Two of Bali's most celebrated Festivals united in 2011, as BaliSpirit joined forces with the 8th Ubud Writers and Readers Festival (UWF). The UWF kicked off with comments from its founder Janet Deneefe over the thematic commonalities between the two popular global Ubud events. "It's about relationships, it's about love… we felt it was a good way to bring writers together," said Deneefe of the UWF's Festival theme, "Cultivating the Land Within," which keeps with the self-awakening message of the annual BaliSpirit Festival.

BaliSpirit's programmatic presence was also strong at this year's UWF, with The Yoga Barn hosting a free Book Launch event in partnership with the Writers Festival, and BaliSpirit.com providing media and outreach support as an official Media Sponsor.

The Yoga Barn book launch, featuring local author, businessman and spiritual guide, Richard Pursell, accommodated the official release of his book, Cause No Harm: A Handbook for Humanity, and attracted over 40 guests.

Pursell, called on his audience to "do some yoga", and take greater responsibility for each other and the environment through a "Cause No Harm" philosophy. "When we think positively and for the good of all, then we have hope for a sustainable future," Pursell asserted.

"This is a time for action; time for us to rise up and do something" Pursell attested, "we need to bring ourselves back together as a community." In the spirit of the Writers Festival's theme, Cultivating the Land Within, Pursell also underscored the importance of self-belief and developing a positive attitude inside the individual, "Cultivate within you the words and the deeds you have to offer," urged Pursell, "It's up to you to determine what it is you do to unfold how you want to cause no harm."

Noviana Kusumwardhani, BaliSpirit's Relationship Manager is an Indonesian author, poet, and translator who was honored at the UWF with the launch of her new book, "The Man Who Sliced the Moon."

Speaking out in favor of stronger BaliSpirit-UWF backing from artists and civil society, Kusumwardhani said, "Our Festivals are national treasures; anything that celebrates the best of Indonesia should be a top priority for artists, and the private sector." Social entrepreneur, Meghan Pappenheim, cofounded BaliSpirit in the aftermath of the 2003 Bali bombings, sharing Deneefe's economic recovery intentions for the island. BaliSpirit has since blossomed into a holistic registry and 8 holistic businesses as well as the BaliSpirit Festival, which is guided by what Pappenheim calls, "awakening to one's own expansion." (by Shervin Boloorian for BaliSpiritFestival)

A one-of-a-kind Bali experience that unites yoga, music, and dance, the BaliSpirit Festival is a leader among a new generation of festivals for the rapidly growing holistic travel marketplace. Combining over 100 yoga, dance and music workshops with nightly world music concerts, this annual event provides a platform of inspiration and the opportunity to affect positive change at the personal and community level. Be a part of something that will change your world! BaliSpirit Festival 2011 is proud to be partnered with Citibank, Teh Kotak, Desa Seni, Fiesta Condoms, The Yoga Barn, 3HO Kundalini Yoga, and BaliSpirit.com.
For more information please visit www.balispiritfestival.com.

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