Nyepi

Who travels intentionally to an island that is eight degrees south of the equator, has monsoon like rain almost daily and shuts down completely for 24 hours? I do! It's not just any island it is known as the Island of the Gods- I can confirm the vibration I felt was everywhere from connecting with each Balinese person by smiling and greeting with prayer hands, eye contact and sharing "Suksma" (Thank you) followed by Mewali (Welcome) that is the Bali, Indonesia experience.

Nyepi, March 29, 2025, is the most significant annual celebration for the Hindus of Bali. It marks the beginning of the "Caka New Year" (210-day calendar) and the end of the rainy season- that part is debatable from my firsthand experience as the rains were powerful and heavy.

On the eve of Nyepi Balinese Hindus perform purification rituals to cleanse and ward of negative forces. Young people in each village spend countless hour creating giant paper and bamboo effigies " OOGOH- OOGOH: which symbolize evil spirits. These effigies are paraded around the village at night in a ritual called Pengerupukan along with the beautiful sound of traditional instruments, chants. and fire torches. This ritual serves as an offering to drive away the evil spirits and ensure balance and harmony of life continues.

I have wanted to travel to Bali " Island of the Gods during this high holy time of year since 2020 when I learned and was initiated in a powerful the Balinese Energy clearing called "Shiva Murti". What I yearned to experience was the day following Nyepi day where the ENTIRE island enters a state of complete silence. This begins at 6:00am on March 29th and finishes at 6:00 am on March 30th. In the Balinese Hindu tradition, the observance " CATUR BRATA PENTEYPIAN" focuses on four main restrictions: no fire or light, no work, no travel, no entertainment. As I studied this over the years my western mind could not conceive that the airport shuts down completely, no travel, no internet, no TV, can't be on the beach or pathways at all. STILLNESS emerged from the outside as the sun set, there was no hotel path lights and you were asked not to go out on your patio or balcony. A true day of self- introspection ensued. Can you imagine this practice in the USA? What might unfold differently if each of us tried this out just for a half day, an hour or two?

There were so many teachings I came away with by the demonstration of this culture in each place I stayed. Several practices resonated deeply with me. Each morning the gathering of the fallen flowers from the night are used as beautiful flower offerings. Plumeria was the scent that circled my awareness with each step for nothing is wasted there. I felt the light of the universe offering just what is needed and in right timing with a gentle wink.

Also, every business and household has

at least one altar. As I walked in hustle and bustle of Ubud my awareness was heightened so I would not step on the offerings to the gods on the sidewalks which had flowers, a little rice and a burning incense. Always connected to the balance and energy of the Gods I was able to witness moment by moment as I moved through my day (swimming, walking, eating, shopping) and it was never just limited to the sacred temples we went to and participated in the practice of honoring the Gods.

How have I brought this new awareness back into my life? I now have reconnected to spending quiet time in the morning (before the outside world is invited into my sacred space)  in reflection- even when my mind says come on we gotta go, not enough time- I pause and finish. I have fresh flowers, and I collect one flower that is on the ground as I walk in my own neighborhood connecting  back to nature and presence. Gratitude has resurfaced in my heart for the everyday experiences and the retreat of not sharing anger or worry by spewing as I was doing repeatedly before my trip. I notice I sleep better (after the jetlag wore off) food tastes delicious again (I am eating the same things I did before!) I am back to reading books and going to the library and most importantly I have reconnected with myself in a deeper way that is more acceptance of what IS and that has brought me more balance and clarity. Now I can share this restorative energy with my clients and with the world. 

Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti OM

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