C.W. McHenry once again graces us with his charming reflections on the slow life, reminding us that Every Day is Sunday. It’s always a pleasure and a joy to read his work, and I hope you like it too. So for now sit back, relax, and I’ll see you in five Hawaiian minutes.
One beautiful balmy Hawaiian evening, I found myself by the beach waiting for a glorious Waikiki sunset. Nearby a talented musician was playing the most haunting tune. He decided to take a break.
“I’ll be back in five Hawaiian minutes, everyone”, he smoothly told us, and sauntered off.
Great, I thought, a short break and I can enjoy some more of this relaxing music. It soon became apparent though, that five Hawaiian minutes was going to be about 25 minutes in anyone else’s timeframe. So what could I do? Get frustrated because the music had stopped? No, of course not! It was just an opportunity to relax and think of something else for a while. When he came back I was ready to enjoy his talent all over again.
Like many of us, I’d dreamed of a Hawaiian holiday. But really, what was the attraction? Was it the beaches, the weather, the sights? Having had the great fortune to visit Hawaii recently, I found that this idyllic place is so much more than just these things (though they can?t be denied). If Hawaii is to be experienced to its fullest, to the height of enjoyment, it cannot be rushed; it has to be experienced properly. It has to be done on ‘Hawaiian Time’. Do this and it could truly a place where every day is Sunday.
To visit Hawaii is to meet the gentlest and friendliest of people. It is to visit a place of contrasts, of beautiful green valleys and harsh, dark volcanic landscapes. In the space of a few moments you can travel through a driving rainstorm only to come out into brilliant sunshine. But with all of this beauty surrounding you the real essence of Hawaii is the lifestyle, the freedom, and the slow pace. It is Hawaiian Time.
Put simply, Hawaiian Time is that aspect of a tropical lifestyle that says, “Eh, I’ll get to that when I’m in the mood, and I won’t stress in the meantime”. Fantastic! Hawaiian Time means staying calm and relaxed until the job is done. It can be applied both to the giver and the receiver of a product or service. To me, this is its greatest attraction.
Of course I understand you might think living according to Hawaiian Time is a lot easier when experienced in Paradise. But really it’s just about taking a breath and enjoying the moment. Things will get done; they just don’t have to be done at a frantic pace. I love it. I can’t wait to go back.
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