March 29th

Finding Inspiration in Nyepi: A Day of Silence and Reflection

Today, Bali goes completely quiet for Nyepi, the Day of Silence. No flights, no traffic, no lights, just stillness. The island pauses for 24 hours, giving space for reflection, rest, and a reset for both people and nature.

The silence is not just about peace. It is deeply rooted in Balinese Hindu tradition. The belief is that by making everything completely still and quiet, evil spirits will think the island is empty and move on, leaving Bali cleansed and renewed for the year ahead. It is also a time for self-reflection, stepping away from distractions, and reconnecting with yourself.

In the lead-up, the energy is completely different, chaotic in the best way. The night before, the Ogoh-Ogoh parade takes over the streets. Giant handcrafted statues representing bad spirits are marched through town before being burned, symbolising cleansing and letting go. Then, the next day, everything stops. No one is allowed outside, no work, no internet, no noise. After Nyepi, the island feels fresh, like a blank slate.

Not going to lie, I still spent most of the day cleaning, reading, and doing some work, but I really appreciated the quiet. It is not often you get a full day without the usual buzz of life, and it is kind of nice to be forced into slowing down.

Maybe we do not need a full day of silence all the time, but there is definitely something to take from it. Making space for stillness, being more intentional with rest, or just remembering that sometimes, the best reset is simply pressing pause.