The Rhythm of Guyana and the Rhythm of Life

 #Caribbean culture

There’s something deeply magical about Guyana — a place where history, culture, and nature blend together to tell a rich and beautiful story. Every day here feels like stepping into a symphony of life, a fusion of colours, sounds, and lessons that resonate deeply with the journey of healing and growth.

Walking down Regent and Albert Streets, you’re greeted by a vibrant explosion of colors. Storefronts painted in bold reds, yellows, greens, and blues shout their stories to the world, unapologetically daring to stand out. These streets remind me of life itself—how it can be breathtakingly beautiful and full of possibilities, even after hardship.

Guyana is a cultural mosaic, a melting pot shaped by its history. Influences from Cuba, Venezuela, the Netherlands, Portugal, and France swirl together with African and Indian undertones, creating something wholly unique. And now, with the discovery of oil, the country is adding new layers to its ever-evolving identity. This fusion of cultures is alive in the music, the food, and the people.

The Rhythm of Guyana

 The music here is incredible. It carries a rich Caribbean beat, so familiar yet uniquely different from the rhythms I’ve known in Jamaica. You hear the steady heartbeat of the djembe, the soul-stirring tones of the Congo, amplified by the off-beat of the kit drum, and the intricate rhythms of the Indian tabla, all blending seamlessly. All different, each holding its own position – taking the lead, retreating to the middle… the end, giving each drummer a chance to shine. It’s like life itself – familiar, but always shifting and evolving.

I met three drummers jamming on the street. They’re from Buxton, I’m told. And as they play, the rhythm reaches deep into your soul, reminding you that no matter what, life keeps moving. It’s music that resonates in your chest, pulling you into its steady pulse… I couldn’t resist dancing. Others joined me. We are all connected. Strangers rocking with this gift of life.

Lessons from Hidden Birds and Innocent Children

At night, the air comes alive with the calls of birds. Their sweet, haunting melodies feel like whispers from the universe. Yet, no matter how hard I search the trees, I can’t see them. Their presence is only known through their song. There are children, four and eight years old who are visiting the home in which I am staying. They excitedly point and say, “See it there!” Their joy and confidence are infectious, but when I look, there’s nothing, only shadows or branches swaying. Yet they’re so sure, so convincing, that for a moment, I doubt myself.

The owner of the house laughs. “They are at the front,” he says. “It’s the wind that makes the sound change direction.” (We are at the back.)  His wife complains voraciously about the noisy birds. The loudest one is from the interior, she tells me. And while I’m enjoying its song, she says, “It comes, it goes,… it is annoying.”

This got me thinking about life. So often, we’re like those birds—we have a voice, a song, but we feel unseen and unheard. And other times, we’re like those who follow the children’s pointing, being led astray by distractions or false promises, losing focus on what truly matters. At other times, we’ve heard that voice telling us so often how annoying, or worthless we are, that we begin to believe that of ourselves. It’s easy to chase shadows, to believe in things or people who don’t have our best interests at heart.

                                         But listen here: just like the birds,

you don’t need to be seen to be real.

Your song, your truth, is enough. You don’t need anyone to validate your worth.

 

 

Diversity

Guyana is also a place of harmony. Muslims, Hindus, Christians, and indigenous populations live side by side in peace and mutual respect. It’s inspiring to witness this unity in a world that often feels divided. These culturally different communities, who have survived the arrival of Christopher Columbus, the slave trade, indentureship and centuries of colonialism, continue to hold onto their traditions, their truths, and their identity. Their resilience is a powerful reminder that no matter what we face, we can endure, adapt, and thrive. That even as ‘masters’ and ‘owners’ we can create space for different voices to be heard and honoured. That we are not always right…that the outdated view of white means right is gone.

This beautiful land and its people have taught me so much about life. Like the hidden birds whose songs echo through the night, we all have a voice, a truth, whether others see it or not. And like the children pointing at what isn’t there, sometimes life misleads us. We follow distractions or believe in illusions, losing focus on what truly matters.

Finding Focus Amid Life’s Distractions

It’s easy to chase shadows, to be led astray by false promises or unworthy pursuits. But Guyana is teaching me to stop chasing the unseen and instead focus on what’s real — my song, my truth, my purpose. Just as the birds don’t need to be seen to exist, we don’t need others to validate our worth. Our rhythm, our presence, is enough.

The journey of healing can feel overwhelming. For those of us who have survived pain or abuse, it can feel safer to stay small, to stay hidden. But this beautiful country reminds me that life is about taking risks, embracing love, and stepping boldly into each new chapter.

Embracing Boldness and Confidence in Life

So tonight, I encourage you to stop chasing illusions. Listen to your own song. Trust it. Follow it. Like the streets of Guyana, be bold in your colors. Like its music, find your rhythm. And like its people, live in harmony with yourself and others.

Take the risk, step into your truth, and embrace the vibrant life waiting for you. Love and light are always on the other side.

💜 With love, from Guyana.

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