To go empty, be empty…the practice is listening. A deep listening below the words in the conversation. Listen to the words and also listen for where the words are coming from. What is causing those words? From the cause, what is the intention of the person who is expressing the words? Where do the words go? Where do they not go? What are the responses to the words? What are the words that are not being heard or spoken?
Pilahi Paki as shared by Pono Shim to The Mānoa Heritage Center.
ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: HAʻAHAʻA
Have you ever seen a movie with a bunch of friends with everyone walking out of the theater with very different opinions? Have you shared a meal with your ʻohana and at the end each had disparate favorites? Given the lōkahi your friends and ʻohana share, shouldn’t everyone always agree and have the same way of thinking? No? Our personal histories teach us that this is far from the case. Yet, why do we still expect those around us to experience the world in the same way with the same patterns of thought?
Pono taught us to “go empty” and let go of any assumptions that people think the same way as us. To truly “see” through the eyes of another, we need to ask questions and listen to their words. This becomes increasingly difficult when we’ve been through a similar experience. So we must temporarily set aside any impressions we previously held and experience it again through the words of the story-teller.
Recently, one of my friends recounted the anxiety she still feels when taking a class as an adult. She consistently requests to receive all reading materials in advance so that she can thoroughly take notes before the class begins. She deliberately comes early to grab a seat where she can clearly see the board and hear the instructor. I’ve known her for about ten years and yet never knew this about her. She holds National Board Certification, is an award-winning teacher and delivers effective professional development. Frequently approached for advice, my friend confidently responds to every request. Consequently, I wrongly assumed learning came easy for her or at least as easy as it comes for me. I am notoriously last minute and can quickly read material to get the gist without much lead time. (As of this writing, I am procrastinating on reading a 50 page report that’s due in two days.)
So as I listened to her story, it became clear how mistaken I was about her. My friend methodically approaches her work with great intention. Her confidence stems from many hours spent preparing herself. Had I spent the time to ask her questions and listen, I would’ve known this about her much sooner. And I would’ve more deeply appreciated her for the thought, effort and grace she puts into every task.
5 PURSUITS of HAʻAHAʻA
Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad
Please watch this: The End is Just the Beginning read and written by Mike Bender and illustrated by Diana Mayo. Then with you child, answer the following:
- IDENTITY: Ask your makua to share how your ʻohana came to live where you currently reside or came to live in Hawaiʻi. What did your ʻohana leave behind?
- SKILLS: Following the author’s examples, come up with your own situation where the end is just the beginning.
- INTELLECT: The author states that even a sign that literally says dead end isn’t an end at all. What does “literally” mean?
- CRITICALITY: The author states that the end of a disagreement is the beginning of making up. How might adopting this frame of mind help us find solutions to our conflicts?
- JOY: The author states that the end of a mistake is the beginning of learning something new. With your kupuna, turn a mistake into a new lesson.
Bonus: Hear about the author’s inspiration for the book here.
SPRING CLEANING TIPS FOR KEIKI
From the National Association of Elementary School Principals: Having a clean living space can create a more positive home environment for kids and helps to prevent the spread of illness-causing germs at home and in the classroom. This Report to Parents features five ways families can make their homes sparkling clean this spring.
CONTINUED PRACTICES:
NOʻAHUNA OF ALOHA
See Uncle Pono Shim explain the Noʻahuna, the esoteric meaning, of Aloha as taught to him by Aunty Pilahi, the Keeper of Secrets.
WEAR KĀNEʻOHE SHIRT WEDNESDAYS
Help us build unity and show our lōkahi by wearing a shirt that celebrates Kāneʻohe on Wednesdays. Wear any previous Fun Run or grade level shirt.
DAILY VIRTUAL PIKO
At the Daily Piko, we share thoughts on the Aloha value for the week which helps us become centered and ready to learn. We begin at 8 AM everyday except Wednesdays when we meet in-person. If you would like to share your reflections on the week’s Aloha value, please contact me.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Apr 10 – May 2 | State Testing |
May 9 | Waiver Day – No Students |
May 15 | STEM Hōʻike 2:20 – 3:50 PM |