Stories & Songs by the Pond
An Evening of Connection Beneath the Stars At The Water Jars, we believe that connection — not only with nature, but also with one another — is the true essence of healing and restoration. That’s why, every two weeks, we host our signature event: Twilight Gathering — a gentle, soulful evening of stories, music, and poetry shared by the stillness of the pond. As the sun begins to dip beyond the hills and the sky turns lavender-blue, our guests gather near the water’s edge. Floor cushions and woven mats are laid out under hanging lanterns and bamboo torches. There is no formal stage, no bright lights — just the sound of frogs in the distance, the rustle of wind through leaves, and the soft murmur of people arriving and settling in. At our most recent gathering, fourteen guests from various parts of the world — Denmark, Japan, Australia, and across Indonesia — sat side by side in a quiet semicircle. A language teacher from Denmark surprised everyone with a short poem he had written in Bahasa Indonesia, which ended with spontaneous applause and some teary smiles. Another guest shared a personal story about her grandmother’s village in North Sumatra. A local musician gently played an acoustic guitar between sharings, and soon, a few guests joined in humming, then singing softly in unison. We passed around herbal tea brewed with pandan and lemongrass, served in handmade ceramic cups. There was no agenda, no microphone, no pressure to perform. Some people chose only to listen — and that, too, was welcome. Here, being present is enough. Twilight Gathering is more than just an event. It is a ritual of remembrance — of the human voice, of oral tradition, of the timeless magic that happens when stories are shared freely, without judgment. In a world filled with noise, this is our quiet rebellion: a return to sincerity, to slowness, to truth. Because sometimes, the most profound connections don’t require anything more than open hearts, flickering candlelight, and a safe space to be heard.
Blending Fragrance from the Garden
Last Saturday, the quiet stillness of The Water Jars garden was infused with the soft scent of herbs and the gentle sound of laughter, as we welcomed a circle of guests into one of our most intimate workshops to date — Botanical Mist Making: Blending Fragrance from the Garden. Guided by Diah, a deeply intuitive aromatherapy practitioner trained in both Bali and Chiang Mai, the workshop offered more than just instruction. It became a sensory journey — a space where each participant was invited to slow down, explore scent, and connect deeply with the living ingredients growing just beyond the terrace. We began the morning by foraging: rose petals kissed by the morning dew, stalks of lemongrass swaying gently in the breeze, sprigs of mint warmed by sunlight, and the calming aroma of dried lavender. Everything was harvested by hand — not just for its aromatic quality, but also for its energy and presence. Diah explained the subtle relationship between scent and memory, between herbs and emotion. She encouraged everyone to move away from the idea of “right” combinations and instead, to listen — to the plants, to their bodies, to what they were drawn toward. There were no formulas. Only feeling. Only intention. As soft music played in the background and herbal tea was passed around, guests experimented with rosewater bases, drop by drop. They mixed oils and infusions into elegant glass bottles, each one becoming a personal mist — not only for the skin but for the spirit. Some blended for clarity, some for grounding, others for joy or emotional healing. What emerged was not just a product, but a piece of each participant’s story — a fragrant reminder of a moment when the boundaries between person and plant blurred. The workshop closed with a grounding ritual: a shared misting in silence, as sunlight filtered through the trees and a soft breeze passed through the open space. Everyone left with more than a handcrafted mist. They carried a sense of intimacy with nature — a quiet knowing that the garden is not just something we visit, but something we belong to. This workshop is a part of our living philosophy at The Water Jars: not to extract from nature, but to listen, to participate, and to create harmony alongside it.
Welcoming the Sun at The Water Jars
Every quiet morning at The Water Jars begins with something simple, yet deeply meaningful — a ritual to welcome the rising sun. It’s not just about physical movement, nor a strict spiritual routine. It’s a gentle invitation to return to ourselves, to the breath, and to the rhythm of the earth. At exactly 6:30 AM, just as the first golden light brushes over the treetops, guests and staff gather barefoot in our open garden. The grass is still cool with dew. A soft scent of lemongrass incense drifts through the air. A warm cup of herbal tea — brewed with local leaves like pandan, ginger, or torch ginger flower — is offered to awaken the body before we begin. The session starts with silence. No music, no instruction, just stillness and breath. Slowly, we ease into a series of gentle sun salutations — nothing too strenuous. It’s a flow that honors the body, the space, and the day ahead. Even if you’ve never done yoga before, this is a safe space. There’s no expectation to perform, only a quiet invitation to be present. You might hear the distant hum of a rooster, or the rustle of leaves as the morning breeze drifts in. Dragonflies hover above the pond, and sometimes a local dog may wander by, sensing the calm. This daily practice isn’t just for the body — it’s a spiritual cleansing. A moment to realign, to forgive yesterday, and to step into the new day with softness. Many of our guests — even those who never considered themselves “morning people” — say this ritual becomes their most cherished memory. Some have called it a “spiritual reset.” Others, a “quiet homecoming.” But for us, it’s simply part of the rhythm of life here.We believe water flows not only around us but within us — fluid, adaptive, and pure. And like water, our spirit needs gentle purification each day. That begins with stillness, light, and breath. When you greet the sun in silence, something in you shifts. You remember you are not separate from the world — you are part of it.You are nature, too.
A Classroom Under the Trees
“Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. — John 2:7 In a village tucked into the hills of rural Nusa Tenggara, children gather each morning not in a building, but beneath the shade of a tamarind tree. The ground is their floor, the breeze is their air conditioning, and the distant sounds of roosters and waves serve as their school bell. This is school, for now. When we first heard about this community, it reminded us of what matters most: the heart to learn, the willingness to teach, and the sacred beauty of making something out of almost nothing. In 2024, The Water Jars began supporting a grassroots effort led by a small but passionate group of local teachers and volunteers. Their goal was simple: build a basic but safe and weatherproof learning space for the children—most of whom are the first in their families to ever attend school. We didn’t come with grand blueprints or massive resources. We came as jars—empty but willing to be filled. Through a series of small but powerful donations, and with the help of local laborers and parents, construction of a bamboo-and-zinc learning shelter began. Within a few weeks: A tented roof gave shade to the young learners. Solar lamps made late-afternoon reading possible. And a box of 300 donated books became a mobile library. But more than the structures, what grew was hope.Children began arriving earlier. Parents began asking questions. The spirit of learning caught fire. One of the local volunteers, a young woman named Lia, told us, “We don’t need much. Just a space. Just love. Just someone to believe this is worth it.” And we do believe.Because just like in Cana, we know that miracles begin with what we already have—offered in obedience. This story is still unfolding.And there are many more trees to turn into classrooms.
Emergency Aid for Earthquake Victims
In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck Cianjur, West Java, The Water Jars has extended a helping hand to support the affected communities. Known for its commitment to clean water access and community well-being, the organization quickly mobilized to deliver essential aid to those in urgent need. The earthquake, which measured 5.6 on the Richter scale, left hundreds injured and displaced thousands of families. Homes were reduced to rubble, and basic necessities such as food, water, and sanitation became scarce. In response, The Water Jars launched an emergency relief initiative titled “Standing with Cianjur”. The program focused on distributing clean drinking water, portable water jars, water purification kits, and hygiene essentials to shelters and temporary camps across the affected areas. “In times of crisis, access to safe water can mean the difference between life and death,” said [Spokesperson Name], Head of Community Outreach at The Water Jars. “Our mission has always been rooted in compassion, and we stand in solidarity with the people of Cianjur.” Over the span of three days, more than 2,000 water jars and 1,500 hygiene kits were distributed to families, alongside educational materials on safe water handling and disease prevention. Local volunteers and health workers were also involved in the initiative to ensure smooth and respectful distribution. This emergency effort marks The Water Jars’ continued dedication to social impact and environmental care in Southeast Asia. Beyond disaster relief, the organization also runs long-term programs aimed at building water infrastructure and promoting sustainable living in rural communities. To support ongoing relief operations, The Water Jars encourages individuals and organizations to donate or volunteer. Every contribution, big or small, can help rebuild lives and restore hope.
Mobile Health Outreach for Coastal Families
In many coastal and island regions of Indonesia, healthcare is a luxury. For some, a clinic is two boats and a motorbike ride away—if the weather permits. For others, giving birth or treating an infection means waiting, praying, and hoping for the best. In these places, access becomes everything. That’s why in early 2025, The Water Jars joined hands with a regional health initiative to support a mobile health clinic—a program that brings medical services to the doors (or boats) of remote communities. The clinic team, consisting of one doctor, two nurses, and a midwife, travels by land and water to reach families who might otherwise go years without seeing a medical professional. We’ve helped fund: Basic medical supplies Fuel for boat journeys to three island clusters Maternal care kits for pregnant women A set of health education booklets written in the local language What we witnessed during our visit wasn’t just medicine being given—it was dignity being restored. One mother, cradling her newborn, told us: “I used to think we were forgotten. But when the boat came, I cried. Because someone remembered.” Another elderly man came not for treatment but just to thank the team for “crossing the sea just to see us.” It reminded us once again of the story of Cana. The miracle didn’t happen because there were grand resources. It happened because someone obeyed. Someone said yes. Someone filled the jars. We don’t claim to be the miracle workers.But we want to be part of the vessel that carries the healing forward
