All day I just listened

Nyepi is the Balinese "Day of Silence" and when I say silent, I am not kidding. Everything is totally closed down including the international airport, Ngurah Rai—no flights in or out. There are no cars, motorbikes or people on the streets and everyone is expected to be home, quiet, lights off, TV off, no phones...virtually a day of silence. This day of silent self-reflection starts at 6 am and goes to 6 am the following day.

I got up to another hot clear Bali morning but with only the sweet sound of doves. No motorbikes? Not being able to go out to take my morning walk, I realized I was in for the day and it was only 8 am. So, I put on a sarong, fixed myself a Bali Kopi and wandered out into the garden. I started to listen to the sounds around me and I began to write down what I heard. Of course, I don't speak bird or insect so I am not sure of the spelling, but it was quite fun and a marvelous experience. Along with an occasional dog all I heard was nature. 

It was a wonderful day until it got dark and than I got busted by the local "banjar" for having my one light too bright. It seemed to be reflecting off the thatched roof overhang. So at 7:30 pm, by very low light, I was hunkered down in the bedroom reflecting upon my day and sketching this post. When I awakened today, I was a little sad that Nyepi was over. I believe the Balinese have something here with Nyepi. It is good to take a day to just sit, watch and listen without the noise and distractions of everyday life. To just be. I'm not sure I have ever done this before, but I hope to do it again.

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