PUNI KAkou I KA ʻAINA
As not only hawaiians, but as global citizens, it is our DUTY to be positive agents of change. Such that we are a people who are conscious of our intent, our identity, and our influence.
INTENT - Before anything, we must know our motivation behind mālama honua. Why should we care for Earth? There are, of course, very obvious reasons, like the fact that it's where we live (and quite frankly, it's the only home we have). So, if we want it to continue being our home, we have to learn how to appreciate the beauty and face the ugliness for what it is. For some wild reason, we were given the opportunity to live on an extremely beautiful planet that is home to many species. I personally believe that we are here to protect and perpetuate one another. We are all connected. Since we're connected - whether it be being the same species, or sharing similar moral values, or being of the same origin - it shouldn't be an obligation to take care of each other, but a privilege, because we are essentially ensuring the prosperity of the global community.
IDENTITY - One of the most crucial aspects of one's life is discovering an identity. In today's day and age, identity can be an infinite amount of things. However, there is a difference between just knowing who you are and living out who you are. When we discover ourselves, our goals, and how we want to get there, we must take the next step (yes, literally) into becoming who we are. When we walk in who we are called to be, we impact those around us - not only being a blessing to others, but being blessed by those we encounter as well. This cycle only continues, allowing people, places, and environments to thrive throughout the process.
INFLUENCE - To implement change and cultivate a universal well-being, we must first look inward. That which we discover on the inside and within our hearts is found through an often messy, beautiful process, and has the potential to overflow into the work that we do. The presence of each person, which I'm referring to, is known as "mana" in Hawaiian culture. This mana (power) that flows from one's naʻau (guts, innards) and puʻuwai (heart) is transferred into anything that he/she does - be it a task, job, or even school work. When our intentions and our identities are aligned positively with one another, we will begin to recognize the impact that can be made through small actions. People will notice the change and join in on the movement. As Victor Webster once said, "Everything we do, even the slightest thing we do, can have a ripple effect and repercussions that emanate. If you throw a pebble into the water on one side of the ocean, it can create a tidal wave on the other side."
IDENTITY - One of the most crucial aspects of one's life is discovering an identity. In today's day and age, identity can be an infinite amount of things. However, there is a difference between just knowing who you are and living out who you are. When we discover ourselves, our goals, and how we want to get there, we must take the next step (yes, literally) into becoming who we are. When we walk in who we are called to be, we impact those around us - not only being a blessing to others, but being blessed by those we encounter as well. This cycle only continues, allowing people, places, and environments to thrive throughout the process.
INFLUENCE - To implement change and cultivate a universal well-being, we must first look inward. That which we discover on the inside and within our hearts is found through an often messy, beautiful process, and has the potential to overflow into the work that we do. The presence of each person, which I'm referring to, is known as "mana" in Hawaiian culture. This mana (power) that flows from one's naʻau (guts, innards) and puʻuwai (heart) is transferred into anything that he/she does - be it a task, job, or even school work. When our intentions and our identities are aligned positively with one another, we will begin to recognize the impact that can be made through small actions. People will notice the change and join in on the movement. As Victor Webster once said, "Everything we do, even the slightest thing we do, can have a ripple effect and repercussions that emanate. If you throw a pebble into the water on one side of the ocean, it can create a tidal wave on the other side."