I recently got back from a vacation to Indonesia. Yes, practically the opposite side of the world. My wife’s family lives there. It always is a new experience. We went to the capital, Jakarta, and to the two islands of Lombok and Bali. There weren’t any gyms near where I was, so I couldn’t workout that way, but I had to make due with what was around me. Running on the beach, swimming with the waves, and all the walking I did. I even went snorkeling when I was at Lombok. The waves were too strong at Bali so I wasn’t able to surf. But I did surf last time I visited there. Surfing is a great workout, especially if you do it for a few hours.
But I did go on a 3 hour hike in Ubud, Bali. Ubud is toward the middle of Bali. Forest and hills are all around. Walking along paths, the sun was piercing through the trees and vines. It was an experience. And during that afternoon hiking through the forest, there was such a loud noise made by members of the crickets or Gryllidae. And whenever the sky was clear and the sun was shining bright, they would make an even louder sound.
One place I found so peaceful though, was walking through the rice fields. I came to the middle of the fields, and all I saw was 
green everywhere. Just then I was balancing on a narrow mound of dirt between the fields. If I lost my balance, I would go into the deep mud of the rice fields, and my legs would be covered. So I’m glad I kept my balance.
You always do need to remember how nice nature is. Whether you’re in a big city or small one, notice what this world is made of. Go to a park, trail, of forest and keep quiet and just listen to the sound around you for a little while. It clears your mind and relieves stress. No traffic, no horns, no shouting. Just you and what this world is made of. When you get a chance, take the time out to feel it.
Now as I’m in Los Angeles, I’m already back in the gym and training again. Until next time…
