Embracing Stillness: YTT Participants Experience Monobrata on Nyepi Day at Om Ham Retreat & Resort

Ubud - Bali, 29 March 2025. Nestled in the tranquil surroundings of Ubud, Bali, the Om Ham Retreat & Resort recently hosted an unforgettable 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program. One of the most profound experiences during this program was observing Nyepi Day, the Balinese Day of Silence, through the practice of Monobrata. For the participants, this unique tradition became a pivotal element of their journey toward becoming certified yoga instructors.

What is Nyepi Day and Monobrata?

Nyepi Day, also known as the Balinese New Year, is a day dedicated to silence, reflection, and self-restraint. All activities cease, and the entire island of Bali comes to a halt. Monobrata, an essential aspect of this day, involves complete silence, fasting, and introspection.

A Day of Profound Practice

On Nyepi Day, the YTT participants at Om Ham Retreat & Resort began their day with self-practice yoga. The serene ambiance of the retreat provided an ideal setting for deepening their asanas and individual practice. With no external distractions, the participants found a heightened sense of focus and presence on their mats, allowing them to refine their techniques and connect more deeply with their inner selves.

Following their yoga practice, the group engaged in meditation sessions. The uninterrupted silence of Nyepi Day amplified the meditative experience, enhancing their ability to attain a state of inner peace and clarity. For many, it was an opportunity to delve into deeper layers of self-awareness and spiritual connection.

Mindful Creativity

An integral part of the day's activities was the crafting of intricate garlands. This hands-on activity served both as a creative outlet and a meditative ritual. The meticulous process of garland making required concentration and mindfulness, encouraging participants to stay present and engaged throughout the task. The resulting garlands were not just beautiful creations but symbolic representations of the participants' journey toward mindfulness and inner harmony.

The Power of Fasting

As part of Monobrata, the YTT participants also practiced fasting. This period of abstaining from food and external pleasures served to cleanse the body and mind. Fasting encouraged participants to confront and transcend physical desires, fostering a greater sense of discipline and control. Many described the experience as both challenging and enlightening, offering them new perspectives on their relationships with their bodies and their minds.

Reflection and Integration

As Nyepi Day drew to a close, the participants gathered for a final meditation session, reflecting on their experiences. The silence and introspection of Monobrata had left a lasting impact, bringing newfound clarity and a sense of tranquility. For the YTT participants, this day was not just a retreat from the external world but an immersion into the depths of their own consciousness.

An Unforgettable Journey

The practice of Monobrata during the 200-hour YTT program at Om Ham Retreat & Resort was a transformative experience for all involved. It allowed participants to deepen their mindfulness, enhance their yoga practice, and develop a more profound spiritual connection. This unique integration of traditional Balinese culture and modern yoga training created an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and growth.

As the participants emerged from this serene interlude, they carried with them not just the teachings of yoga but the profound lessons of Nyepi Day. The stillness, silence, and introspection of Monobrata became the foundation upon which they would build their future practices, both as yoga instructors and as individuals on a continuous path of self-awakening.