Whole Life Magazine

June/July 2014

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Photo: Elan Sun Star 6. Live to eat. Locals love to eat, and when it comes to food, Hawaii's racial and ethnic diversity makes for a broad selection of cuisine op- tions. Whether it's trying the newest food trend or having a ca- sual potluck at home, it's an excuse for Hawaiians to do what they love best—spend time with loved ones. Create a party celebrating food. Ask guests to bring something from their cul- ture, or cook something together for the fi rst time. 7. Treat others like your cousin. It's impossible to meet people in Hawaii without asking: Where did you go to high school and what year did you graduate? Living on an island, it's quite possible you have a mutual con- nection, so locals treat everyone, even strangers, as they would a distant relative. Mainland cities tend to lose that personal touch and rude behavior is not uncommon. But if you pretend that cranky sales clerk or awkward pedestrian is a calabash cousin or your friend's boss, you'll be much more cordial. 8. Talk story. Locals don't just ask, "How are you?" and escape before you answer; they really want to know. The next time someone asks how you are, offer a genuine answer. And even if you have a million things on your to-do list, a live vs. online conversation can do wonders for your emotional health. As Salvador says, "Connecting in this way promotes a sense of belonging and can enhance self-esteem." 9. Cultivate gratitude. Mahalo means thanks in Hawaiian, and while it's said often in the islands, being grateful is a state of mind. Big Island photog- rapher Dustin Acdal says growing up in a small town where he played in sugar cane fi elds has imbued him with gratitude for the little things, so whether its lava fl ows or cracks in the road, he now spends his energy capturing extraordinary photos from ordinary moments. Cultivate your own fi eld of gratitude by actively search- ing for things to be grateful for, and spend time savoring them. 10. Practice patience. Chalk it up to their laidback lifestyle and slower is- land life, but Hawaiians are notorious for be- ing late. They even have a name for it: "Hawaiian time." The next time you're disappointed by delays, roll like a local and turn it into opportunity. Use the moment as your own personal breathing space. june/july 2014 15 WLT-JUN-JULY-26.indd 15 5/26/14 2:09 PM

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