Sometimes all it takes is one moment—one blink of insight, one quiet nudge from within—to completely shift your perspective.
It doesn’t have to be loud. It doesn’t have to be dramatic. But it’s powerful.
Clarity often comes like a whisper in the stillness, breaking through the noise we’ve been drowning in for days, weeks, maybe even years. It may show up in the middle of a conversation, during a walk outside, while you’re journaling, or even as you simply sit in silence with yourself.
And suddenly, the fog lifts.
That one moment of clarity might be:
Realizing it’s time to let go of what no longer serves you.
Understanding that you’ve been enough all along.
Choosing peace over pressure.
Seeing a situation for what it truly is—not what fear made it seem.
Or just deciding you’re ready for something new, something better.
We often underestimate the power of one moment. But that moment can become the seed of transformation—the turning point that leads to change, growth, and renewal.
I’ve learned to celebrate these small awakenings. I’ve come to see them as sacred gifts. They might not solve everything instantly, but they remind me that I’m still growing, still listening, still evolving.
If you’ve had a moment like that recently—hold onto it. Let it guide your next steps. Let it anchor you when things feel unsure. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Sometimes, one clear step is more than enough.
And if you’re still waiting for that moment? Be patient. It will come. The heart knows how to find its way through.
Today, I celebrate the power of just one moment of clarity—because one moment is sometimes all it takes to change everything.
Every note of the steelpan carries a story—a story of a people’s resilience, creativity, and determination to turn struggle into something beautiful. When those sweet, vibrant tones fill the air, it’s more than just music. It’s the voice of Trinidad and Tobago, calling to the world.
World Steelpan Day, officially recognized by the United Nations on August 11, 2023, is celebrated annually on August 11. It honours the steelpan as the only acoustic musical instrument invented in the 20th century and as a cultural treasure that belongs not just to our nation, but to the world.
The Journey of the Steelpan – From Humble Beginnings to World Stage
Early 1900s – In the working-class communities of Port of Spain, Trinidad, African descendants used tamboo bamboo (bamboo sticks) to create rhythmic music for Carnival. These rhythms were born from traditions that survived the Middle Passage and the colonial era.
1930s – Musicians began experimenting with metal objects such as biscuit tins, oil drums, and dustbin covers. This experimentation led to new sounds, sharper tones, and the beginnings of melody.
Late 1930s to 1940s – Innovators like Winston “Spree” Simon, Ellie Mannette, and Neville Jules refined the instrument, tuning sections of the drum to produce distinct musical notes. The transformation from makeshift percussion to a full melodic instrument was underway.
1951 – The Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra (TASPO) was formed to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the Festival of Britain. This was a landmark moment—the steelpan was now recognized internationally.
1960s–1970s – Panorama competitions were born, giving steel orchestras a grand stage to showcase skill, creativity, and arrangements. The sound of steelpan became an inseparable part of Carnival and national identity.
1992 – The steelpan was declared the National Instrument of Trinidad and Tobago.
2023 – The United Nations General Assembly declared August 11 as World Steelpan Day, officially recognizing its cultural significance globally.
Why We Celebrate
The steelpan is more than music—it is a symbol of transformation. It emerged from a time when certain drums were banned, yet people found a way to create a new sound, using discarded oil drums and pure imagination. It represents the spirit of turning challenges into opportunities, of finding joy despite adversity.
Today, steelpan music is played worldwide—in schools, orchestras, and festivals from London to Tokyo, New York to Johannesburg. It continues to bring people together, proving that joy is truly a universal language.
Keeping the Rhythm Alive
On this World Steelpan Day, we celebrate:
The Pioneers – Innovators, tuners, and arrangers who gave the world this gift.
The Performers – Pannists of all ages who dedicate hours to perfecting their craft.
The Communities – From panyards to global stages, where music is not just played but lived.
The Future – Young players learning to carry forward the legacy with pride.
Let us teach the next generation not just to play the notes, but to understand the story behind them. Let them feel the pride of holding an instrument that is a living piece of history.
Happy World Steelpan Day! May the music of our national instrument continue to inspire, unite, and celebrate the heartbeat of our people. Because when we celebrate the steelpan, we celebrate ourselves—and the rhythm of our nation lives on.
Each year on April 22nd, we come together as a global community to celebrate World Earth Day—a reminder that our planet is not just where we live, but who we are. How did I spend my day? Well, today my class sessions were filled with activities celebrating World Earth Day! To me, World Earth Day is major and that’s because it’s more than oceans, forests, and skies—it’s the home that holds our dreams, our stories, and our future. As they say, small acts create great impacts!
This year’s Earth Day theme is a call to action: “Planet vs. Plastics”, urging us to reduce plastic pollution and protect the health of both the planet and its people. But beyond the campaigns and hashtags lies something deeply personal—our relationship with nature.
Why does Earth Day Matter? Earth Day isn’t just about planting trees or turning off lights (though those are great starts!). It’s about awareness. It’s about asking, What kind of world are we creating for the next generation? As a mom, I often think of my kids and the kind of Earth they will grow up in. The values we pass on—respect, kindness, gratitude—should also extend to the planet that sustains us.
What are some simple ways to Celebrate Earth Day? You don’t need grand gestures. Here are a few gentle, impactful ways to celebrate:
Start at home: Reduce single-use plastics. Reuse containers. Recycle what you can.
Go outside: Go for a nature walk. Pick up litter. Breathe deeply. Say thank you.
Teach the little ones: Talk about how plants grow, why bees matter, and how they can be heroes for the Earth.
Support eco-conscious brands:Your choices at the checkout counter matter more than you think.
Share what you learn: Use your voice online and offline. Positivity and knowledge are contagious.
Above all, give thanks! Let’s pause for a second—not to feel guilty about what we haven’t done, but to feel grateful for what we can still do. Earth has given us so much—beauty, food, shelter, inspiration. Let’s honor her not just today, but every day.
As we celebrate this Earth Day, let’s commit to small, consistent steps. Why? Every refillable bottle, every turned-off light, every tree planted—it all matters.
Yes, you read it correctly! Today, May 30th marks the 178th anniversary of our East Indian ancestors to Trinidad and Tobago who came from India as Indentured Labourers. Blessed we are for the sacrifices they made, or else we would not be here!
From the very beginning of our journey, there is a lot to celebrate in terms of where we have come from and where we are today! While many may not understand it, those who know understand it all too well. More so, those of us who have been blessed to visit India have a deeper appreciation for the Motherland.
Trinidad and Tobago’s culture is a true melting pot of various cultures, and we are proud people, proud of our heritage and proud of our multi-ethnicity. In addition to having a rich East Indian culture shaped by our music, dance, food and so much more, we have several key landmarks that tell the story of our culture and our diversity.
Those who know us know us for doubles, our curry and our sweets, they know us for our drums, they know us for our music (religious and otherwise), they know us for our ethnic wear, and this is a microcosm of it all. When our ancestors came, they brought with them our Holy Scriptures that continue to guide us and protect us. They brought the Ramayana, the Hanuman Chalisa, the Bhagwat-Gita and their story is one of determination, diligence, persistence, humility and endurance.
Key structures like the 85-foot Karya Siddhi Hanuman at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre in Carapichaima (the largest Hanuman Murti in the Western Hemisphere) which celebrates its 20th year of consecration this year is a significant representation of strength and spirituality. The South Indian style architecture of the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre in itself tells a deeper story which links Trinidad to India via the unwavering, unflinching dedication, commitment and selfless work of His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, Pontiff at Avadhoota Datta Peetham in Mysore, India.
Photo credit: DestinationTNT
Another iconic structure is the Temple in the Sea named after the late Siewdass Sadhu, an Indian labourer who singlehandedly built the temple in the sea over a period of 25 years with only his bicycle to transport materials. The temple which is on a man-made island, is connected to the mainland via a pedestrian causeway.
For those of us who are fortunate, we have been able to hear the stories of our ancestors. They have given us our identity and we remain ever grateful to them for all they have done for us!
Happy Hanuman Jayanti everyone! It is definitely a blessed day for more reasons than one. For starters, this year marks the 20th Anniversary of the consecration of the 85ft Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Center in Carapichaima, Trinidad.
Further to this, it is a blessed occasion because we have with us in Trinidad, His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji- (our dear Appaji), and His Holiness Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji- (our dear Bala Swamiji) with us for these auspicious occasions.
The day was a day filled with prayer, filled with chanting and filled with love for Lord Hanuman.
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My review!
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My course was fully online, it was easy to access my study material and chart my progress every step of the way. What made it easier is that even though I had a very busy schedule I was able to study at my pace and ask for more time to complete my studies in case I needed to.
While I know not everyone’s experience will be the same, I am quite happy to share my experience! My advice to you would be to use this link https://premiertefl.com?ptaff=900 and check out their courses for yourself as you will realize there are many options to choose from. What becomes vitally important is knowing how recognized your qualification is and ensuring that you give your best.
Photo credit: Premier TEFL Here is a review someone else shared about Premier TEFL!
What’s even better is that thanks to Premier TEFL I am a trained and TEFL Instructor who is happily working my way through other courses at Premier TEFL.
As I do this I can easily reach out to the support team and I am always being informed to the best places to apply for TEFL jobs. Trust me, it is a journey you will enjoy so get ready to ‘wet your feet’ and begin a new adventure, for you as well as your family!
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Happy Independence Day Trinidad and Tobago! Today we celebrate 59 years! “Together we aspire, Together we achieve” with “Discipline, Production and Tolerance”.
Have you taken the time to celebrate the Independence of our country? Don’t worry, it’s not too late!
We are a country that is culturally diverse! We are a country that is a melting pot! We are talented and we are gifted! We are people known for our warmth and a truly rich blend of food. Do you need some proof or a gentle reminder? Then click on this link:
Yes, we have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to celebrate! Have you ever met a Trini who doesn’t have a story to tell or a Trini who cannot make you laugh?
I hardly doubt it! We survive! We rally! We persevere! Maybe I am just speaking for those of us who do that, but I happen to think that is a lot of us!
Our music helps to tell our story and so does our food! So do our culture and our traditions!
Special Friday Greetings! Life and experiences change us! Always let them change you for the better and not the worse! Live and love life! Keep being you, keep smiling & always be true to yourself!
Today I take this opportunity to celebrate life, love and blessings! Some may think that a post ‘Celebrating Independence Day 2018’ may be ideal but considering the recent turn of events in our country there is a clear contrast in the way I felt last year and the way I feel this year. I am sure many can understand this and many can also relate to it.
I am happy many opted to visit the page. Maybe it was due to a feeling of patriotism, maybe it serves as a reminder of how drastically things have changed, or maybe just maybe, it is a combination of both.
In all honesty (take note that I always write in all honesty)my heart goes out to the many who had to tell their families they lost their jobs and they don’t know where their next income will come from. Bear in mind it is not just workers of PETROTRIN but hundreds who work for contractors that work for PETROTRIN and the hundreds and thousands who are being sent home in other sectors of the economy.
As if things weren’t already tough we continue to see how they are getting tougher and suffering increases. What it does mean though is that the struggle is real and now more than ever we have to be thankful for life and blessings! We have to continue praying not just for ourselves and our families but we have to pray for each other and for our country. We have to pray for peace and for courage to face the current reality and what lies ahead.
As if the earthquake on August 21 was not enough of a ‘shake-up’ (yes, it is an act of nature we could not prevent) but as a country we have been surviving increases in the amount traffic fines are now costing, people continue to lose jobs, cost of living continues to rise and this past week has been filled with heart wrenching news of the realities of the energy sector.
Now more than anything we have to remember that to be humane we have to live like humans. Now more than ever we have to look out for each other, we have to be steadfast in our prayer and we have to be steadfast in our devotion. Further to that we have to be thankful that our experiences make us wiser and they make us stronger. More so we have to be confident that they will guide us forward and help us to make more informed choices and more practical ones at best.
Let us look at what we can be thankful for:
·We got up this morning (some did not).
·We made it through the day in spite of pain, in spite of hurt and in spite of the challenges we have been facing or the challenges we faced today.
·We are loved and we are blessed by the Divine who has given us life.
·I got an opportunity to share this post with you and you got an opportunity to read it.
·I got to tell you that you are not alone and in case you felt you were hopefully now you know you are not.
As Mother Teresa said, “Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.”
I ask that you be mindful of the fact that survival is a key part of moving forward! Prayer is a key part of surviving and having faith is a key part of why we pray and how we choose to live. Never believe that you are alone because you are not!
In closing please remember this: His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji always reminds devotees, “If you are a Hindu, be a good Hindu. If you are a Christian, be a good Christian and if you are a Muslim, be a good Muslim.”
To those of you who have been chanting “Shivaaya Rudraaya Namaha” as directed by His Holiness I urge you to continue doing so! To those who are praying please continue to pray and please share the message of peace. Please share the need to pray, to look out for each other and to not give up. Let this be an added source of motivation to you:
Yesterday, August 25, 2018 marked the official launch of the ‘Shivaaya Rudraaaya Namaha’ Mantra at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre in Carapichaima. The ‘Shivaaya Rudraaaya Namaha was given by devotees on the occasion of Guru Purnima 2018 for the peace and protection of Trinidad and Tobago and also for the peace and protection of the world.
Hundreds attended this function at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre to be a part of this historic occasion and also to join in the Mass Chanting of the Mantra. In attendance were several Pundits as well as members of various temples and other individuals who have heeded Sri Swamiji’s call to chant this very important Mantra. This Mantra will form an integral part of the spiritual build up of to the Maha Rudra Yagna which His Holiness Sri Swamiji announced will take place here in Trinidad in 2020.
The programme began with bhajans by the Bhajan group. Chairing the programme was Dr Ravita Singh who in her opening remarks explained the importance of chanting for the Universe. She said, “He (referring to his Holiness Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji) once said that if you pray for happiness for yourself but you are in a home where there is unhappiness it is very difficult for you to be happy. Similarly, it is difficult for there to be happiness in a home if there is unrest or unhappiness in a village.” Dr Singh further explained that achieving happiness in a village becomes difficult if there is unrest and unhappiness in a country which in turn cannot be realized if there is not peace in the world. Peace in the world in itself she explained cannot be achieved if the universe is unsettled.
The Invocation Prayer was done by Pundit Mohana Datta who serves as resident Pundit at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre and he was later joined by Pundit Abhedanand Persad Sharma for the official lighting of the lamp.
In addressing the gathering Sri Ramesh Persad Maharaj, President of the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre told devotees that Trinidad devotees were not chosen by accident to begin this Mantra Upadesham and stressed that it is “an important duty” and “an important mission to serve the rest of the country and to serve the world.” He further continued by saying that it is a great responsibility to be able to join with followers of Sanatan Dharma throughout the world in an undertaking such as this.
The Mass Chanting of the Mantra produced a total of over 500,000 chants and this was in addition to the devotees who viewed the event via social media who logged their counts separately. Included in the programme was a PowerPoint presentation informing those attending the event and those viewing the live Facebook feed how to register their chanting count on Yoga Sangeeta.
Following the official launch of the “Shivaaya Rudraaya Namaha” Mantra one long standing Datta devotee, Amrita Seyjagat remarked via Instagram, “Shivaaya Rudraaya Namaha!!! I felt like Appaji was here physically…such energy and pure happiness…”
This was a reminder of something I mentioned in my post where I described the energy that was created when Uncle Sheetal began the chanting of the Mantra and devotees joined in (Refer to: https://rachaelathomasj.com/2018/08/18/celebrating-appajis-blessings-for-all-datta-devotees.) Sri Swamiji, our Appaji always lets us know He is always with us and undoubtedly, this is another example of His omnipresence.
Akash Vani 106.5 fm carried a live broadcast of the programme but for those who may have missed the official launch please know that there will be a delayed broadcast of this event on 103.1fm on Monday (tomorrow) from 7pm to 9pm. If you would like to view the video from the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre please visit https://www.facebook.com/dyctt/videos/245358352831251/
In closing I urge you to continue to chant and to remain steadfast in your commitment to promote peace in our country, our world and the Universe. More so remain steadfast in your commitment to do your part in helping to protect each. Let us keep uniting for a common good and let us serve as best as we can!
Celebrating Existence 