The 'Caribbean state of mind' ...
Living in the moment is the key
Living in the moment is the key
Indeed, the Caribbean salves the soul.
Resplendant with beautiful fine sand beaches, captivating sea views, gently waving palm trees and wonderful peoples. Most days are full of sun, brimming with warmth. A swim in the sea is enough to revive any fatigue. The days give way to hypnotizing picture perfect sunsets often ending with magical evenings shared with friends, family, outstanding foods and plenty of beverages. As most visitors know, simply stepping into the beautiful Caribbean air for the first time has an effect of lasting and fulfilling refreshment. Stress drops away. It is the very antithesis of pressure.
And when you hear that driving beat coming from the enormous sound systems, there is no chance to try and have any sort of conversation, or thought. Yes, the purpose is to live in the moment, forget your troubles and enjoy the vibes. This message is often present in the lyrics —and in the dance.
It is the presence of all these things that are bringing constant awareness. The eye catches a glimpse, the nose a scent or the ear a riff. Something has somehow been changed.
But it is much more even than the sum of these things. It doesn't really have a definition and you can't touch it or see it, per se, only the manifestations of it. The word itself has multiple meanings. The more one experiences this 'Caribbean state of mind', the more one becomes captured by it. And it only gets better.
As one experiences the Culture here, the realization of the depth and history that have created it become more and more understood. As it is experienced in the present day, though, belies the struggles and tyranny that have been a big part of the Caribbean mind-set over the last five centuries. But it is really since most of these countries have achieved independence that the shackles of colonialism and struggle have begun to be cast off. This also is what gives the 'state of mind' its true depth and meaning.
"In this ‘place’ that doesn’t formally exist, it also gets along pretty well without any municipal governments! None! Treasure Beach is more a ‘state-of-mind’, than an actual place! And yet . . . and yet, the sense of community is steel-strong! Almost miraculous. And wonderful."*
Westerners have all but forgotten this way to live. The fact is that Caribbean peoples think most Westerners are 'nuts' for punishing themselves to the point of serious health risks, all for the accumulation of wealth. Most people here don't choose to live this way and probably would not even if they were given the chance. Sure they work hard —and they party extremely well. They know what they need.
But this is what gives it its resilience —the fact that, in spite of these things, Caribbean peoples have endured and have created something special, true serenity and a 'being' —in a state of peace with their history and surroundings. People here have learned that, when they can, they must put the past in its place, in the past where it belongs.
This is not to say that lessons have not been learned or that there aren't problems to overcome. On the contrary, the lessons from the past have emphasised that oneness with the present and acceptance of the past are required simply to be able to live. Problems are challenges to be faced in the daily undertaking but the attitude is: the difficult we do today, the impossible will have to wait until tomorrow.
We can all learn from this, to adopt this 'Caribbean state of mind' and it would be a serious mistake not to do so ... to carry on and just live for now.
See also: Enjoy The Best Of Caribbean Culture…No Matter Where You Are
https://www.harlemworldmagazine.com/enjoy-the-best-of-caribbean-cultureno-matter-where-you-are/
* Treasure Beach, Jamaica . . . A State of Mind . . . by Fabian Branch, Compete Caribbean, September 6, 2016
https://www.competecaribbean.org/treasure-beach-jamaica-state-mind/