HONOLULU (KHON2) — In Hawaiʻi, the spirit of aloha is essential for building strong community ties. Whether you grew up here or you moved here at some point in your life, you have encountered aloha from many different sources.
From our community, we experience aloha when we are kind and courteous. In our work, we encounter aloha in honesty and good faith business dealings. On the ʻaina, we experience aloha in a personal way. There are so many ways to embrace aloha.
For people living on an island, aloha is especially important to driving an empathetic and cooperative society. Being greedy and selfish in island life can lead to many consequences we wouldn’t normally experience on the continent. Isolation, depression, hopelessness can creep in so very easily.
So, KHON2.com had the great opportunity to learn more about this from Kumu Bradford Lum.
Kumu Lum believes that in order to have a successful life, one must embrace and live aloha. But how does one do that?
Kumu Lum emphasized that “aloha is the core of our relationship with each other.” This principle speaks to the heart of what it means to live and thrive in an interconnected society.
By fostering unity and compassion, aloha strengthens bonds amongst individuals. Kumu Lum explained that open and honest communication is vital in creating an environment where everyone feels safe expressing their thoughts and feelings.
When community members practice aloha, they break down barriers that often hinder connection. This openness promotes trust, which Kumu Lum describes as “a crucial element in any relationship.”
Trust enables individuals to rely on one another and allows us to create a network of support that is essential for community cohesion. He highlighted that “spreading aloha and awareness is vital,” as it nurtures a sense of belonging amongst community members.
The act of spreading aloha encourages genuine connections and allows people to feel valued and understood.
Kumu Lum stated, “We open our hearts to others,” fostering a welcoming atmosphere. This interconnectedness strengthens not only individual relationships but the entire community.
Moreover, aloha serves as a foundation for embracing diversity, which enriches community life. Understanding and appreciating different cultures and backgrounds creates a more inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong.
Kumu Lum believes that “promoting empathy is crucial,” as it leads to deeper understanding and acceptance among diverse groups.
The keys to strengthening community ties lie in the practice of aloha. By promoting open communication, trust, and understanding, individuals can create a supportive environment.
Kumu Lum encourages everyone to embrace this spirit. He reminds us that “spreading aloha and awareness is vital” for fostering a stronger, more connected community.
“We live in a special place called Hawaii. Ola i ka ha: Life is in the breath. Ola i ka wai: Life is in the water. Ola i ka i: Life is who I am. And that spells Aloha,” concluded Kumu Lum.
This is the first in a series examining what aloha is and how we can embrace it in our lives; so, check out Kumu Lum’s Aloha Segment every Tuesday through November.