Are you in quarantine? Here’s something positive! I’m inviting you to observe a special holiday with us this year. 

Nyepi, or the “Day of Silence” is part of Balinese New Year’s ceremonies and falls on March 25th, 2020. 

We’ve chosen to observe it as a company and I invite you to participate wherever you are by silently meditating, fasting, and taking a break from technology!  This year, as most of you are in quarantine, you’ll actually be able to easily participate with us! 

Every year we unite as a company alongside the Balinese and step away from our work to spend a day in silence. I think it’s important to come together as a society and reflect in silent meditation. Bali is a great example of this. The results for their society are beautiful, as I observed last year. 

 

In the days leading up to Nyepi there are many ceremonies.  I took this photo after a village performed the Melasti ritual at Batu Bolong beach.

What is Nyepi?

Long-time subscribers may have realized by now that I have a special fascination with Indonesia, and Bali specifically. In Bali, they celebrate Nyepi.  It is a day of silence, fasting, and meditation observed once a year. Activities all over Bali stop. The international airport, shops, and bars close.  The roads are empty and beaches deserted. No light or noise (TV, music) is to be seen coming out of your house. Internet and electricity is even shut off in some places. There are Pecalangs (traditional Balinese security men) on patrol to make sure nobody breaks these rules. Can you imagine if this happened in the United States?  I could never imagine this happening, until this year watching us respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. 

It is meant be a period of self-reflection: a day to make and keep a balance between nature and your actions, your inner and outer self.  While westerners begin the New Year with parties and noise, the Balinese start the New Year with silence. Many of you reached out last year asking how it feels to be part of Nyepi in Bali, so I wrote a 10+ page article about my experiences. You can learn more about Nyepi in Terra Ignota magazine.  

My Invitation

We want to invite you to participate in Nyepi with us, wherever you are. If you can, drop all electronics, travel, and regular activity and devote yourself to a day of silence. It doesn’t necessarily mean no talking – just slowing down enough to reflect on your life.  

As a result, our offices and customer service will be closed March 25-26. 




Live differently for a while,

Chris Muhlestein
Founder, Pomelo Travel