Malik Watkins's Bloglines

Some of us make it to the top of the world, or at the top of the mountain…and are able to walk out on its ledge and look down upon it…

And some of us get near it and watch…while many of us are somewhere in the middle.  It is a rare chance in life to see a sight such as this!  And, even rarer to meet people that represent this.  However, many people have things such as this in us whether it has manifested itself yet or not.

Once when working in Liberia, the driver of the car lost control and I nearly lost my life there.  It was a horrible accident.  When I returned to the U.S., a friend and colleague who had heard about it mentioned to me “I don’t know why you do what you do, but isn’t it kind of dangerous”.  He asked me, “what motivates you to go abroad to really far distant places whether they be somewhat dangerous or representative of a major difference in the ease to amenities that we have in the United States…”

To experience different cultures and ways of life, is to step outside of our comfort zone.  When we step outside of our comfort zone, we step outside of the cognitive shortcuts that impede our insight.  You can’t always understand something by sitting in the middle of it and looking around.  Sometimes you have to step outside of it to see it for what it is…just as in we need to step outside of our own thought processes and emotions to sometimes see clearly.  It facilitates understanding.  It can facilitate the development of compassion and appreciation where none exists.

I didn’t put a significant post up on Bali, because I provided that a few years ago when in that country.

Bali I Link

Bali II Link

But, one significant lesson learned during the trip to Bali and life overall is the need for appreciation.  All  over Bali you see these displays of offerings, to show appreciation and seek blessings…

Even in the retail establishments, there is always the display of the need for appreciation and the intersection between our lives and nature:

Even with the amazing exposure to the all the exotic displays of culture:

Or the amazing displays of artisan skills that adorn the environment completely with beautiful sculptures:

Or the hospitality demonstrated, when a band walks up to you on the beach and asks you where you are from so they can play and sing something that reminds you of home:

One of the most amazing things though  is to be accepted and treated as family even on the other side of the world.

I’ve been lots of places and I have seen lots of things; but, spending a month in Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia) was one of the most phenomenal and amazing experiences I have ever had.  In many ways, it makes you feel as though you have lived several life times in a short amount of time.

I am very appreciative of the opportunity, and if I have fall off the grid….you may find me in a little village somewhere in Indonesia hanging at a Warung 🙂  Here is to everyone who made this trip so amazing:

Nothing but love and appreciation…always…

Back around the world sometime soon…hopefully….

Peace!!