On October 31, 2010, I spent an entire day in silence at Pyramid Valley, 30 kilometers from Bangalore city, a place where people go to observe silence and meditate in a large pyramid-like structure. Though I did nothing, a lot happened. You may wonder how that is possible. Well, let me explain. It was a day of pure self-realization, heightened awareness of my surroundings, and a meditative journey that offered deep insights into life. By the end of the day, all this contemplation left me enriched and satisfied. I felt an innate joy and returned rejuvenated and energized. It was undoubtedly the best day I had had after many days of working. I arrived at the retreat center at 9 a.m., and the first thing I did was switch off my mobile phone. Not wanting any interruptions, I had even given away my watch the night before. I didn’t want to be bound by any timeline. I wanted to experience the feeling of timelessness—free from deadlines, routines, or limitations.

From Timeline to Time Cycle

Without the tools of restriction, the first noticeable change was how life shifted from a "timeline" to a "time cycle." Throughout the day, I didn’t know the exact time—whether it was 11 a.m., 2 p.m., or 8 p.m. Although unaware of clock time, I could sense whether it was morning, afternoon, evening, or night based on the sun’s position and the length of shadows. Another revelation about the time cycle occurred when I decided to eat only when I felt hungry, rather than adhering to preset meal times for lunch or dinner. I listened to my inner feelings, which taught me that I don’t need to conform to external timelines or conditioning.

This realization illuminated how timelines often lead to deadlines, which are a significant source of stress. Humans created time, but nature gave us the time cycle. Following human-created time generates tension, anxiety, and panic, while aligning with nature’s time cycle enhances productivity and efficiency. When you are not constrained by time, your potential grows, and your output improves. Thus, don’t let time enslave you; instead, use it to its fullest.

Mindful Awareness

Another highlight of the day was the simple act of "being"—just existing in the moment. For the first time in many years, I walked barefoot and experienced the various textures of different surfaces. I realized I was no longer accustomed to walking barefoot, as hard and stony paths hurt my feet. However, I took it in stride. Each time a stone caused discomfort, I imagined it energizing my kidney points, improving blood flow to my liver, or strengthening my heart! Ha ha! Usually, I take brisk walks for cardio exercise, but at the retreat, I strolled leisurely, absorbing every detail of nature. In silence, I noticed the intricate beauty of every plant and insect. Their colors and patterns seemed more vivid than ever. I observed butterflies, chameleons, squirrels at play, spiders, ants, dogs, vibrant flowers, the expansive blue sky, and drifting white and gray clouds.

Never before had I paid attention to so many details in a single day. Not a single negative thought crossed my mind. I didn’t worry about office work or the global affairs of Laughter Yoga. I was in a world free from hurry, worry, or constraints. Even the fruit I ate that day tasted extraordinary. Unlike my usual habit of hurriedly eating, I peeled the fruit slowly and savored its taste and fragrance. The orange peel, for example, had never delighted my senses as it did that day.

Surprisingly, I was unusually neat and tidy—something my wife, Madhuri, would have appreciated, as she often complains about the mess I make. Ha ha ha! I also listened to bird songs without identifying the birds. Normally, when you hear a sound, you instinctively try to recognize its source. But in this meditative state, I heard the sounds without judgment or curiosity about their origin. This yogic practice of detached listening fosters a non-judgmental attitude, freeing the mind from unnecessary evaluations.

Pyramid Meditation

You’ve probably heard about the pyramids of Egypt and their ability to harness cosmic energy, impacting the body, mind, and spirit. I felt a similar energy envelop me when I entered the pyramid at Pyramid Valley. This massive structure can accommodate nearly 2,000 people for meditation. Inside, there’s a tower you can climb to experience heightened vibrations. Out of curiosity, I climbed to the top, but it was extremely hot, and the energy flow was so intense that I quickly returned to the bottom, where it was as cool as an air-conditioned room.

The most common meditation practiced in the pyramid is observing the breath—a Buddhist technique called Anapanasati. By focusing on your breath, you connect with your subconscious mind, which reveals stored emotions and feelings. After meditating in the pyramid, I wandered around the retreat center, and thoughts about Laughter Yoga University, the global Laughter movement, my personal life, family, and my connection to the universe surfaced naturally.

In conclusion, this day of silence was an extraordinary journey into self-discovery and mindfulness. It taught me valuable lessons about time, awareness, and the joy of simply "being." I returned home not only rejuvenated but also with a deeper understanding of life’s subtle beauty and harmony.