People often ask why I chose the retreat in Bali that I did. After some research, I found that the Santhika Retreat Center offered an exciting journey of self-awareness through Yoga, meditation, excursions, spa treatments, and self-discovery activities such as Aroma Psychology and Leela. AromaPsychology is a unique practice that uses the power of scent to evoke specific emotions and memories, aiding in self-discovery. I didn’t find other retreats that offered the Leela game. I was intrigued by the self-awareness activity of seeking clarity in my life.

Playing Léela, an ancient Indian board game, was truly an amazing experience, and it turned out to be more than just a game—it was a profound journey of self-discovery. Designed to mirror life’s journey, Léela offers deep introspection and personal growth through its 72 squares, each representing different aspects of our psyche and life experiences. Each roll of the dice felt like a step into the unknown, guiding me through various challenges and opportunities that mirrored my real-life experiences. Here’s an overview of my journey through Léela and the key lessons I learned.

Meditation and Self-Reflection

We began with a 15-minute meditation guided by the song “Chakra’s Awakening” by Kamari & Manvir. This meditation helped me focus on my solar plexus and heart chakras, where I felt much energy. My initial question was broad, exploring joy in various aspects of my life, but I narrowed it down to my career. The game started with anticipation as I placed my token on the first square, ready to explore what would bring me joy in the next step of my career.

As the meditation ended, I narrowed my focus to be intentional in the game. My specific question became, “What will bring me joy in the next step in my career?” I had been pondering this question before arriving at the retreat and beyond. Joy is my single focus. How do I restore joy and happiness in my life?

Playing the Game of Léela

Learning to Let Go of Attachments: A player must roll a 6 to enter the game. Every player has the same start to the game; it may take players longer to enter than others. After a couple of rolls, I entered the game with a six and landed on space 6- the space that required me to reflect on the attachments I have in my life. This was an interesting question that I had yet to consider in the past deeply. I reflected on my attachments to status, financial comfort, and security in my job at SCOE. Despite my previous job being my dream job, the people and circumstances had changed. I was ready to let go of what no longer brought me happiness. This was the first step in letting go, and it felt truly liberating.

Desires and Career Aspirations

On the next roll, I landed on the space which asked me to reflect on my biggest desires. At this stage of my life, I desire happiness, energy, flexibility, and financial security. I realized that my responsibilities at my job were overwhelming and didn’t allow me to dive deeply into anything I felt passionate about, but just enough to scratch the surface. I desire to be fulfilled and not just manage people but be deeply involved in the work. I craved the ability to dive deeper into my work and occasionally travel.

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

Next, I confronted my self-doubt and imposter syndrome while exploring my limiting beliefs. These are feelings that had riddled me for years. Despite these feelings, I recognized my worth, intelligence, and robust network. I needed to change my mindset to enjoy what brings me joy without overcompensating due to insecurity. This space encouraged me to recognize and confront my shadows, understanding that they are part of my human experience.

Dreams and Visualizing the Future

The game continued, and I landed on the square, inviting me to explore my biggest dreams! Guru Mira suggested creating a dream map, soul map, or vision board to represent my long-term goals visually. My career aspirations include making a statewide or national impact in curriculum development and blending this with my passion for travel.

Confidence and Karma

When I thought about Karma in the past, I only thought of it as negative energy. But in playing this game, I understood it as the positive and negative energy cycles resulting in our actions. This was an opportunity for me to take responsibility for the consequences of positive and negative energy. Focusing on will, confidence, and Karma, I reflected on the betrayal from people in my previous job but also focused on the relief and rebirth opportunities. I recognized my talents and opportunities and resolved to trust myself and not settle for less.  

Balance and Empowerment

the next space I landed on emphasized the need for balance and empowerment. Now is the time to do and act and to empower myself!! I acknowledged the risk of burnout and resolved to move towards a calmer, more reflective mode to lift myself to a higher, more optimistic place. One of the passages I read said, “Like too much sun outdoors, we can quickly become overheated and even burned.” This helped me come to peace with the emotions of what I felt when leaving my job. It is time to reclaim my brilliance.

I also had the opportunity to reflect on my career path, realizing that my joy came from creative and impactful work rather than people management. I acknowledged the role of excuses in my life and the need for flexibility and creativity. My excuses can’t limit me; I recognize and overcome the blocks.

Reflection and Control

As a game of reflection, the rolls take you where you need to go. I rolled and landed on a space, taking me back to the beginning and the need to reflect again on my attachments. As I reflected more deeply and sought even more honesty, I identified the need to let go of control and other people’s idea of success. I realized that these attachments hindered my happiness.

Personal Commitments and Following Heart

Sometimes, we only know what we need once we are presented with another option. Going back to square 10, “Tapah.” This is a level of purification. There are three parts to purification – mental, emotional, and physical. I need to work on all three to be whole. I committed to new habits like journaling, meditation, and sound healing to nurture my mind, body, and spirit. Sound healing is a practice that uses the power of sound to restore and balance the body’s energy. This commitment is essential for my journey towards purification and achieving my goals.

This square was pivotal in my game of Leela. It felt like my “why.” I needed to find routine ways to nourish myself and acknowledge the importance of self-care for true joy and happiness.

Divine Level and Final Insights

An arrow up to space 68 helped me reach the end of the game. Reflecting on this space, which signifies the ‘Divine Level,’ I emphasized the importance of following my purpose, heart, and joy. The ‘Divine Level’ is the game’s final stage, where one’s journey of self-discovery and personal growth culminates. It’s a space that encourages you to reflect on your journey and the lessons you’ve learned and commit to continue following your heart and joy. I resolved to be open to opportunities without hurrying and to embrace new beginnings. As I finished, Guru Mira played this as my song to celebrate me and my path: Nature of Love by Fia.

Léela wasn’t just a game but a mirror reflecting my inner world and a guide illuminating my path. It taught me patience, self-love, courage, and the importance of embracing every part of myself. I felt a deep gratitude and completion as I reached the final square. Léela had helped me accept and integrate all parts of myself into a more complete and compassionate self.

Leela Lessons

• Manifestation: Our thoughts manifest our reality. Thinking about joy brings joy.
• Authentic Self:  It’s essential to stay true to oneself, avoiding the masks we wear for others.
• Blissfulness: Joy is the first step to happiness, leading to blissfulness and wisdom (Ananda).
• Transforming Anger: Anger can be transformed to serve us positively.
• Intentions: The intention behind words can change their meaning.
• Delicious Life: Find ways to savor and enjoy life fully.
• Security and Joy: Identify where I feel most secure and what gives me joy, and bring more of it into my life.

Personal Affirmations

• Creation and Worthiness: I am worthy, knowledgeable, and kind. I have all the time in the world to create and achieve my goals.
• Power Statement: I am confident and assured and shine brightly in the world.

I highly recommend Léela for anyone seeking self-discovery. It offers insights and growth that can profoundly impact your life. Through Léela, I learned that every step and challenge is valuable to my journey. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

For more information or to join this transformative experience online, visit the Santhika Retreat Center at https://www.santhikaretreatcenter.com.