Magic and Kindness in the Small Moments
During my recent vacation in Hawaii, I found myself doing exactly what I encourage others to do, pausing to truly take in the moment.
The huge crashing of the waves, the sun slowly sinking into the horizon, witnessing a volcano erupting.
There is so much to learn from our Hawai‘ian Ohana, and the deep beauty of living with principles that are rooted in kindness.
The Be Pono Pledge: A Recipe for Kindness
On one of the first days, I saw a sign that called for us take the Island of Hawai‘i Pono Pledge.
I discovered that for ka poʻo kahiko (chiefs of old Hawaiʻi) and their descendants today this pledge means living in balance within ourselves, those around us, and the world that sustains us. It was a genuine masterclass in the principles of kindness.
You can find the full pledge here, but here are some lines that stuck out to me:
- I pledge to be pono (righteous) on the island of Hawai‘i.
- I will mindfully seek wonder.
- I will mālama (care for) land and sea.
- Molten lava will mesmerize me, but I will not disrupt its flow.
- I will not take what is not mine.
- I will embrace the concept of being a steward of the land.
Nature’s Miracles and Kindness
With everything going on in our world, I had to make a conscious effort to unplug. Miracles of the island made it easier.
From our room, we witnessed the fourth phase of a volcano eruption at Kīlauea’s breathtaking eruption, with lava fountaining 300 feet into the air. It was primal and surprisingly sounded like an ocean roar.
In Kona, I saw enormous waves at Keauhou Bay that reached the tops of palm trees.
The power of nature grounded me in my efforts to unplug. I felt awe for Mother Nature, and it made me think about how easy it is to rush through our days, completely missing nature’s powerful moments in our own day-to-day lives.
Miracles in Chance Encounters
About a week into the trip, I still felt so many emotions, events of the world and fires ravaging LA.
I found a moment on my yoga mat to ask for clarity and more opportunities to spread kindness. And then another miracle happened.
I met a fellow yogini. We talked on the way to the lobby after class. She was a Hawaiian teacher from Oahu who had won the Teacher of the Year award in 2021 for a KINDNESS initiative she’d created for her 4th-grade class. We knew we were supposed to meet.
I asked for a sign, and this was it. Connecting with Lori was a highlight of the trip.
More Miracles, More Lessons, More Kindness
The final lesson that stood out to me was the learning the deeper meaning of “Aloha.”
I knew it was a greeting, but it also means grace, kindness, compassion, and love.
Its literal translation is “The presence of divine breath.” The first part of the word, Alo, means front or face. The last half of the word, Ha, means breath, and “divine” is inferred for such a spiritual word.
It’s a greeting of divine presence and an acknowledgement of compassion and grace.
Though it took time to lean into the miracles of Hawai’i fully, I’m grateful I did. There’s immense respect and compassion for the world built into their stories and values.
Now, back on the mainland, I’m energized to continue spreading kindness, inspired by the stories and spirit of the islands. I have the fuel to keep going and bring some of the island’s kind spirit and energy with me.
