Ku I Ka Mana

Aloha Kakahiaka! He momi kēia. Today’s 'ōlelo no'eau is one of my favorites. Kū i ka māna literally translates as “to be like the one from whom you have learned”. We are familiar with the word mana that translates as spiritual power, however this word, māna has a kahakō over the first a. The translation provided by Mary Kawena Puku'i says, trait believed acquired from those who raise a child. Kū nō i ka māna a ke kahu hānai, trait acquired from association with the one who raised the child. This precious momi reminds us that we all have traits passed on to us through our DNA, but we also have traits that we gain through close associations and interactions with those adults we grow up with. These adult figures in our lives have great influence over us as children. As parents, we have the greatest influence over our children. I often look at my children and feel as if I am looking in the mirror. Yes, sometimes it is scary! Nonetheless, it reminds me of the power we have as parents and as adults in general to influence the life of a child. We must make a conscious effort to be a positive influence to them. What a kuleana we have to our keiki. Just as Western’s say, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”, the Hawaiian can indeed say, Kū i ka māna – we are like the ones we associate with and learn from. So, today’s thought is “How can I be a more positive influence in the lives of my children and other children I have contact with?” May we all ponder this question and consciously choose to positively impact the lives of our keiki. After all, our keiki are our future. Aloha nō, a hui hou! CLICK HERE to listen to and download the Morning Mana'o Podcast.