“Listen to silence, it has so much to say.” - Rumi
In March, we observe Nyepi in Bali. Nyepi is the Balinese Day of Silence. During Nyepi, the normally busy streets of Bali are still. There is no work, no entertainment, and no travel. A remarkable stillness falls over everyone as they take time to meditate and pray. I used to say I wish other places in the world would also celebrate Nyepi.
Like most of you, I’ve seen the strange images of major cities as we all try to contain the spread of COVID-19: an abandoned Trevi Fountain, New York City’s Grand Central Station turned ghost town, the iconic Eiffel Tower totally devoid of tourists. And while many see these images as haunting - even depressing - I can’t help but think that this is our international Nyepi.
As we’re doing our part, bunkered up and forced into more stillness than usual, perhaps this is really our time. Time to reflect and do the deep work we didn’t have time for when life was moving more quickly. Time for deep rest. Time to pray, if we are called to. Time to think about how we can stretch ourselves toward more kindness, more generosity, and more LOVE.
This is a time to let the earth breathe and rest, and let your fear and panic dissipate. This time is a gift. How will you use it?
At Love Is Project, we're more focused than ever on spreading LOVE during this challenging time. That's why we are sending out inspiring, LOVE-filled reminders that we hope will help you keep living your lives with open hearts, even when things around us feel scary. Think of them as personal love notes, from all of us at Love Is Project, to you.
Come be part of the journey toward more inner peace, more self-care, and more LOVE.