Simplify and Be Satisfied

Aloha mai kākou! Today’s 'ōlelo no'eau was inspired by one of my friends who posted it on Facebook. This Hawaiian proverb, demonstrates the kaona or dual meaning found in Hawaiian language. Mai nānā i ka 'ulu o waho, 'a'ohe ia nāu; e nānā nō i ka 'ulu i ke alo, nāu ia. Don’t look at the breadfruit that is far off, it is not yours. Instead, look at the breadfruit that is here in front of you, it is yours. On one level this proverb reminds us to be satisfied with what we have. So many of us are constantly comparing what we have with what others have. We feel a need to keep up with others and we at times want what we don’t have. On one hand, it is good to be motivated to achieve more and to become better, but we cannot allow that drive to distract us from the many blessings we already have. In these difficult economic times, we need to simplify and be satisfied. Material possessions can be lost in an instant and can’t be taken with us when we exit this mortal world and return to Ke Akua. Now let’s look a little deeper at this 'ōlelo no'eau. That 'ulu or breadfruit could also symbolically represent our spouses, our life partners. It reminds us to be happy with the breadfruit we have chosen and not look wantingly at other breadfruit that don’t belong to us. It reminds me of my favorite saying, “If the grass seems greener on the other side, it’s time to water your own grass!” So, may we all apply this valuable lesson in our lives – simplify and be satisfied and love the one you’ve chosen to be with. Thanks, May for this great reminder! Aloha nō, a hui hou! CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO AND DOWNLOAD THE MORNING MANA'O PODCAST.