Kanaka Thinking: Contentment

E 'olu'olu i ka mea i loa'a.

Be contented with what one has.  'Olelo No'eau #367

 

Even beautiful flowers have flaw and bugs crawling in them.  Be grateful for what you have.  Don't worry about the past...it is gone and no amount of worrying will change that fact.  Don't worry about the future...it is beyond our power to control.  It is better to live in today.  To enjoy it.  To be thankful.  To smile and laugh.  To do what you can.  You may never see today again so live it!

Kanaka Thinking: Hula and the Merrie Monarch Festival

'A'a i ka hula, waiho ka hilahila i ka hale.

When one wants to dance the hula, bashfulness should be left at home.  'Olelo No'eau #2

I am always impressed by people who are willing to stand up in public and spontaneously begin to dance the hula.  Although I have been a hula student since elementary school, I am quite hesitant to get up and dance.  Do I remember the moves?  What if I mess up? 

Such a focus on technique can be a hindrance to spontaneous dancing.  Rather, the driving spirit should be the message of the song, the beat, the sway, and the smile.  While one should do the hula kumu proud by remembering all the hand and feet movements, there are times when one should just dance to share the beauty of the song.  And if there is a memory lapse, make it up and carry on.

E hula kakou.