One paddle, two paddle.....

I am sitting here a shade darker from the sun, completely relaxed and feeling content and peaceful. My spirits have settled in and I feel at one with what is within me and around me. I am experiencing the bliss from the ocean today….the spirit of lauaki from paddling with my colleagues as we sliced through the waters with perfectly orchestrated arm strokes, laughing, talking story, and forgetting to breathe. I longed for the snacks (nay!)

Toward the end of the ride, I finally learned to shift my foot after each ‘hut’ and found different ways to dip my paddle into the water. My right paddle was so much easier than my left paddle, which seemed to go out of control. I was thrown off each time I attempted to take my eyes off the paddle and look at the view, losing momentum and precision. So I learned to focus on the task, and didn’t bother much with ”sight seeing” until the canoe was at rest. However, seeing a honu along the way on my right side, who peeked its head up to witness our passing, was so special.

Paddling is work. It takes form, effort, discipline, power, direction, precision, intention, and team. Question is: do I paddle the way I do work? Do I make meaningful contributions to my team? Do I do with aloha? Do I give my all? Am I a leaner or lifter? How will I do "paddle" with my students? How do I do paddle with life? Much to reflect upon...

Mahalo nui loa, Kawika and Lisa, for this spectacular experience! The memories and feelings are gifts that I will always cherish. And it was a great honor to meet “Papa Napoleon”, who helped to make this all possible.