Cultivators

By Ku‘ulei Keakealani

So many happenings all around us these days.

Movements of aloha are seen and heard from one town to the next, from mountain top to mountain top. Messages of hope and desire are painted, printed, and manifested.

Within and amongst these actions, I see many young people who have emerged as leaders. They were yesterdays’ children, for some, they literally were our students; ones we had a chance to potentially affect or influence in our classrooms or otherwise. They are today’s leaders and are true products of their raising and rearing.

For those of us in the makua (parent) or kupuna (grandparent) generation, we look on with admiration, and a sense of pride that with the blossoming of this generation, we can rest assured that we have done well.

With a humble heart, I witness numerous movements that found at the forefront, navigating their way, are yesterdays’ children—today’s leaders.

This piece is dedicated to the ones I call the “Cultivators” and to those we have “grown!”

Journal Entry

Auhea ‘oukou e na kanaka mahi‘ai? Where are the farmers? Yes, you who plant seeds of a different kind—of hope, of desire, of aspiration, and liberation.

Seeds of encouragement, positiveness, and of exponential potential.

Seeds to grow dreams, speak visons of hope to the ears of the universe.

Safe places where doubt doesn’t exist and self-worth is magnified. Not less than, but more than you ever thought possible. Insufficient is not a word spoken, not the attitude present. Yes, gifts of all and any kind are realized and celebrated.  Unique, pulsating vibrations of support, lift you up.

Yes, be all that you can be.

Judgements? Stomped, smashed, thrown out.

Be who you are meant to be, your higher self, higher calling. More than hear the call, heed the call, feel it in your being. Step up, let us know that you are there. Let us know that you are willing. Let us see that you are able, capable, for ultimately
let the cultivators know that you are ready—ready to assume your place.

BE ON ALERT, let it be known to you, cultivators of today, that here and now, we have grown the cultivators of tomorrow!

We may each have varying thoughts, opinions, and convictions on the matters of today, and that’s not a bad thing. It’s what makes the world go ‘round, right?

Nevertheless, here are my closing thoughts.

I judge not and condemn none.

In this time of huli au, a changing tide, I say, “Let us continue to celebrate the ‘crop’ that was cultivated. And by all means let us keep the soils rich, let us continue to water, and tend to the beautiful gardens that we keep.”

Thereʻs truth to the phrase—we reap what we sow.

Ola! (Life!)

Contact writer and photographer Ku‘ulei Keakealani