Last night, Keʻili and I were watching the movie
called “Klaus”. In the story, there is a little girl named Margu who didn’t speak the language but was so ecstatic to just listen. Her optimistic charisma was later rewarded with a sailboat. Well, an ice sailboat… that strangely resembled ‘A’ā with her double hulls and wishbone boom rig. This moment struck a chord in my heart because it reminded me of the power in joy.
“If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy,
don’t hesitate.
Give in to it…
Joy is not made to be a crumb”
-Mary Oliver
Keeping up with the world can be intoxicating. Every day we are fed with heart rattling news of wars, finances, coral destruction, air pollution and global crises. To feel sorrow for the fallen is a vital part of being human. Conversely, be encouraged to not let empathy shrink your ability to feel joy. The world is sick, and it hurts. Let that hurt burn for growth, not to dismantle each other. If you experience something beautiful do not be afraid to share it. If you feel happiness, do not be ashamed to show it. Do you ever notice how the news affects your attitude? If algorithms are controlled by what we spend our time on, let it be balanced.
By no means am I saying that we should turn a blind eye and be stoic. For we’ll all have our day when loss and calamity is bestowed upon us. Hearts should ache for the families in the east and the eco systems under our concrete foundations. Yet, positive mental abilities should always be tuned.
Several years ago I was with the Moken Sea Gypsies in southeast Asia,
whom by oppression from the government, had lost their ability to live underwater (if you are curious, research them). Moreover, it was their relentless smiles and laughter that made a lifelong inspiration on me. The deeper the sorrow carved, the greater the well to host joy. How can we use our daily dose of horrible news as a remedy for an infectious, hopeful and generous attitude?
Photo I took of “Happy”
What is some good global news?
Cheerful Japanese Aunty is spreading seeds of generosity in wealthy Tokyo ( https://www.cbsnews.com/news/japan-farmer-sells-food-for-pennies-in-trendy-tokyo-help-young-people/ ) “even in a field full of weeds, you can grow something if you put in the effort”
There are cities like Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki have pledged to be carbon neutral within the next 7 years via ( https://carbonneutralcities.org/about/) European cities do something with their wealth and technology.
In the Atlantic, over 4.5 million square kilometers are now marine protected areas ( https://environment.ec.europa.eu/news/biodiversity-eu-supports-strengthening-largest-marine-protected-area-north-east-atlantic-2023-06-30_en ) The oceans breath lengthens.
Chemists at Northwestern University have developed a catalyst that can recycle Nylon-6 ( https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/fishing-nets-and-carpets-can-molecularly-recycled-thanks-to-genius-chemist-and-brand-new-catalyst/ )
What is some good local news?
A five year old boy from Seattle raised over 17,000 dollars for our community in Lahaina after visiting our islands ( https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/a-5-year-olds-lemonade-stand-in-seattle-raised-over-17000-for-victims-of-maui-wildfires/ ) Aloha compounded.
WaiEa water is focusing on generating pure water from humidity to combat water diversions and military poisoning in Hawai’i. (
https://www.waieawater.com/
) Something worth saving up for if you don’t want lead or jet fuel in your water.
All donated surfboards and skateboards free and available for children in need through Boards4Buddies new location in Paia, Maui. (
http://boards4buddies.org/
) Get rid of unridden boards and bless the next generation!
Good news in front of you? Well, that is up to you my friend. Today you woke up, with eyes healthy enough to read this article, a mind functioning well enough to process my poor grammar and a body able to do something good for yourself. Circling back to the character of Margu in Klaus, sometimes we just need to listen, and enjoy what’s happening before us.
From my tiny experiences as a human, play more. Don’t say that you are to busy. Foster serendipitous moments, for you never know when you will discover something that will change the world.
- Chris
Mahalo ka ʻiō, my friends and ʻohana, and to all those who continue doing truly selfless acts that inspire another.
This is a great read, Chris! We can all use a reminder of just how blessed we truly are by just waking up! Love aunty debi