Maui Strong: Reminder of the meaning of Ohana and the Power of Service to Others
I spent over a decade immersed in the non-profit world, very connected to service and mission-driven work. While I was an intern who eventually became the Program Director, I dedicated countless hours in addition to my “work duties” and LIVED the mission. I forgot how that felt until I caught a glimpse again while on Maui.
I returned from vacation a few days ago. I could write a traditional travel blog with glorious photos, the “must sees/must do’s” and breathtaking photos of landscapes and creatures and interesting architectural builds, but sadly if one is looking for this in this blog post, you will be disappointed.
Yes, I did so many marvelous things!
Walking this very beautiful lava-created coastline most mornings
Yoga & meditation on the beach
Sailing along the NaPali Coast (off Kauai)
Eating (2x- yikes!) at Mama’s Fish House
Renting a vintage 1957 Porche convertible to explore the island
Met “Puff” the cat in Makawao (upcountry) who has more social media presence than I do!
Feeding my beloved-adopted-for-the-vacation feral cats named? I called them beautiful.
Watching sunsets and waking before dawn with delicious Kona coffee on the balcony.
I did all the things…… but the one that is continuing to flit around my overly-active brain of mine was the experience of volunteering in Kaanapali in the simple act of preparing meals to distribute to some of the families displaced or left homeless after the fires in Lahaina.
When I was the Program Director at Gilda’s Club, I was constantly reminded of 2 things:
Power of Community
Power of Service to Others
Now, I sit at my desk in my private practice office, getting paid for nearly all that I do…. I lost sight of that and the healing power they both hold for me (and newsflash…. ALL humans).
Humans are not meant to go through life in isolation either in our day-to-day activities or through tragedy or difficulties. We NEED others. While FIMA or other governmental entities may and should come in to help the people of Lahaina, it is through connection and support from other humans that I believe Lahaina will one day heal and move forward, carrying the grief and loss but eased in the process through the support of others. It is through this community pulling together that healing, and peace will come.
When I have gone through difficult times, as a very introverted and proud-full person, my natural tendency is to not want to burden others and to retreat into myself. I have repeated this pattern throughout my 52 years of life on this earth, and if I somehow was here before in another space and time, I am certain I participated in this dance then too. When I was standing in this luxurious country club now-turned food prep for the survivors of Lahaina, staring at the Pacific Ocean just past the meticulously manicured golf course, engaged in the simple act of cutting the world’s largest carrots for salads for the food packages, at that moment I truly felt at peace and this sense of love for all humankind come over me. I felt tears stream down my face feeling this incredible sense of gratitude for the GIFT to me (and my family) to be able to give to others. My worries, even if for those brief few moments, all faded away and all I felt was LOVE.
So yeah, Maui was great and I am grateful for the opportunity to have gone as often as I have….and…. I will never ever forget this concept again- one of the most effective ways to forget all about one’s problems- is to dedicate oneself to service. I do not know where this will take me moving forward, but I do believe it was a message I needed to hear and for that more than anything, I am truly grateful.
Some wonderful ways to support the beautiful people of Maui:
Go! Book a trip and go! Over 18,000 excessive- rental cars sat in the lot waiting for you to drive them and explore the island. West Maui (especially Lahaina) is closed, but the rest of Maui and the other islands NEED visitors.
So many animals need us as they lost their homes & some lost their families. Maui Humane Society
Small businesses often rely on tourists for their livelihoods. If you want to explore the island in one of the coolest ways possible, consider supporting Maui Roadsters The couple who owns the small business moved to Maui to buy this business in 2019….2020 the pandemic hit, and then the fires. It was the coolest car I have ever seen or driven in and I absolutely am obsessed with my Mini Cooper convertible so this is saying a lot!
Volunteer locally, wherever you are, and honor the Ohana spirit by giving in some meaningful ways not just your money, but your time, and your hearts to those in need.
Volunteering and giving one’s time (or money) is easy. ALLOWING yourself to be supported takes both vulnerability and courage and I hope whoever reads this….if you are struggling….. please allow others to help you throughout whatever it is….. humans are hardwired to connect and help others…. if you remember nothing else, please don’t forget that…
Wishing you all peace & love always.
