-
Up Next:
-
Journals, Music•3 min read
“I feel I was called to be here, to touch the trees here, to bow with those who bow here, to bring back together parts of myself. I feel very familiar with this place and am welcomed here, I feel that. And I feel it familiar to me.” — Erykah Badu
Merasa marked the beginning of a symbiotic journey.
Held in June, our 7 Days of Regeneration were co-curated by Erykah Badu, an artist whose dualistic approach epitomises our Good Times, Do Good philosophy.
This duality is at the core of the Potato Head way of life. We find balance between nourishment and escapism — blending music, well-being, art, and design to regenerate mind, body, soul, and place. From the conscious lyricism and magnetic stage performance of her award-winning music career to the holistic healing methods she advocates, Erykah Badu is the personification of this concept.
Referring to herself as “a welcoming committee for the birth of babies and an ushering committee for those who are ready to pass,” her work as a doula for both birth and death vividly demonstrates her willingness to embrace the full spectrum of life’s journey.
Merasa — its name derived from the Bahasa word ‘to feel’ — is deeply rooted in this philosophy, honouring stillness and activity, ancient and modern, light and darkness to nurture inner balance. Inspired by Badu’s music, spiritual wisdom, and service to others, last month’s event saw us work together to create a flow and combination of classes to nourish both the physical and spiritual body — from yoga to sound healing, dance to breathwork.
“Breathwork is the most important thing for me because if I'm not in a great mood, nine times out of ten, it means my heart rate is fast and my breathing is shallow. When I can recognise the breath, I sit down and I regulate it. That's really the only thing that I have.” — Erykah Badu
Badu launched the week-long celebration with a captivating live show at our Beach Club, bringing her immaculate performance, style — and humour — to a sold-out crowd.
“Everything is funny and nobody's sacred. Don't take yourself seriously around me.”— Erykah Badu
Throughout Merasa, she made her powerful presence felt at talks, classes, workshops, and ceremonies, engaging with our family members, practitioners, and participants from Waangenga Blanco’s Intuitive Movement workshop to Tjok Gde Kerthyasa and Tjok Raka Kerthyasa’s talk on the Balinese Karmic Cycle. Her transformative Morning Wood rising ritual provided a singular moment, harnessing meditation, movement and frequencies to add harmony and purpose to the day that followed.
For a fitting finale, Badu joined 50 female kecak dancers for an unannounced acoustic show at the Amphitheatre on the last day of the event. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque Indian Ocean sunset, the intimate performance closed the chapter on an experience that soothed and empowered the minds, bodies, and souls of all who attended.
Wellness is a journey. And, for Merasa, the journey has just begun.
Published on 12/08/2024 by Potato Head
Like to be the first to know what's happening at the Desa?
Let us into your inbox and you'll never miss a beat.
Jalan Petitenget no. 51B, Seminyak, Kuta Utara Kabupaten Badung, Bali — 80361, Indonesia
