Huna Article
Huna International
3 Adventurous Reactions
by Pete Dalton
There are a number of ways to act in the world and to react to people, events and situations. Much is made
of reactions such as flight, flight and freeze responses. These can be potentially problematic reactions,
whilst in some contexts being useful reactions to have.
Three qualities of reaction to events and circumstances that the Kalakupua tradition of Huna emphasises are
peace, curiosity and play. As a harmoniser of relationships--both within oneself and with others--these
qualities provide opportunities to increase connection and understanding. Let's look at each of these
reactions and attitudes in turn.
Peace: He ali'i ka la'i, he haku na ke aloha - Peace is a chief, the lord of love. (Hawaiian
Proverb)
Making peace with people, things and circumstances is extremely important. A principle condition for making
peace with anything is to start with acceptance. To arrive at acceptance it is vital to overcome any
feelings of resistance or denial. When one resists circumstances acceptance is not present. In these moments
one's attention is not in the present moment, but instead is on the past focused on what has happened and
ideas about wanting things to have turned out differently. As the saying goes, 'what we resist, persists'.
When resisting, we are focussed on things that we don't want and are giving energy to that which maintains
the status quo. Our Lono seeks out resolution to situations and circumstances, things that are not accepted
are like loose ends, incomplete and unresolved.
So, to move forward, it is important to make the decision to make peace with the present. This may involve
forgiving and will certainly involve accepting. This is a most effective point from which to influence any
desired change in circumstances. In many cases, the simple act of acceptance can cause the problematic
emotions around a situation to drain away or dissolve as if by magic. Acceptance is the process by which we
can say pau (it is done) and move on. Peace provides a firm foundation on which to base the next
adventure.
Curiosity: "Curioser and curioser..." (Alice in Wonderland)
Another choice of reaction is one of curiosity. Curiosity is in fact a natural urge that helps us grow in
awareness and ability. From birth our Ku aspect is driven by the urge to grow, experiment and develop
knowledge through curiosity. Curiosity is the force that brings new advances in all areas of human society,
including technology, science, music and art.
A curious thing about curiosity is how it can contribute to healing. Curiosity is the antithesis of rigid
thinking that holds a problem state in place. Curiosity can enable people to engage in their own problem
solving and healing. Curiosity can build flexibility and encourage experimentation and the viewing of things
from multiple perspectives. Curiosity enables us to test and apply different meanings to events and of
course, the meaning we apply to things ultimately affects our entire view of reality.
Curiosity has been a pervasive driver in my own life. Perhaps it is no coincidence that my Alakai ordination
name is he kanaka 'imi 'ike 'ana, which loosely translates as 'a man seeking knowledge'. This
astutely reflects my natural curiosity and desire to ask questions and find out more.
Alakai Stewart Blackburn provided an excellent summary of the role that actions spurred on by curiosity play
in the path of the Adventurer: "A question defines an adventure." The answer merely says that the adventure
is over. It is in the exploration that we really get to grow. Curiosity supports growth and feeds the flames
of the adventure.
Play: "In every man is hidden a child that wants to play." (Friedrich Nietzsche)
Play is another possible choice of reaction. Playfulness is often a quality that is sometimes overlooked in
the modern world, and in some cases even frowned upon. For some it is considered to be strictly the domain
of children, and being an adult is considered a 'serious business'. This is a missed opportunity and a
denial of an important part of our own nature.
Being playful can be seen as connecting with that child-like part of us that has always been there. In
addition, play tends to be a very 'in the present moment' activity.
Play has beneficial effects such as reducing stress, energising and increasing connection and creativity. Of
course, an attitude of play is not only the reserve of children, it is equally useful for us as adults. Our
Ku gets pleasure from play in direct and visceral ways, whereas puzzles and problems solving constitute the
nature of play for the Lono. Games are associated with play, and sometimes viewing challenges and
opportunities through the metaphorical lens of a game can bring new insights.
In Hawaiian myths. the demigod Maui displayed certain playful (and mischievous) qualities which contributed
to his effectiveness during his adventures. I believe that in addition to love (connection) and power
(effectiveness), playfulness is a key quality, a value and driver of any budding adventurer. With play we
have fun and without fun the world is a much duller place to be. Play fills the adventure with joy and fun.
I recommend nurturing peace, curiosity and play. Maybe these three attitudes are already a regular part of
your repertoire. If so, I suggest you keep it up and do even more. If these reactions are not common place
in your life, then I would encourage you to think about situations you are in, or interactions you have, and
consider how you could build more of the qualities of peace, curiosity and play into your life. Get curious
and play with how this can be done!
In addition, simply taking time, through meditation and reflection, to consider what these qualities mean to
you and how they might manifest, whether that be in real or imagined situations, can begin to bring more of
these qualities to the fore in the adventure that is your life.
Pete Dalton ©2019
Pete Dalton is an Alakai of Huna International living in the UK. For more information on his work visit
his website www.urbanhuna.org
|
