Earlier today, I found myself in an errand mode and decided to leave my house ahead of schedule due to the weather. It is April, the heart of spring, and the sun was shining brightly. However, snow is forecasted for the mountains tonight, which I find intriguing.
As I was driving home, Duke came to mind, and I realized it had been a few days since my last blog post. There is always something to write about him, but I often rely on my intuition to inspire more unique topics.
It didn’t take long to find a subject, and this time, I decided to reflect on an experience I had at a traffic light. I sat there for a moment, waiting for my turn, when my attention was drawn to the color of the car in front of me.
I noticed stickers on the vehicle that read “PRACTICE ALOHA” and “HI Lahaina.” Should I consider this a coincidence? My answer is a resounding no.
I view this as a message from the Universe. In many aspects of my life, especially regarding decision-making, I trust in the higher power that brings these signs, as they never lie. Living on the mainland, I rarely encounter Hawaiian stickers on cars, making this sight particularly special.
I have met individuals from Hawaii, yet here, people typically say “Hi” or “Hello,” and traditional Hawaiian attire is seldom seen. Therefore, those stickers felt like a rare occurrence. I couldn’t help but wish I was in front of that Toyota Prius, as my license plate frame reads “I share tales about Duke Kahanamoku,” and I would love for the occupants to recognize who he was. However, had I been in front of them, I might still have been pondering what to write about.
The phrase “PRACTICE ALOHA” reminded me of a passage Duke once shared during his lifetime. I recalled telling myself last year that perhaps I should greet the people I encounter with “Aloha.” I practiced saying it, and I learned that the word “Aloha” encompasses a deep breath, with “HA” symbolizing life itself.
At its essence, Aloha is about fostering positive relationships. When we treat others with genuine warmth and kindness, it creates a ripple effect of positivity. Engaging in acts of kindness not only elevates the spirits of those receiving it but also enhances our own well-being.
Aloha embodies five core values: Akahai (kindness), Lōkahi (unity), ʻOluʻolu (agreeableness), Haʻahaʻa (humility), and Ahonui (patience), which guide our interactions and personal conduct.
Furthermore, Aloha carries a spiritual meaning—an essence of love, peace, compassion, and mutual respect. It signifies living in harmony with the people and the land around us, embodying mercy, sympathy, grace, and kindness. Greeting someone with Aloha reflects mutual regard and affection.
In conclusion, the Toyota Prius has inspired me to compose a profoundly emotional blog post that connects me deeply to Duke Kahanamoku, the “Father of Modern Surfing.” Although I do not reside in Hawaii, the spirit he embodied during his lifetime remains vibrant and impactful, residing in my heart.
This connection I feel like Duke Kahanamoku is one of my muse that lives in my creative side of my brain.