Today is Single Parents Day, National Teenagers Day and Nyepi, the Balinese “Day of Silence” that is commemorated every Isakawarsa (Saka new year) according to the Balinese calendar.
What a perfect storm that is. Why make Single Parents Day the same day as Teenagers Day? That’s not fair for a start and then add in Nyepi, observed from 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, Nyepi is a day reserved for self-reflection, and as such, anything that might interfere with that purpose is restricted. The main restrictions are no lighting fires (and lights must be kept low); no working; no entertainment or pleasure; no traveling; and, for some, no talking or eating at all.
So does that mean I have to sit inside with my teenage children for the whole day, celebrating single parenthood in complete silence? I couldn’t think of anything worse.
We are not very good at self-reflection at the best of times and allowing time to sit and contemplate in silence, during our busy lives is virtually impossible. I wonder if they take away all our gadgets too?
Luckily for me all my kids are out!
Briony (Shiny)
March 24, 2015Hello! Been way too long since I visited here and read your lovely stuff. Your children have grown while I was away. I have taken a Facebook hiatus because it was making me stop reading things like your blog and stop writing things, like mine.
Single Parent’s Day and Teenager’s Day together? Pfft. Isn’t everyday Teenager’s Day (certainly it is in their minds!)
Love from an Autumn-turning Cape Town,
Briony (Shiny) xx
Family Affairs
March 24, 2015SHINY – I’ve missed you!! Welcome back, so lovely to hear from you. Lx