Abroad Blog of the Week (revisited): Healing Pilgrim

3 Replies

I first featured Healing Pilgrim as an Abroad Blog of the Week just as I was starting Global from Home. The pictures of Amit hanging upside down doing yoga, the explanations of various traditional medicine, and the process of healing by engaging in the culture of Ubud, Bali, they all attracted me. At that point I wasn’t doing interviews, but over the past few months, I have gotten to know Amit better through her posts and comments. Now I consider Amit a friend of the blogosphere and was determined that I needed the interview to go along with the first post. Healing Pilgrim is amongst my favorite blogs – one in which I feel transported by the writer. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do.

What attracted you to Southeast Asia to begin with?

There was something about Asia (not just SE Asia!) so otherworldly, so ancient and completely different from where I grew up, that it appealed to me on many levels. For example, although I can’t explain the source of this particular desire, I simply knew – in the same way that you know what you are hungry for, which ingredients you want to use for a sandwich – that I would have to travel in Nepal, Laos and Mongolia.

How has your perspective on travel changed since your accident?

I can see more clearly now. I pay more attention – to what goes on around me, as well as what goes on inside. I trust my intuition and instinct in ways that I didn’t before, and I honor the angels and guides that I’m now certain protect me and hover nearby. I am inherently as adventurous now as I was pre-accident, but I’m more limited in my mobility, so I appreciate disability, the challenges of aging and finding creative solutions to still getting around.

What cultural aspects of Ubud still surprise you?

Regardless of the increasing influx of tourists, offerings, temple festivals, family and banjar ceremonies are still very much an intrinsic part of life in Ubud – less so, in other parts of Bali. I’m also constantly amazed by the array and output of creativity, and how Western elements and beliefs are woven into the fabric of their lives; often with surprisingly innovative results.

What has living in Bali taught you about healing the mind and body?

Letting go of control. Being open and grateful to what I have rather than what I wish I did. That which is ‘unseen’ is equally significant, sometimes more so, than that which is ‘seen.’ There are SO many ways to heal ourselves, and going natural is the optimal way to go. And that if I believe that my body (and mind) is healing, then it will be so…

What is your favorite yoga pose?

Since I began to learn and practice Iyengar, I would have to say that I love – as does my body – doing inversions, preferably those that involve ropes. A close second is warrior, because I feel strength coursing through my body. And if I can throw in a third, savassana 😉

What advice would you give the traveler who is going through a healing process?

Breathe deeply. We are never taught about the importance of deep breathing in our healing process, in oxygenating our bodies and minds. I would also say that healing does not have a finite point so it’s a worthless (and frustrating) endeavor to find it. Trust that your body does want to heal, it just needs time, guidance, the most nutritious foods possible, exercise, rest and an acceptance that you are now exactly where you are supposed to be.

3 thoughts on “Abroad Blog of the Week (revisited): Healing Pilgrim”

  1. healingpilgrim's avatarhealingpilgrim

    Dear Elise, Many thanks for profiling and inviting me ‘into’ your blog 😉 I look forward to reading more about your adventures and all the wonderful people you meet – and blog-meet – along the way!

    Reply ↓
  2. healingpilgrim's avatarhealingpilgrim

    Reblogged this on Healing Pilgrim and commented:
    My sincere thanks to Elise for profiling me on her always illuminating, always entertaining blog! I think we have a little virtual coven/hen’s party/mutual admiration society in the making…!! Blessings to you & thanks again! And to you dear people who drop by my blog: do yourselves a horizon-expanding favor and visit Elise’s blog too!

    Reply ↓
  3. Lottie's avatarLottie Nevin

    Well deserved Amit. I love your blog Healing Pilgrim and it never ceases to amaze me those incredible contortions that you manage to get yourself into. I can barely touch my toes, let alone hang upside down for hours. You are a wise and wonderful lady and a great inspiration to us all. Lottie xx

    Reply ↓

Leave a reply to healingpilgrim Cancel reply