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?
Conflict is an inevitable part of any community, but aloha offers a framework for addressing disagreements constructively.
Kumu Bradford Lum explained, “When we approach conflicts with love and respect, we can find common ground.”
This approach not only promotes harmony but also fosters understanding among individuals with differing perspectives. By embracing aloha, community members can navigate conflicts in a way that strengthens relationships rather than damages them.
Kumu Lum emphasized that the practice of aloha cultivates empathy, allowing individuals to see the world through others' eyes.
He stated, “Empathy often feels divided, but by spreading aloha, we can bridge gaps between cultures and backgrounds.”
This understanding is essential for resolving conflicts peacefully. When community members choose to approach disagreements with kindness, they create an atmosphere conducive to collaboration.
Moreover, Kumu Lum believes that small acts of kindness can lead to significant changes in how conflicts are handled.
“When we consciously choose to spread love and positivity,” he explained, “we create a ripple effect that encourages others to do the same.”
This ripple effect can transform the community's approach to conflict and makes resolution a collective effort rather than an individual struggle.
Kumu Lum also highlighted the importance of cultural awareness in conflict resolution. By appreciating and celebrating diversity, individuals can enrich their own lives and contribute to a more inclusive society. This understanding fosters collaboration and reduces hostility.
As Kumu Lum explained, aloha serves as a powerful tool for conflict resolution. His insights remind us that approaching disagreements with love and respect can lead to peaceful resolutions.
“Spreading aloha and awareness is vital,” concluded Kumu Lum. Aloha fosters a cohesive community where individuals can work together harmoniously.
By embracing aloha, individuals contribute to a harmonious environment which allows us to prove that “spreading aloha and awareness is vital” for fostering deeper connections.
November is National Native American Heritage Month in the United States. So, check out Kumu Lum's Aloha Segment every Tuesday through November.
This is the third in a six-part series examining what aloha is and how we can embrace it in our lives.