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?
The impact of aloha on communities is profound and far-reaching. Kumu Bradford Lum asserted, “Aloha nurtures the core of our relationship with each other.”
This nurturing spirit is crucial for building strong, meaningful connections amongst individuals. By promoting trust, open communication and understanding, aloha enhances community life and fosters a sense of belonging.
Kumu Lum emphasized that when community members practice aloha, they create an environment where everyone feels safe to express themselves.
“When people feel safe to share their thoughts and feelings, it deepens connections,” he explained. This openness encourages a culture of kindness and compassion and allows individuals to support one another more effectively.
Moreover, acts of kindness are at the heart of aloha. Kumu Lum stateed, “Small acts can lead to significant changes.”
This idea reflects the ripple effect of positivity that can transform a community. When individuals choose to spread love and support, it inspires others to do the same and creates a culture of mutual care.
Kumu Lum also highlighted the importance of cultural awareness in promoting aloha.
“By raising awareness about different cultures and traditions,” he added, “we enrich our own lives and contribute to a more inclusive society.”
This understanding fosters collaboration and harmony and allows diverse groups to coexist peacefully.
The impact of aloha on communities is significant. Kumu Lum’s insights remind us that nurturing relationships through trust, kindness and understanding can create a vibrant community.
He concluded by emphasizing that “spreading aloha and awareness is vital” for building strong, interconnected communities that thrive together.
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 fifth in a six-part series examining what aloha is and how we can embrace it in our lives.