Not all incenses are created equal. Many may have added chemicals, dyes or other “hidden ingredients.”  In keeping with our tradition of carefully selecting ecologically & spiritually conscious business partners, our incense comes from a small family-run company called UtamaSpice, in Ubud, Bali.  Their incense is carefully handrolled, using natural gums, herbs, resinous leaves, flowers, nuts, and essential oils—absolutely no synthetic ingredients or endangered plants.

In Utama Spice’s own words:  
“  Utama Spice operates by a strong commitment to keeping the tradition of Balinese Herbal Medicine alive.  Information about Balinese healing Herbs has been mostly an oral tradition. For hundreds of years, healers and herbalists passed down the information by word of the mouth to their children and students.  But in the last couple of generations there have been fewer and fewer young people interested in mastering this traditional body of knowledge. Most of our teachers were very old. Understanding of traditional plants is dying out, as the plants themselves are quickly vanishing from Bali in the face of uncontrolled development. There is a real danger that this wisdom will disappear if it is not recorded.
Utama Spice is a small sustainable trading company, established in 1997.  We started as a micro family affair and have now grown to small limited company employing around 16 people.   
We adhere to the famous Balinese cultural concept of TRI HITA KARANA, which commits us to respecting and working harmoniously with humanity, nature and the Divine. As a business, we have found a balance between generating an income from the herbs without damaging the environment in which they grow. No trees are cut in creating our products, which contain no harmful chemical additives.   We have done extensive research to support the local natural resource base and to enhance local farming skills in such areas as organic farming, bee farming and seaweed farming. These farming communities produce the raw materials for our company’s products.”

As a business we try to work using the principles of US/US rather than US/THEM consciousness –
This means:  Living & working together harmoniously by caring for each other, our planet & its resources.  
Actions always speak louder than words, so we are putting these principles into action :
•    By giving fair wages and providing good working conditions.
•    By using raw materials that not involve the cutting down of any living trees ( a most precious resource at this time).
•    By using packaging made from recycled and/or recyclable materials.
•    By creating small scale village crafts producing natural products such as hand rolled incense, incense holders, massage oils, bath products, body scrub aromatherapy jewellery, ceramic products and much, much more.
Ylang-ylang:  ylang-ylang, infused with cananga odorata (sensual, romantic aroma)

Spirit Spice:  infused spices, flowers, leaves, and vetivert root  (aromatic holy temple blend)

Tropical Cinnamon:  pure cinnamon bark  (natural anti-depressant)

Moonflower:   flowers & vetivert incense scent (tropical, earthy)

Temple spice:   cananga , patchouli, & vetivert scent (spicy, charismatic, spiritual, grounded)
Nutmeg, Cinnamon & Clove:  special blend of the individual spices applied as they are hand rolled

Begone bug:  spices & citronella, used as a cleansing  fragrance for garden or home, and also keeps away insects such as mosquitoes

Each morning, Balinese villagers perform the household ritual of giving offerings to the Divine. In this ritual they lay down burning incense and woven banana leaf and flower offerings, or cenang, throughout the home & workspace while blessing them in a silent meditation. The generations of meditating people have created a true serenity in the Balinese people.  The Balinese are living proof that meditation can create balance and clarity in one’s life.
Essential oils are botanical extracts obtained from living plant and fruit material such as leaves, berries, flowers, seeds, wood, bark, peel and roots.
An essential oil is a concentrated, hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. They are also known as volatile or ethereal oils, or simply as the “oil of” the plant material from which they were extracted. An oil is “essential” in the sense that it carries a distinctive scent, or essence, of the plant.  The Balinese also believe that it carries the energy or spirit of the plant and of those who handle it– which is why it is important to always know where and from whom you buy the things that you do…

TRI HITA KARANA…*

http://www.balitrihitakarana.com/abouttrihitakarana.htm

*three part harmony:
harmonious relationship between humans & divine, between humans with one another, and between humans & the natural world.

WELCOME

to our

GRAND OPENING

for our new **SECOND LOCATION** 

We will be here at the CORE TD Square all throughout the Christmas season,
until December 31st.
Contact us ASAP if you wish to obtain tickets for the
CORE’s special event which will happen on the same evening!
email:  david@baliandbeyond.ca

Only 100 tickets are available; after they are gone, the cost is $15 at the door, which goes to charity.
Please join us for refreshments, a free gift item while supplies last,
a special 10% discount for the entire evening…
Enjoy the special entertainment by Chantal Kreviazuk as well as
all the events going on throughout this beautiful space…

BALI & BEYOND
**Downtown Location**
Suite 322,  324 – 8th Avenue SW
3rd floor, right next Harry Rosen
tel 403.264.7190

Map HERE
Find out HERE about free valet parking!

Jamu is a go-to solution drink for all kinds of common ailments, ranging from infertility to increasing libido.  People in the island of Bali and Java depend on these drinks for their health, energy, strength, body-mind balance, and internal and external radiance.  Its origin remains a mystery but its impact on the lives of these people is enormous.

There are more than three hundred blends of jamu today, some are bitter while others are sweet but jamu is known, taken regularly, would keep those health worries away.  It functions as more than health drink to the people of Bali and Java, it has become a routine for these people to drink it to relieve aches and pains, revive energy, maintain strength, and body-mind balance.  The people of the island of Java consume it daily to balance their inner and outer physical beauty, and mental clarity. Jamu is an integrated health system perfected by the people of the island of Java in Indonesia.

Long before time was measured in terms of hours and minutes, and long before the world discovers aspirins and antibiotics, people in the island of Java and Bali discovered the concept of jamu as a solution to their health issues.  Our ancestors worked to perfect jamu, a complex blend of spices, and other ingredients that provide them with solution to keep themselves healthy, balance, and happy. They used their indigenous knowledge and skills in blending  jamu, perfect drinks, that provide nutrition needed for healthy body and mind.  A glass of jamu a day will keep those chronic ailments away.

It helps people to heal quickly, rejuvenate, and strengthen immune system.  One needs to drink it once a day and very soon you will feel and appreciate it.  Jamu is a liquid blend of several types plants, flowers, leaves, barks, roots fruits and tree saps and people of the island of Java drink jamu daily. The Javanese people in Indonesia believe that jamu is precious gift from Almighty that helps them to lead a healthy and happy lifestyle.

According to the people in the island Java, Indonesia, jamu is a functional drink, wellness drink, and healthy drink that provide balance in our life.  It is also a way of life, “My life is like Jamu – some days I need to be bitter while other days I have sweet days”

We make our Jamu with our traditional family recipes handed down through the female side of the family for many generations, dating more than 5000 years ago in Central Java. The ingredients are 100% natural, unprocessed, and compost-able ingredients,  The method has remained unchanged, in small batches and by hand.  In addition, we follow the FDA guidelines and commit to green business.
(article courtesy of jamu4life)

http://jamu4life.com/WHAT_IS_JAMU_.html

http://www.jamujamu.com/APositiveMission3.html

The history of agriculture started since ancient times as humans sought after a better living subsequent to nomadic hunting and gathering. They decided to stay put in an area that deemed to provide sustenance, and started to tend lands and harvest.
Rice then became the single plant that has now become the staple diet among the societies across the archipelago, including Bali.
Food and nourishment are fundamental necessities, thus agriculture is in a very important position as it is depended upon by many people. A successful harvest becomes a determinant for the life sustainability of the surrounding societies.
Balinese societies believe that a great force aides them in achieving good harvests. As though they believe that it is such power that created the rice stalk for their lives. And that great power is manifest in Dewi Sri the goddess of rice and fertility. Dewi Sri is embodied in the culture and prevails through the generations.
In the beginning the Balinese only knew of sugar cane. Dewa (’god’) Wisnu, known as the affectionate and protecting god, wanted to create a better food for his human subjects. His marriage with Sang Hyang Pertiwi (Mother Earth) gave birth to the rice which took over as the staple food. The God Indra then taught the humans how to sow rice and harvest.
This legend holds a very deep meaning, indispensable from the local genius of the Balinese who never forget to devote and make use of symbols to express their spiritual dedication.
God Wisnu is personified as water, while Pertiwi is earth. Fertility and prosperity will only happen if the two unite harmoniously. If Pertiwi is present without Wisnu, then there would be drought. If Wisnu were to be present alone then there would be floods. Both would spell an unsuccessful harvest.
Dewi Sri is personified as rice emerges through the blend between water and earth.  Life would only exist on earth if there was fertility.
Dewi Sri fills a significant position in Bali. Bali is agrarian — even up until now while tourism sweeps and spreads rapidly in Bali – most is still for agricultural use. Half of the demography also deals in the agricultural sector.
The Balinese worship Dewi Sri as a motherly figure. At home there are always flower offerings placed at the rice barn or rice container. Farmers worship her by erecting small shrines amidst their green rice terraces. Traditional irrigational organizations in Bali known as Subak also have a dedicated temple for Dewi Sri known as the Pura Subak.
In the rice fields, Dewi Sri is also referred to as Nini Pantun.
Farmers make a Nini Pantun from two ties of rice stalks. These two represent the two general opposites in nature – male and female, north and south, positive and negative. The principle is that prosperity is only achieved once two elements are combined. The two ties are bound together on a length of wood which is stuck into a cleft near the primary irrigational channel. Then, the harvest commences.
In this ritual, besides making offerings, farmers also make decorations that symbolize Dewi Sri, which are called Cili. Cili are made of lontar or palmyra palm leaves and is shaped in the form of a female figure.
The word Cili probably evolved from the word Cilik that means small or petite. In the ever expanding creative process, Cili has been used for many purposes and decorations and has become somewhat of an icon for Bali.

Dewi Sri not only is worshipped in her function as the goddess of rice but also prosperity. Merchants in the traditional markets worship her by the name Dewi Melanting (daughter of the goddess of rice and fertility).
The traditional Javanese have a special place in their homes for Dewi Sri, who is frequently connected to the field snake.  In agrarian societies, snakes that enter the house compound are not shooed away as it is believed to signify an impending successful harvest, instead it is given offerings. No wonder, as field snakes prey on rodents, the farmer’s biggest nemesis.
There are also tales that Dewi Sri is the daughter of a king who sacrificed himself in order to save his people from drought. The exact place he committed the sacrifice grew the plant as we know now – the rice. The princess is highly revered until present time and is referred to as Dewi Sri.
Hinduism and strong traditions perpetuate her worship among the main deities of the Balinese. It is no mere tale passed down through generations but something that Balinese Hindus hold as an obligation that must be lived by.
One of the simplest forms of devotion is when parents always teach their children to not waste rice by eating up the whole plate. Besides being a way to show appreciation to Dewi Sri, it is a sign of gratitude and appreciation to the farmers who have become the mediums for the subsistence of the people.
–Text By Ni Luh Dian Purniawati, edited by M. Camaiani

Meditation posture is very important for success in your stillness practice…

These meditation stools are designed for seated meditation in a near-kneeling position, with both knees & ankles resting flat on the floor & hips raised comfortably above the feet. The bench is handmade from reclaimed indonesian teak, specially made at an incline to provide proper spinal support. Placing a pillow under the stool can also add further comfort.

A meditation stool will help you in the following ways:
- you will be able to sit upright for as long as you desire without discomfort or restriction to your joints or bones.
- with optimum posture, your breathing is improved. How you breathe is absolutely essential to your practice.
- you will be able to maintain mental & physical alertness (not fall asleep during meditation)
- without physical discomfort or distraction, you will maintain focus & concentrate for longer periods of time.

❀BALI & BEYOND❀

Kirtan (Sanskrit: “to repeat”;[1] also Sankirtan[2]) is call-and-response chanting or “responsory” performed in India’s devotional traditions.[3]

I had to ask David to repeat the word a couple times. A “kir-what???”?

“Kirtan,” he replied. “There’s one in a few minutes. Shall we?”

“Oh. Ok. But, what is it?”

“Oh you have so much to learn!” he replied with a wink.

And how right he was. Bali opens up a world that is not common to the public domain in the west. Our fast-paced, hard working drive often doesn’t leave a lot of room for the ‘softer’ practices of reflection, yoga, and ceremony, regardless of how soothing they are to our soul. Between meetings, errands and the tether of our iPhones, we often don’t have room for much else.

Perhaps that’s one of the reasons why westerners become so enchanted with Bali – and all she represents. She seems to entice you to explore the deeper and simpler side of life. She whispers to you to take the time to marvel in gratitude. Through the prevalence of meditation & yoga, and the day in-day out ceremonial devotion of the locals, she seems to nudge you to look within and open your mind & heart. As was the case here –-a nudge to explore the devotional practice called Kirtan.

We arrived into the courtyard where Adam and Sparrow were setting up. There was a certain buzz to the space. Everyone was smiling in anticipation. Once set up, the Kirtan begun and music filled the air.

Kirtan is a form of devotional yoga through call and response song. It’s one of the oldest sacred music traditions of the world, using ancient Sanskrit mantras designed to get us out of our heads and into our hearts. By repeating simple mantras over and over, faster and faster, the kirtan is an easy way for people to experience some freedom from the daily chatter of the mind. It is said to call upon sacred energies, which serve to quiet the mind, remove obstacles, and bring us back to the center of our being.

The experience is beautiful. You can’t help but feel some inspiration, peace, and a sense of connectedness.

The time in Bali included three beautiful Kirtans – one at the Bali Spirit Festival and two in the homes of some local expatriates. All three occasions, beautiful experiences. A Kirtan is something that should be on everyone’s bucket list! Even if you don’t have the chance to go to Bali, Kirtans are performed throughout the world and right here in Calgary. Go to Adam and Sparrow’s website for listings of their next performance. Get ready to experience something beautiful!

Bali & Beyond is changing the lives and communities with fair trade and sustainability – bringing serenity and beauty to you right here at home.

WATCH THE VIDEO

I’d like to introduce you to Dayu. Her full name is Ida Ayu Karyani. She is a native Balinese woman, whose life is a success story. Born in rural Bali, Dayu moved away as a teenager to find work. She found a job in the city as a seamstress. It was a small shop, the pay was low and the conditions were less than ideal. As the years passed, Dayu’s skills as a seamstress improved. She began interacting with customers, locals and tourists alike, producing whatever the demands happened to be. One day Dayu met a young Australian couple. She fulfilled several orders from them, displaying her budding talent. A friendship was soon formed and before long the friendship grew into a partnership. With the Australian’s help, Dayu was able to leave the position as an employee and step into the position of employer. She opened her very own shop.

Fast-forward to the present day and you will find Dayu running a fully functional boutique of hand-woven cushions, fabrics and made-to-order products. Her business has blossomed. She caters primarily to the increasing business from western importers, like Calgary’s Bali & Beyond. What’s more, Dayu proudly employs 10 people, as well as 20 people who work from their homes in her own village. She teaches them valuable skills, gives fair compensation, and provides a viable industry of support for her community.

“When there is an order, and there is work, I can hire the women of my village. They work from home, so they can still look after their children, and have an income,” says Dayu. As we walked in Dayu’s store, we were greeted with a big smile and a hug. We sat at her desk and talked about family and the latest ceremony taking place in her village. In the back of the shop I heard giggles echoing from the ladies working together on the latest order of cushions. It felt good to be there. And it feels good to see the effects of fair trade, and know that it is making a difference, even if it is to just one little village.

So we ask: what is the true value of a product? Does it really come down to price? To finding the best deal? Or perhaps we as western consumers will all learn to embrace and demand viable sourcing of our goods. We will demand fair trade and respectful economics from our products. We will ask whom it is affecting. Is it improving lives or exploiting them? Is it supporting community? Is it supporting the planet? These are the questions we’re asking. We hope you’ll do the same.

Purchasing one of Dayu’s cushions will not change the world, but for the people in her village, it certainly changes their world.

Ever heard of being blissed out? Ever seen anyone who is? Better yet, ever been? Well for an experience of all three – there is no better place in the world than and the Bali Spirit Festival. Being blissed out seems the only way to be!

I heard rumors of how ‘awesome, magical, inspiring, and full-on amazing…’ (etc, you get the picture) the Bali Spirit Festival was, yet I was still humbled at just how awesome it was.  Even after 49 hours of travel to get here, I was immediately seduced by the radiant faces and bodies alive with movement and rhythm. (Jet lag? What jet lag??)

People bounced passed with yoga mats in one hand and a coconut in the other. Choruses of song echoed from open aired huts as people sung together in gratitude and harmony –literally and figuratively. My skin still tingles at its memory. Workshops with master yogis, healers, hula hopper extraordinaires, hip hoppers, and amazing energy workers embraced the magical sprit of this island like none I’d ever seen.  At Bali Spirit Festival – everyone was full of bliss… full-on blessed out!

Within a few moments upon arrival, David’s flip-flops were off and he jumped into the center of a free flow dance class. Admittedly, the 70 women to three men ratio was an incentive, but immediately I saw his heart open and face soften. And to think this is my boss! I headed straight for the pool. Surrounded by lush greenery and flowers abloom, I couldn’t resist the first chance to dive in. They called it the healing pool.  And that it was!

Walking through the grounds, passed groups in contemplative silence to ecstatic dance, the opening to what Bali represents was inevitable. Bali brings out the artist, the musician, the lover and the sage in the purest sense.

The Bali Spirit Festival lives up to its original inspiration as an opportunity to give back and celebrate the spirit of this extraordinary place with people from around the world.  Much gratitude to the founders of the festival Megan Pappenheim, Kadek Gunarta and Rob Weber who are all active, engaged leaders of their communities. They have truly provided a service to Bai and to all who cross her path.

The day was completed with full-on blissed out music festival. Artists from around the world performed on a backdrop of temples and tropical flora. From African to Latin to Western and of course, Balinese traditional, the feeling of bliss carried all who joined well into the evening.

I feel blessed to have been a part. And through Bali & Beyond, we hope to bring a little piece of the magic, and a little piece of the bliss to you where ever in the world you are.

Blessings

Shelley and David

With three days until departure, the energy is buzzing. Tickets are booked, and our mind is reeling with endless to-do lists. If you have any special requests of items to bring back – leave a comment. We’ll do our best to accommodate!

Nameste!