Pleasure and Pain in these Pandemic Times

For many reasons, this disruptive event with its unfathomable consequences has brought the human species to its quaking knees.  

The level of physical and psychological suffering for Bali and her inhabitants will most probably never be fully known. On an Island that lives by strict ancient cultural rituals ceremonies and norms, stigma, shame, fear and loss of face, are non-negotiable realities.   

The consequences of this sudden shocking change and eruptive stoppage to what was a full-on frenetic tourist driven economy has been so much worse than any Volcanic burp. No matter what future normal will look like, for those on Bali, life will never be the same.

For those of us who cannot be on Bali for one reason and many others, it is a very painful torn reality. If Bali opens the door and allows you into her house, you will have a home forever. You will become intertwined in her family; she will protect and nurture your soul and feed your spirit. She will never forget your kindness; she will repay you with mutual respect. Watching, waiting, worrying from afar, concerned for those you know and love, while longing for belonging, is quite an ‘exquisite’ pain.

There are absolutely no doubts that Bali dogs are suffering from the fallout and unfortunately their sentience will not provide immunity against the emotional reality. They are innocent in this human made disaster but there is no escape. The pain of not being with those amazing canines who have shelter, food, warmth, care, safety and love, is for now outweighed by the pleasure of one small light in a global period of darkness.

​If a Bali dog chomps metaphorically into your heart and Bali bites deep within your soul, there can never be total disconnection.