Okay, deep breaths and sunshine vibes!
Hello, my wonderful friends, my cherished readers, my amazing ikkimall family!
Oh, how my heart swells with warmth just thinking of connecting with you all again through these little digital pages. It feels like ages, doesn't it? Life has been a whirlwind of beautiful chaos lately, the very best kind! I’m bubbling over with things to share, and I couldn't wait another moment to sit down, take a deep breath, and tell you all about a rather special adventure.
As many of you know, my roots run deep, entwined with the ancient rhythms of the Kinabatangan River, right here in our beloved Sabah.
My home, the Valley Village, isn't just a place on a map; it's the heartbeat of my soul, nestled deep within the emerald embrace of the rainforest. It’s where the air smells of damp earth, wild orchids, and the promise of rain, where the symphony of unseen creatures fills the twilight, and where community means everything.
And every year, as the world turns its focus to our precious planet on Earth Day, my village has its own sacred tradition. It’s a time we hold dear, a ritual of reconnection. Led by our wise and gentle village shaman, the incredible Miss Jade Hecate – whose wisdom flows as freely as the river itself – we would venture together. Not just to the edge of the forest, but deep, deep within its heart. We’d leave the familiar paths behind, carrying only what we needed, shedding the layers of everyday life to find ourselves truly present.
Picture this: setting up camp under a canopy so thick the sunlight filters through like scattered diamonds. The nights are filled with the crackle of a responsibly managed fire, the murmur of shared stories, and the profound, peaceful silence of the wilderness. Miss Jade would guide us through gentle, rational rituals – not of complex dogma, but of pure, refined gratitude. We’d offer thanks to the soil that sustains us, the trees that shelter us, the river that nourishes us, and all the creatures, big and small, that share our world.
It’s a time of quiet reflection, of strengthening bonds with each other and with the vibrant life force that pulses all around us. It’s about remembering we are part of this magnificent medley, not separate from it.
It’s grounding. It’s humbling. It’s pure magic.
But last 3 years... oh, year 2022 was a total different!
As some of you might have heard through the grapevine (or perhaps saw a fleeting post!), life took me on a little journey across the sea to West Malaysia. My university, bless its forward-thinking heart, chose me – little ol’ ikki! – to represent our faculty at a series of important university conferences. As a senior lecturer, it was truly an honour, a chance to share ideas, learn from brilliant minds, and bring back fresh perspectives to our students here in Sabah. It was exciting, stimulating, and yes, a little bit daunting!
The days were filled with presentations, discussions, networking, and lots of strong tea! But as the calendar page turned closer to April 22nd, a little pang hit my heart. Earth Day. My forest. My village. Miss Jade. The familiar ritual of quiet communion under the ancient trees. I wouldn't be there.
Now, don't get me wrong, I was incredibly grateful for the opportunity in West Malaysia. But a part of me felt adrift, disconnected from my usual anchor point for celebrating our planet.
How could I honour Mother Earth away from the deep green embrace I knew so well?
And then, serendipity stepped in, wearing hiking boots!
A few of my wonderful colleagues at the conference, folks I’d quickly bonded with over shared passions and late-night brainstorming sessions, suggested an Earth Day adventure of their own.
"ikki," they said, their eyes sparkling with enthusiasm, "Forget the conference halls for a day! Let's celebrate Earth Day the best way we know how – by getting out in it! Let's go hiking!"
My heart leaped! Hiking! Yes! It wasn't the deep, primal forest of Kinabatangan, but it was nature, movement, fresh air! It felt right.
So, on Earth Day morning, armed with water bottles, sunscreen, and hearts full of anticipation, we set off. My colleagues, my new friends, became my trusted companions on this unexpected path. We drove out of the city bustle, the landscape gradually shifting from concrete and steel to rolling hills and verdant slopes. The air grew cooler, cleaner. The sounds changed from traffic hum to birdsong and the rustle of leaves.
[circa 2022; breathtaking sights in nature]
The trail they chose wound its way up into the hills, sometimes challenging, sometimes gentle, always beautiful. We weren't racing; we were savouring. We pointed out interesting plants, marvelled at the magnificent trees clinging to rocky outcrops, and paused just to breathe in the panoramic views that unfolded as we climbed higher. The camaraderie was infectious – shared laughter echoed on the path, helping hands were offered on steeper sections, and comfortable silences allowed us to simply soak in the beauty around us.
It was already a perfect way to honour the day, a moving meditation of gratitude for the physical world. But then came the surprise.
Something I hadn't expected at all.
Nestled along our hiking route, tucked away in serene clearings or perched dramatically on hillsides, were temples. Stunning, ornate temples, radiating an aura of peace and history. We hadn't specifically planned to visit them, but there they were, threaded seamlessly into the natural landscape, like quiet guardians of the hills.
[circa 2022; sacred and serene]
We approached them with respect, removing our shoes where required, our voices naturally softening. The scent of sandalwood incense mingled with the earthy fragrance of the hills. Intricate carvings told ancient stories. Wind chimes tinkled softly in the breeze. Seeing these places of worship, built with such care and reverence, standing in harmony with the surrounding nature… it added a whole new layer to the experience.
It wasn't the shamanic rituals of my village, but it was another form of human connection to something greater than ourselves, a different expression of respect for the world and its mysteries. It reminded me that reverence for life, for beauty, for peace, takes many forms, all of them valid, all of them precious. We saw shrines dedicated to deities interlaced with nature, offerings of flowers laid out with care. It felt like the hills themselves were whispering secrets of balance, of coexistence between human spirit and the natural world.
Standing there, catching my breath, surrounded by newfound friends, the vast sky above, the green earth beneath, and the quiet dignity of an old temple nearby… I felt an overwhelming sense of connection.
Different from my forest home, yes, but just as profound. It wasn't the deep immersion in pure wilderness, but rather an exploration of how humanity and nature can intertwine, creating places of astonishing beauty and tranquility.
It was, quite simply, one of the best Earth Days. Unexpected. Joyful. Deeply moving.
It taught me that the spirit of Earth Day isn't confined to one specific place or ritual. It lives in the intention we bring, in the gratitude we cultivate, in the connections we forge – with the planet, and with each other. Whether deep in the Bornean rainforest or hiking the hills of West Malaysia, the call to appreciate and protect our world resonates.
And that, my dear friends, brings me to YOU!
My heart is full from sharing this memory, this little slice of my journey. But connection is a two-way street, isn't it? It thrives on sharing, on listening, on celebrating together.
So now, I turn the question lovingly back to you all:
How did YOU celebrate Earth Day this year?
What little moments of magic, big adventures, or quiet reflections did you experience?
- Did you plant something new in your garden, feeling the cool earth between your fingers?
- Did you take a walk in a local park, noticing the first buds of spring or the vibrant colours of autumn leaves?
- Did you participate in a community clean-up, showing love for your local environment?
- Did you simply sit by a window, watching the clouds drift by, and feel a moment of quiet gratitude?
- Did you share a special meal made with local, seasonal ingredients?
- Did you read a book or watch a documentary that deepened your appreciation for our planet?
- Or perhaps, like me in previous years, you have your own unique traditions?
No act of appreciation is too small! Every conscious moment of connection matters. Every bit of kindness towards our planet ripples outwards.
I would be absolutely thrilled to hear your stories. Your experiences inspire me endlessly!
Please, if you feel comfortable sharing, send me a little note. You can slide into my DMs on ETSY or pop an email over to me. Tell me about your Earth Day! Big or small, quiet or loud, traditional or spontaneous – I want to hear it all! Let's create a beautiful collage of shared appreciation together.
Sharing these moments helps us remember we're all in this together, a global family united by the beautiful, fragile home we share.
As I settle back into the familiar embrace of Sabah, carrying the memories of West Malaysian hills and temples alongside the deep-rooted love for my Kinabatangan home, my heart is full of hope. Hope for our planet, and hope for all of you.
May your days be filled with sunshine and birdsong. May you find peace in nature's embrace, wherever you are. May your lives be blessed with joy, health, and wonderful connections.
Let's continue to hold our Earth gently.
Let's pray for its healing, actively work to save its precious ecosystems, and always, always appreciate the miracle of all living things – from the tallest trees to the tiniest insects, from the vast oceans to the soil beneath our feet. And let's be kind to each other along the way.
Sending you all so much love, light, and cheerful vibes from my little corner of the world!