Just got back from Bali, and I’ve never felt sadder to be back! Bali was an impromptu trip for us since we were already in Singapore, and I am so glad we stopped by especially since Bali has always been one of those places on my Pinterest board.

Choosing which area to explore was difficult since I wanted to explore it all. However, we decided to spend our time in Ubud since it is a hub of Balinese wellness and culture. This meant that my limited time gave me zero opportunity to explore Seminyak or Canggu, but this just means I’d have to go back, right? 🙂

We stayed at Adiwana Unagi Suites, which was one of the BEST places I’ve ever stayed at. Imagine a beautiful infinity pool overlooking the jungle, surrounded by lush greenery, sounds of a nearby cozy waterfall, with a fresh watermelon juice on hand. You get the peaceful vibes.

There’s a kind of peace that’s hard to put into words, one that sinks into your bones, softens your breath, and invites you to just be. That’s how I felt in Bali. Amid the daily offerings, the scent of incense burning through the air, and the sound of nature humming in harmony, I found a rhythm of life that felt deeply sacred and I knew I wanted to carry it with me.

What is Balinese wellness?

Unlike the Western lens of wellness that often focuses on productivity hacks or overpriced smoothies, Balinese wellness flows from centuries of spiritual tradition. It lies within the small, intentional acts: preparing offerings for ancestors, gathering with community, and treating humans, animals, and nature well.

Wellness in Bali goes beyond spas and massages. It extends to cultivating a whole balance of body, mind, spirit, and environment.

One of the staff at Adiwana took us on a mini tour around Ubud where he shared some Balinese teachings with us, which I am excited to incorporate into my everyday practice. While I did get a heavenly foot ritual and massage, it was the way they embodied wellness that stood out to me.

Based on observation alone, I can tell how the Balinese community respects one another in the way they greet us with kindness and how they treat animals and nature. Balinese wellness uses a holistic approach to health and wellness. For example, my Balinese massage included a traditional healing ritual with sound healing, designed to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and restore inner peace.

(Honestly unsure how I am ever going to get massages in the United States again because that experience was incredible and so affordable. Tears!!!)

What I thought would be just a restorative trip turned out to be a soul-awakening experience, one that shifted how I view wellness entirely.

And at the heart of it all? A philosophy called Tri Hita Karana.

Introducing Tri Hita Karana: The Three Causes of Wellbeing

At the core of Balinese culture is Tri Hita Karana, which translates to three causes of happiness or well-being. It’s a framework for living in balance through:

1. Parhyangan – Harmony with the Divine

2. Pawongan – Harmony with Others

3. Palemahan – Harmony with Nature

What struck me most is how this philosophy isn’t something you do—it’s something you live. It’s seen in the temples in every village, the collective spirit of community ceremonies, and the deep respect for the Earth. I’ve never witnessed greater embodiment than I did here in Bali. When I started posting on Instagram bits and pieces of my journey, people commented saying what a great nervous system reset it was… and it truly was!!

How I’m Incorporating These Teachings into My Life

Since returning, I’ve been asking myself when my next trip would be 😉

But of course I am also questioning – How can I bring a piece of this sacred wisdom into my everyday life? Here’s how I’ve started to integrate each element of Tri Hita Karana:

Parhyangan – Harmony with the Divine

For me, this looks like slowing down to connect with something greater than myself. Whether it’s through prayer, meditation, breathwork, or simply sitting in stillness with a candle lit, I’ve made space to dedicate my mornings to myself.

Sometimes, it’s gratitude whispered over my morning coffee. Other times, it’s setting an intention before bed or doing somatic yoga. This connection reminds me that I’m always supported, always guided, even though it can sometimes be hard to remember that at all times.

Pawongan – Harmony with Others

Bali reminded me that community is sacred. It’s easy to get caught up in independence, but we’re not meant to go it alone. I’ve been more intentional about nurturing relationships, reaching out just to say I’m thinking of you, and holding space for deeper, more meaningful conversations.

For instance, different staff members at Adiwana were interested to learn where we were from, whether we have any plans in Bali, etc. Those little conversations in passing mean so much more than our sometimes-sad attempts at small talk.

Even small acts like being fully present during a call or offering a heartfelt compliment help me feel more grounded in connection, so I hope to channel more connection in the days to come.

Palemahan – Harmony with Nature

I’ve started treating time in nature as a daily non-negotiable. Morning walks, taking deep breaths outside, enjoying scenery without a podcast or music in my ears. These are my ways of honoring the Earth and my place within it.

Our tour guide also mentioned how sad it is that global respect for our environment has diminished significantly, and he hopes for that to change with future generations. It made me evaluate how I personally can help and be mindful of my consumption. Less plastic, more composting, and an ongoing effort to reduce waste. Although not much, I’m a believer that compounded small actions among us can lead to some change – no matter how minimal.

Lessons from the Balinese Way of Life

What Bali taught me is that true wellness isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about removing the noise and coming back to what matters. It’s in the way they make offerings with care. The way people smile at strangers. The way spirituality is seamlessly woven into daily life. That kind of embodiment left a lasting imprint on my heart, one that I hope to forever incorporate in my everyday life – no matter how chaotic life can get.

Ways You Can Bring This Philosophy Into Your Life

You don’t have to travel to Bali to experience its wisdom. Here are a few gentle ways you can embody Tri Hita Karana wherever you are:

• Create a morning ritual that centers you. You can light a candle or incense while journaling or meditating.

• Reach out to a loved one and express gratitude or love.

• Take a mindful walk outside. Ditch the tech, opt for nature sounds.

• Make a simple offering – whether it’s flowers, a prayer, or just your presence.

• Choose sustainability when you can. Every small choice counts.

In a world that glorifies hustle, Balinese wellness reminds us to return. To live in rhythm with nature. To honor our relationships. To make space for what matters.

Connection and presence.

I’m still learning, still integrating, and still softening. But I know this: living in harmony with the divine, with others, and with nature is a holistic spiritual journey that can change your life.