For the first time in a long while, heeding this information, I spontaneously visited stunning Waratah Bay and walked for miles along the deserted coastline. The weather was magnificent with not a breath of wind. The sunshine warmly cocooned my body as it penetrated through to my contemplative thoughts, shinning some light on them.

I was enveloped with undisturbed, exquisite, natural beauty, feeling grateful and rich at heart. To think this divine location is just one of the many heavenly scenes at our fingertips is incredible. How fortunate we are!

However, while I will make an effort to often bask in beautiful sunshine, weather permitting, I cannot justify, nor do I have the time, to jump in my car each day to admire and absorb panoramic sustenance.

What else can I substitute for the way Bali makes me feel closer to home?

Music springs to mind! Yes, music is typically uplifting. I have many, wonderful memories of evenings spent in Bali admiring and applauding my talented Balinese musician friends.

Music always saturates my soul with happiness and lightness of energy. Time, I allowed more melodies into my farm life, while mundane housework may actually become enjoyable!

I think I’ve come up with some effective suggestions, however I continue to feel an inadequacy …

The word ‘meditation’ suddenly appears in my mind’s eye. As much as these letters inspire and resonate with me, I can’t help but subconsciously cringe!

For many years I have spasmodically attempted this ancient art, promising peace and wellbeing within, to combat outer situations with grace and ease.

Each time I have tried to sit still with my eyes closed, intending to quieten my mind and body, my thoughts uncontrollably picked up speed, as if I were observing a kaleidoscope of random, senseless words.

“It’s ok,” I assured myself, “Let them pass. Take as much time as you need.”

However, after a while, either I continued failing to shift my busy mind or I surrendered so well, I instantly fell asleep!

That’s not what I call productive meditation, although, like any venture, regular practice makes perfect. Perhaps it would be in my best interest to try again and not let disappointment abandon my challenge so quickly.

This reminds me of the simple act of deep breathing. It’s such a quick, useful exercise to re-centre myself creating calmness and contentment when overwhelm or stress overpowers. A few deep breaths with my eyes closed and my thoughts tend to easily reboot, just like my cantankerous laptop, which regularly, annoyingly seems to have a mind of its own.

I’ve known and practised this technique successfully many times throughout my life, but I allow it to escape my memory all too often, especially when I most need it!

I’m trying desperately to comfort myself by focussing and listening to the wisdom of my intuition, but who am I kidding? I’m clutching at straws! Nothing will replace the carefree feeling the exotic island of Bali grants me, regardless of my efforts.

The undeniable truth is I need to succumb to being patient until our globe is once again safe to travel.

In the meantime, I must find a balance of work and play within these corona boundaries to sustain a healthy mental state, especially during winter.

Creating a sense of productivity and achievement, within both work and personal interests, will surely keep my emotional cup filled, providing me the strength, compassion, and empathy to reach out and altruistically give to others without sacrificing my own sanity.

After all, ‘serving’ is my strongest attribute and gives me my greatest joy in life, while Bali continues to be an enticing, exciting goal to look forward to in future – once it awakens together with the rest of the globe.