Got Aloha for a Teacher?
Professionally, I work as a consultant, concentrating on Native Hawaiian issues and development as well as on sustainability issues. Born and raised in the islands, I grew up in 'Ewa Beach when it was surrounded by cane fields all the way to the H-1. I received a BA in Drama and Theater from UH Manoa. Now, I live next to Kawainui Marsh in Kailua.
One year, around 1990, I had the opportunity to go to the Merrie Monarch hula festival. I remember sitting in the stands and looking around me and seeing all of these joyous, shining faces-faces of all ages and ethnicities. It struck me then, looking up into everyones' smiling eyes, that if anything happened to me-if I got lost or hurt on the way back to the hotel-any one of these people would help me, without hesitation. Even though we weren't related and we came from many different places, there was an undeniable sense of aloha for one another-that we were all connected and part of our greater human family. Some 5000-odd strangers made me feel that way. That feeling is getting harder and harder to find here nowadays, but aloha, living our connectedness to one another, is what gives true meaning to my days on Earth. And, supporting and growing that life ethic is what for me is the core of Kanu's work.
I'm trying to live my higher self 24/7. That's not a very easy thing to do and I'll be the first to admit that I'm far from it. To help me get there, I've been a student of Zen Buddhism since 2001 at Chozen-ji Dojo in the back of Kalihi Valley. And, I do love the majesty of the everyday, natural world.
Whatever people in general do not understand, they are always prepared to dislike; the incomprehensible is always the obnoxious. — L.E. Landon
The best work is done with the heart breaking, or overflowing. — Mignon McLaughlin
The heroic hours of life do not announce their presence by drum and trumpet, challenging us to be true to ourselves. ... Some little, unassuming, unobtrusive choice presents itself before us slyly and craftily, glib and insinuating, in the modest garb of innocence. To yield to its blandishments is...