Jeni Smith grew up on a sheep farm in rural Western Australia, the oldest of 8 children. She had a wonderful childhood, spending much of her time climbing trees, playing in the creeks and paddocks of the family property and helping with the work, particularly at cropping time. Her most vivid memory was walking in the rain with a jute bag over her head that her father had made to protect her from the rain. In 1994, she graduated with a degree in health science. Jeni currently runs AVIVA, an organic herbal tea business, and Manik Organik, a health food shop and lifestyle center in Sanur.
What kinds of jobs have you had in your life?
During my college years, I used to clean office buildings and worked part time as an assistant to a naturopath while I was training in that field. While in school I worked in doctors’ and dentists’ surgeries as a receptionist and assistant. After I graduated, I worked in many types of healthcare facilities including private and teaching hospitals in Perth, several rural hospitals as well as holding positions ranging from theatre nurse, emergency and outpatient nurse, generalist RN to assistant nurse manager.
How did you first become interested in Bali?
I first came to Bali in 2002 with my partner Chas who worked in Jakarta as an architect for many years. We both were ready for an adventure.
What kind of work are you involved in now?
Besides our shop and healthy lifestyle center, we also operate an organic night market where products such as tofu, jams, preserves, vegetables and natural handbags and ceramics are sold on Thursday evenings. Classes in yoga, art, meditation and qigong are offered, and we also have plans for workshops on other types of natural healing. I chose to set up my practice in Sanur because of the lack of such services here.
How did you become interested in the natural healing arts and in whole foods?
I grew up on a farm and have always been interested in natural living. Members of my family tend to live a long time (my grandmother will turn 100 this month). When I had my own children I became even more passionate about
eating and living well as I wanted only the best for them.
What kinds of healing practices do you specialize in?
I have qualifications in Bowen therapy, acupuncture, Flower Essence therapy and Sclerology. Each situation is different depending on what the person is open to, able to adjust to personally or is willing to participate in.
What do you feel is the most effective?
Bowen therapy. This treatment is hardly known outside Australia and is so gentle and yet so powerful. Because of its subtlety, it has saved many people from functional damage. If they get treatment early enough, they can avoid a lifetime of disability. I am a classic case in point as I had a serious accident in 1994 and was told I would never work again but I
am now fit and healthy thanks to natural medicine and especially to Bowen therapy.
What is unique about the programs you offer?
I think my combined background in science, in the healing arts and in energy work. In addition, I try to work with people rather than give them instructions. People have to take responsibility for their own health.
Are your programs also popular with the Balinese?
I have worked with both Balinese and Indonesian clients with very good success but generally they have their own healing systems. What we have in common is the use of herbs. We just use different ones though I am learning that some are the same. Another difference is the Balinese emphasis on the spiritual. They seem have an external locus of control which means they feel they have less personal influence in healing outcomes.
What do you think are the most pressing health issues facing the Balinese today?
Stress and pollution. The Balinese I know seem to have quite delicate immune systems. I hear of many succumbing to cancers. Both stress and pollution have been associated with cancer development.
Are there specific maladies that foreigners living in Bali are more susceptible to?
I think the worst are smoking and alcohol abuse and the consequent damage they do to themselves and every one around them, especially to their families. It is well proven scientifically how these habits adversely affect other family members, but people are on their own journey and must work through their own blocks and learn their own lessons.
Where did you get the idea for your health food outlet?
I started it because of the frustration I was feeling at not being able to get the fresh, organic food and natural remedies I needed, and what I knew other people wanted and needed. I finally just decided to open a retail operation myself.
Is it difficult to find sources for organic vegetables and whole foods?
At Manik Organik we try to support local growers as I believe organic agriculture could be a fantastic direction for Bali to take. Environmental tourism is one of Indonesia’s fastest growing sectors at the moment and it’s amazing how many people are involved in this type of gardening now. Bali has it all if they can get it together and clean up the island’s rubbish and pollution. Bali has divine scenery, fabulous marine attractions, beautiful religious ceremonies and lovely and intelligent people. I really believe that the energetic pull of this island could actually support meaningful spiritual development in the human race.
Who patronizes your health food store?
We have an eclectic mix of clients. Tourists are just learning about us, particularly those who visit regularly, but we also have lots of local Indonesians and expatriates who are becoming regular customers. Besides providing local goods, we also import supplements and whole foods that do not grow here or are not yet available here. We welcome
our customers suggesting products that we do not yet carry.
What do you like best and least about your work?
I love caring for people and enabling them to live a happier life as real health is also about happiness. What I like least about my work is that many people are not willing to take responsibility for their own good health and want a magic pill.
Do you have any future plans?
I make plans but the universe takes me where I need to go so I have learnt that the last 50 years of life is an adventure and your quality of life is how you respond to that adventure.
For anyone interested in being considered for Siapa, please contact: <pakbill2003@yahoo.com>
