Finally got my act together and started surfing yesterday, only took me 5 days LOL. I took a beginner lesson yesterday at Selong Belenak after the circumcision ceremony, and one intermediate lesson today.
The ceremony was curious, lots of dancing, they really enjoyed encouraging me to dance, and I loved that. Many young boys were paraded down the villages street on these decorated horses atop the shoulders of the men. 4 of the boys, 3-4 years old, were to be cut after the ceremony. There was a traditional marching music ensemble playing along to recordings of traditional songs out of speaker strapped to the back of other paraders. The dancing happened inside a building the parade entered into, they were spraying pop, beer, water all over everyone, throwing Rupiah bills around, candy, so much liveliness – acts symbolizing and celebrating community abundance. The young men (me included) sat in an area behind it on a circle, while we were waited on with sugary Lombok snacks and curried jack fruit (Nuncuh). Despite this being a Muslim ceremony, much rice wine was passed around by the men – I believe the ceremony was a mixture of Muslim and Lombok traditional elements. Anyway, it was really wild and there were MANY small moments of learning that were priceless. Just to make abundantly clear – I was not getting circumcised!
The kids that come around and sell bracelets and such during the evening while sitting at restaurants are manifold. I was instructed not to buy from them so as not to encourage them through that kind of business in their childhood years instead of school. I already have enough anyway haha.
Surfed some bigger waves today, took an intermediate lesson and learned that I need to be fully digested before going surfing (Alternate title: How I learned to be Seasick while Surfing). These “waves” of different sensations are challenging me to accept whatever sensations and feelings come and keep my head up. I enjoyed the ocean, the ceaseless sun that shone on me despite @// the discomfort I was feeling, and I had a few moments of bliss where I let go and tuned into how good every part of my body was feeling on its own – my muscles and veins themselves were feeling great and doing great.
I’m also very grateful to my friend and coach Josh who has helped me see that all sensation is a blessing, and now every time I feel sick I remember this. That is, every time I throw up I am giving gratitude to the fact that I am having sensation at all. I’ve basically programmed it into myself, and it makes the experience of being sick much more pleasant, and fulfilling, a reminder of the blessings of life and the magic of acceptance.
That was my afternoon. I might skip surfing tomorrow and go see some waterfalls or something. If you’re reading this, thank you for your attention, I hope it has been useful to you, and I hope that you take the opportunity today or tomorrow to do something that brings you great happiness <3