Connecting through the Language of Silence

by Aine Conaghan (Ireland)

Making a local connection Indonesia

This was a new landscape. Both inner and outer as I revelled in the language of silence and taking action through feeling. I had embraced this since departing Belfast as I made way to an island of Bali. It was November, beloved Ireland was becoming wet and cold. Now lavished in the warm expansive and visceral sea bath, this was pure delight. Looking upward to the infinite blue as nature held me in the greatest hug. The living landscape a powerful healer as it geographically aligns to the chakras of the earth. Acknowledging how perfect it all was while on Secret Beach with soothing flute music in the distance, the mind asked – why am I here?! Ready for the next step of the 30-day trip. I had pulled the usual stunt of only planning the flight with the rest to be revealed. The lady in the local warung wore her traditional dress and explained it was temples birthday as she made canang. Hindu ladies create these for offerings at temple and are seen on shrines and on the ground. I alighted when she mentioned “cave”, immediately the inward knowing recognised this to be a guided location. The magic began early morning while boarding the boat with five engines to the rear. Indonesia is the heavenly home to over 17,000 islands. Rubbing eyes in disbelief, flying fish and dolphins were seen in the distance amidst the rainbow sea spray. Upon arrival to the island, there was no harbour, you simply step into clear blue warm water. Greeted by drivers full of smiles “Hello beautiful, where you from? Where you go?”. Confused, trying to discern the difference in friendliness or the need to accept being a tourist, therefore you are a transaction. One hour later, a guy appeared and instinctively knew he was to be my driver. The hour previous, I sat aside honouring that all decisions were to be consciously made through feeling. This quiet person was Andriadi, ‘adi’ meaning only one. Only one Andri was from Java. We silently embarked on our drive to the cave. We had not realised at that point that we would travel over 800kms together via scooter. Sitting on a scooter with the same person for that long is intriguing as you generate trust and peaceful companionship. This was the first of three cave visits. Hundreds of smiling locals gathered dressed in white and I sat amongst the queue in high sun. They took turns to approach and question “you pray?… you meditate?… you like our culture?… your eyes real?”. Blue eyes were not common. Some would talk in Balinese, through eye gazing and the deep peace, a mutual understanding was felt. Three and a half hours later, thoughts went to my driver as I exited the cave. He appeared at the exact moment. Seeing my confused yet happy face, he knew my thoughts and responded, “I felt you coming”. He too shared the approach of taking action through feeling. This seemed to be common here. We both felt at ease as we navigated new territory throughout those three weeks. Exploring, foraging, respecting one another’s routines. The journey included hidden beaches that only locals visited, living and eating like a local with much Nasi Goreng! There were many laughs and random encounters. We both loved sea swims, snorkelling and to meditate. Him being Muslim, I would awaken at 1am to watch him pray. We met a Hindu priest who beautifully said “religion is to unite us, not divide us”. This line was prominent, growing up along the border of Northern Ireland, religion was an excuse for many to segregate. All of this led me to truly appreciate and admire these beautiful people and how respectful they are. Our trip ended with a sniff on the cheek, this is a respectful kiss! The question “why I was here” had been answered. Both of us had a journey in wonder. Together we experienced the true meaning of the national motto of Indonesia - Bhinekka Tunggal Ika - Unity in Diversity. No matter where you are or what you do, the people are the anchor. Lets continue to Unite in diversity. To Andriadi and the people of Indonesia, Terima Kasih!