Why is it so easy for us to take for granted all the incredible experiences that are on our doorstep?

When I think of life affirming spiritual experiences I imagine myself returning to an ashram in India, or attending a vipassana retreat in the high Himalayas. Not simply driving a mere half an hour from home.

Recently I ventured to the beautiful Crystal Castle in the Byron Bay hinterland with some mumma friends. I was second guessing whether or not I should go. The house was a mess, I was tired, I was planning on doing some exercise that day. I am so glad I ignored the list of ‘to dos’ and went anyway.

The Crystal Castle is a unique and serene place set on a hillside amongst the rainforest in the hinterland behind beachy Byron Bay. Dotted with giant crystals, Hindu statues, meditation mazes, prayer wheels and a peace stupa. Giant rainbow umbrellas, totally in keeping with the colourful and free vibe, are provided for rainy days. It is a wonderful place to wander, to contemplate, relax, slow down and enjoy the scenery and ambience.

Sitting in the cafe waiting for some of our group to arrive we were invited to join a puja, a ceremony to honour a chosen Hindu deity (or god). On this occasion the puja was dedicated to the divine masculine energy of Shiva. I was so excited to participate, as my spiritual life has been sadly neglected since becoming a mumma, and a chance to dedicate some time, no matter how short, to stillness, inner reflection and a force greater than myself was a real treat. My little baby boy, just three months old, was strapped to my chest and I was equally excited for him to participate in his first puja. He looked up at me with his big blue eyes as we breathed deeply and chanted ‘Om Nama Shivaya’. I chose a marigold flower and grain of rice for myself and for him as an offering, and he smiled widely at the end of the ceremony as his tiny forehead was dotted with water. Although he clearly had no idea what was happening the lovely connection I felt to him, and the gratitude that we were experiencing something so special so close to home is a memory I will treasure.

The sort of experience I thought I had to travel across the world to participate in was right under my nose.

So totally Byron Bay!