moments are the simplest. It’s not what the ego expects! Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
This is a beautiful reflection, April. Thank you for sharing. It’s given me a lot to think about. White Lotus is such a brilliant show in its complexity.
Thanks for this. I just went to Bali, and have visited years and years before. Something changed massively and it’s exactly as you write - the culture shifted to accommodate tourists/consumers. There were ‘purification packages’ to purchase at the sacred water temples that have become Instagram famous. It was such a weird experience, dystopic even. There were swings and ball gown hire at places where rice farmers were working by hand. Bizarre. Thanks for your work, it’s helped me understand my Bali experience a little better.
I haven't been to Bali in many years, and had no idea how much had changed! What you described makes me sad - esp the purification packages at the sacred water temples. I wonder how the locals feel about it all. Is there any end to it? I'm glad this piece helped you make sense of your experience. It wasn't easy to write, but felt important.
I love this, very insightful and engaging! I have to dig into this idea of circle vs pyramid. The last sentence hit me in the face hard enough that I had to read the whole piece again. My own ancestry is Irish and Germanic. Visiting Ireland for the first time last year had a profound effect on me. Anyway, great piece!
Wow, thank you for sharing the impact this had on you. I’m really touched that it brought up your connection to ancestry and your visit to Ireland. I think reconnecting to ancestral roots can open up a different kind of awareness. Almost an awakening of something we’ve always known, but haven’t had access to in the culture many of us were shaped by. There’s something powerful in that remembering.
I haven’t seen The White Lotus but your piece has really got me thinking about how often cultural traditions are misrepresented in the name of tourism. Thank you.
Interesting to hear what it brought up for you. Thanks for reading!
I love what you’re saying here, I’ve experienced something similar. Every time we have curated experiences, every time we engage in experiences like that that feel safe and self-reinforcing, we’re passing by the real opportunity. In my experience authentic ceremonies, teaching events and moments always leaves the ego a little disappointed! « Is that it? » it asks. And we’re invited to connect with the profound in a very simple human experience.
I love your writing, unpacking your reflections with clarity and care.
So aglad this spoke to you. Agree that sometimes the most profound moments are the simplest. It’s not what the ego expects! Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
This is a beautiful reflection, April. Thank you for sharing. It’s given me a lot to think about. White Lotus is such a brilliant show in its complexity.
Thank you! I’m so glad it spoke to you. White Lotus does do a very masterful job!
Thanks for this. I just went to Bali, and have visited years and years before. Something changed massively and it’s exactly as you write - the culture shifted to accommodate tourists/consumers. There were ‘purification packages’ to purchase at the sacred water temples that have become Instagram famous. It was such a weird experience, dystopic even. There were swings and ball gown hire at places where rice farmers were working by hand. Bizarre. Thanks for your work, it’s helped me understand my Bali experience a little better.
I haven't been to Bali in many years, and had no idea how much had changed! What you described makes me sad - esp the purification packages at the sacred water temples. I wonder how the locals feel about it all. Is there any end to it? I'm glad this piece helped you make sense of your experience. It wasn't easy to write, but felt important.
I love this, very insightful and engaging! I have to dig into this idea of circle vs pyramid. The last sentence hit me in the face hard enough that I had to read the whole piece again. My own ancestry is Irish and Germanic. Visiting Ireland for the first time last year had a profound effect on me. Anyway, great piece!
Wow, thank you for sharing the impact this had on you. I’m really touched that it brought up your connection to ancestry and your visit to Ireland. I think reconnecting to ancestral roots can open up a different kind of awareness. Almost an awakening of something we’ve always known, but haven’t had access to in the culture many of us were shaped by. There’s something powerful in that remembering.