Ke Ea O Ka 'Āina

Ancient Nautilus of Lake Champlain

A well-known saying in Hawai'i is: "Ua mau ke ea o ka 'āina i ka pono."  This is typically translated as, "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness."  In a modern application, this phrase often conjures up an image of people caring for our environment, so that it may continue to thrive.  

In Vermont, we know the power of people's voices and actions in supporting green energy, recycling, community clean-ups, organic farming, and community gardens.

But what about our internal environment?  Do we feel the same drive to steward the care of our own bodies?  Sometimes in the cold north, the answer can be a stodgy "No."  We often neglect or push aside our aches and pains, waiting for another day to attend the "ea o ka 'aina" within ourselves, our own bodies, and within our families. 

But if there is one unbreakable concept that links us to the land, it is that we are made of the same elements: our bones are made of the same minerals as the rocks, and water courses as blood through our veins just as the same water does through the streams through the mountains.  To draw a line of separation between what we call "inside" and "outside," to sully or uphold one over the other, is a key cognitive error in our time.  

Therefore I invite you to consider, to really feel, that what is within *is* indeed without, and vice versa.  If you have awe standing in front of the ocean, also have awe that your blood, too, is nearly the exact same salinity.  If you see trash thrown to the side, pick it up, and know that you make a cleaner place for your own precious body to thrive.  If you have an ache or a pain, consider that the rivers and the air also have aches and pains.  Your care for the land, air, and water *is* care for yourself, your family, and your community.  And also... your care for yourself, your family, and community are equally beneficial as care for the land, air, and sea. 

Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka 'Āina I Ka Pono