I am the Gongman…
“You are who you are, and there’s nothing I can do to change that unless you are ready”—this was my revelation last week. Let me explain.
We just returned from an incredible retreat called Sansara, led by Manna Abraham. It was 12 days of transformative teaching at a beautiful resort in Shambala, Northern Bali.
The retreat centre featured stunning, traditional Bali huts just steps from the ocean and jet-black volcanic sand. The accommodations were unique—half inside, half outside. In fact, the walls didn’t quite meet the roof, leaving enough space to see daylight (and for bugs and small critters to slip through, but that’s a story for another day).
The place was magical, and I felt truly blessed to be there. One of the recommendations for the retreat was to eliminate the use of technology—no internet, no phones, no watches. I was excited about this, to be honest. I had been feeling burnt out, spending 12 hours a day in front of my laptop for work, followed by more screen time on my phone, and ending the day with a podcast to fall asleep. It was time for a reset.
Although my primary goal was rest and relaxation, I was also part of the admin team as the unofficial photographer/videographer, always looking for the perfect shot (and there were many). But the idea of disconnecting from the internet and tuning in to myself felt like the perfect opportunity to recharge.
So how did we know when it was time for yoga, breathwork, or meals with no clocks or phones?
The retreat staff had it covered. A gong. Yes, a gong would signal the upcoming meals. Four loud strikes meant it was time for another delicious vegetarian feast. Pretty soon, like Pavlov’s dogs, we were conditioned—whether we were hungry or not, within two minutes of the gong, we’d feel those hunger pangs.
Every day at 7 a.m., we gathered for Pranayama breathwork, practical yoga, and meditation. After breakfast, Manna would lead us through mind-expanding teachings (more on that another time), followed by afternoons of massages, ocean swims, naps, and peaceful relaxation.
As a team, we decided to use the gong for more than just meals—it became the universal signal to meet up for activities. I volunteered to be the one to hit the gong (three times) since I was usually there early, setting up cameras.
The truth? I loved it. Gong—come to class. Gong—it’s time for yoga. Gong—let’s reflect and meditate. Yes, I became the Gongman.
One evening, as I struck the gong, it hit me (pun intended): the gong was no different from church bells calling Christians to worship or the Adhan, the Islamic call to prayer. Then, an even deeper realisation came.
I’ve always been the Gongman.
My role with Manna has always been to communicate events and ensure the right people hear about them at the right time. The gong is simply a signal to attract the people who need the service being offered.
It’s just like how church bells mean nothing to those walking by unless they are Christians. But if a Christian hears the bells, they know it’s time to act. The same goes for the Adhan—it only speaks to those it’s meant to call.
This ancient concept applies perfectly to modern marketing.
My “gonging” should only attract the people who genuinely need the service.
If you want help overcoming PTSD? GONG! We can help you. Want to unlock personal leadership and emotional independence? GONG! This is for you. Curious about how Manna’s breathwork heals emotionally and physically? GONG! Right this way. Feeling stuck in life, searching for more? GONG! Let me show you the path.
Suddenly, everything made sense.
When you know firsthand how transformative this work is—when you’ve seen lives changed—it makes you want to shout it from the rooftops. But not everyone is ready to hear the gong. People only hear it when they’re ready to take action, even if they’ve been suffering for years.
Only those who are truly prepared for change will hear the gong and respond. Otherwise, it’s just noise.
“He who has ears, let him hear.”
GONG!
Are you hearing the gong? What is it whispering to you?
Andrew (The Gongman) Keating