Post #431323 by Mongoloid on Wed, Jan 28, 2009 5:00 PM

I think everyone reading this is searching for a piece of paradise however that translates to them. For those that live in Hawaii and witness the beauty on a daily basis realize the aina must be respected and protected. "Aloha" as a lei is placed around your neck, "Mahalo" as you get a shave ice at Matsumotos, the true essence of Hawaii cannot be summed up in words. A state of mind, a way of life, the smell of plumerias that have dropped on the sidewalk, a plate lunch, a way of speaking. Hawaiian is a bloodline, Hawaii is a life source and living there is a rite of passage. The duality of existing in Hawaii and living in Hawaii is complex and simple at the same time which a visitor can easily misinterpret. I would definately be a less evolved person if i hadn't lived in Hawaii. I always have that experience to reflect on and that inner sanctuary to resort to when the bullshit piles up. Hawaii teaches you that serenity is precedent and if you want to be agro a beat down or a set wave will put you in your place. The person that you perceived as yourself seems to digress and a rebirth occurs. I feel fortunate to have called Hawaii home but can only sympathize with the native Hawaiians struggles and witnessing the carpet being pulled from under them. My screen saver is Obama throwing up da shaka on inauguration day and the smile on his face is so bonafide that you have to smile with him and that's the contagious gift that Hawaii will always give.