SW Photography

Daily Offerings: In Bali there are little handcrafted baskets filled with rice and flowers or snacks on the street and in temples. Many with burning incense. These are small offering baskets called ‘ ' that Balinese offer to their Gods three times a day.

It is basically a ritual of giving back what has been given to you by the Gods. It is a sharing that is not based upon fear, but on gratitude to the richness of life. Offering appeases the spirits and brings prosperity and good health to the family. It is a duty and an honour at the same time, and in Balinese perspective a very natural and almost logical thing to maintain a good relationship between people and spirits.

As many Balinese believe, the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu are all manifestations of one and the same supreme spirit Sanghyang Widhi. It is a common misconception that Balinese Hinduism subscribes to a multitude of Gods, that all have to be worshipped and offered upon. In reality, Balinese Hinduism is strongly influenced by animism and naturalism, where the power of spirits houses in all objects and elements of life. All elements of nature are manifestations of the supreme spirit, in the same way that sun, moon and stars are all different manifestations of planets.

All basic principles in Balinese Hinduism revolve around obtaining balance and harmony between the different elements in life and afterlife, the dasar asasi. The key to balance in life is obtained through a harmonious relationship between the spirits other human beings, and the nature that surrounds us.

This sense of seeking harmony is ultimately what drives Balinese life, and can be seen in all aspects of life. It begins with the design of the home, where a Balinese version of Feng Shui ascribes different rooms and places to different people and functions. The kitchen's place is South, the temple North East, bedrooms for adults in the North and for younger people in the West and ceremonies are to be held in the centre.

Day #6 of the 7 day NATURE inspired POST CHALLENGE.

Waldeinsamkeit (German): The feeling of solitude, being alone in the woods, and a connectedness to nature. Definitely the feeling I carried through the hike to this waterfall and as I sat with soft mist on face.

The intention of this challenge is to balance our collective FB feed by illuminating the beauty of nature. I was nominated by Nina Taylor.
I leave the remainder of my nominations open to anyone who sees these posts and, as Bruno so beautiful wrote: "is themselves inspired to share the beauty of nature; an essential balm to the current state of madness in world. If you decide to take this on for yourself, please mention me so I can follow along. Beauty through the eyes of others is always a gift." x

SW Photography

Day #2 of the 7 day NATURE inspired POST CHALLENGE. I took this photo while doing the The Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Tongariro National Park in New Zealand in December. Such an amazingly beautiful area. 19.4kms of steaming vents and hot springs, old lava flows, beautiful water-filled explosion craters and stunning views.

A big solo hike brings about any of many feelings, but ultimately I was beyond happy to be on the trail, honoured to be on this amazing land, and really able to fully take in every moment. What resonated with me deeply was that I was able to really take note of the many different sounds of the wind. It really humbled me, to be able to have that experience, that connection, of really hearing the changes in the wind as the landscape changed... Amazing.

The intention of this challenge is to balance our collective FB feed by illuminating the beauty of nature. I was nominated by the lovely, Nina Taylor, and each day I will nominate someone else to carry on the challenge. Today I nominate Josh Lewis - no idea if you'd be game to do this, but I would really love to see more of your amazing photography if you'd be willing to share! (Also, huge kudos for the travel tips! I have had so many amazing NZ adventures as a result. x)

SW Photography