Researchers have shown that one of the best ways to assure long term happiness on your road to success is to cultivate strong social connections. I was reminded of this multiple times on my recent trip to Bali. The culture there is extremely connected; they all work together as a village to manage their community and orchestrate elaborate ceremonies for their Balinese version of Hinduism. Their daily activities all revolve around their rituals and supporting each other.
Each day there was an offering put in front of the house we stayed in and all of the shops had them too, sometimes they appeared twice a day or more.
The pictures below are just a few from a long procession to a temple for a ceremony (they blocked our traffic for almost 30 minutes). It was amazing to see all of the different costumes.
My American independence and sense of freedom bristles a bit at the conformity and need to all follow the same religion and rituals. But, the Balinese are reported to be some of the happiest people on earth and they came across that way consistently in every interaction I had over the couple weeks I was there. They always had big welcoming smiles, a laid back and content attitude with a strong desire to be of service and help.
Do you have to give up freedom and independence in order to cultivate such strong connections and happiness? The best connections have an authentic and pure motive to support the other person. I think it is possible to cultivate these connections and create a “Balinese” type community but it is not something that comes easily in our independent and transient culture.
On my ride to the airport my young Balinese driver told me, “We can not go on a trip like you have done to come here; we have too many obligations to our village.” He said it in a matter-of-fact way, it did not sound like he felt any resentment. It is hard to imagine this level of obligation and acceptance and not wonder if it will change over time. Regardless, you can learn a lot from their strong connections and cultivate your own “village” that will support you and you them for more sustained happiness on your road to success.
What can you share about building strong connections while keeping your sense of independence? Please write a comment.
What a great post, Paula. The viewpoint that the taxi driver expressed is so different to my own approach. I’ll be thinking about that.
Thanks Denise! I’m glad it has you thinking; it has had me thinking a lot since my approach is also very different. Over the past few years, I have seen a significant shift in my sense of well being through cultivating strong connections but feel I still have a long way to go. Paula
Enjoyed reading your post and viewing the photos. Very interesting culture. Thanks for sharing Paula!
Thank you Mary – I’m appreciative of you reading my blog post! I’m already planning my trip for next year to the paradise of Bali; the culture is amazing!
I love this, especially the photos. I think when people “give up freedoms” in the name of love, it is different from obligation even though he used that word. They seem to honor humanity. This is different from people who come together in fear that breeds hating anyone who is different from them. I like the feel of what you experienced. It is an alternate reality for me too, but I sense something special in their connection.
Thank you Marcia! Yes, your distinction of making obligations in the name of love is right on. I had not thought about the absence of fear but that is also a great point. In Bali it felt like they replaced fear with faith in their strong spiritual practices with out a feeling of imposing their beliefs on others, which allows them to be open and welcoming to all of their visitors.
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