Where ever you go in Bali, you will see little lots of pretty flower baskets scattered around the place.
They are placed on lawns, streets, temples, stores - they’re literally found everywhere. They are called Canang Sari, or in English, offerings.
In almost every Hindu home and temple, these new offerings are set out fresh daily.
They fill the air with an exquisite, sweet perfume and look absolutely gorgeous.
They’re so plentiful that you have to be careful not to step on them while you’re beating the streets. But even if you do accidentally step on one, the locals will simply smile and tell you it’s not a big deal.
What are Canang Sari?
They are the simplest daily household offering. They are small, square baskets; woven from fresh palm or banana leaves, and filled with vibrant flowers and an assortment of other little gifts.
Each flower is selected for it’s unique bright colour and significance.
The tiny hand-woven baskets contain different offerings for the gods, such as small pieces of food, money and smouldering incense sticks. The idea behind them is giving rather than receiving. To thank Gods, every morning, for the gift of life, for successes, and for good moments.
What does Canang Sari mean?
The phrase Canang Sari is derived from the Balinese words sari (essence) and canang (a small palm-leaf basket as the tray). Canang itself consists of two syllables from the Kawi language: ca (beautiful) and nang (purpose).
Why do the Balinese make Canang Sari each day?
Canang Sari is offered every day as a means of prayer and gratitude, as a wish for peace and abundance in the world. It takes time and effort to create these offerings, and they are made with a spirit of self-sacrifice and thankfulness. This thankfulness flows through into the daily lives and values of Balinese people.
What is the lesson behind Canang Sari?
The Balinese people live their lives in a very different way than we do in Western society. They go through their days with a quiet sense of calm dedication.
Although they work hard, they don’t rush. They undertake every task with a sense of pride and mindfulness. You can literally see and feel that they are living in the moment.
It is in total contrast to our way of life, where our worth is tied to how much we can get done in how little time. A life of deadlines and maximum productivity.
The Balinese take time and care in all that they do, and even the most basic mundane chores are done with a sense of gratitude and connection to the present moment.
Here’s some ways that we can bring this sense of gratitude into our own lives:
Take a break from your to-do list:
Instead of thinking about what you should be getting done, try to focus on the ‘right now’. On the joy of simply ‘being’. If you’re feeling suffocated under the weight of plans and objectives, take a step back.
Stop, breathe and enjoy the experience of simply being alive. It may sound ridiculously simple, but when we’re caught up in ‘getting shit done’ we don’t do it enough.
Find meaning in everything:
Next time you’re doing a mundane chore at home, take a moment to focus on what you are feeling. The sensations on your skin, the sights and smells surrounding you. If you stop and actually look at each moment, you’ll begin to see things in a way that you haven’t before. Little things, that you may have previously not even noticed, will begin to become beautiful or interesting. Savour each moment, and pay attention to details.
Be thankful:
Gratitude is a powerful emotion that allows you to feel more connected with the world around you.
Practicing gratitude has been scientifically proven to significantly increase well-being and life satisfaction. Take a moment each day to consciously think about the things that you are grateful for in your life - even just the little things!
Savouring moments:
Although life is inevitably difficult, it is filled with so much beauty and wonder. We are all blessed with hundreds of moments in each and every day. Moments where we can stop and marvel at the experience, if we chose to.
Try not to lose sight of the little moments that are happening every day around you - the smile of a loved one, the way the sunlight is falling onto the porch, or simply the wind against your skin. There is truly beauty to be found everywhere.
Take the time to feel the magic of simply being alive right now.
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