Of change and comfort zones
IFINALLY set foot on Hawaii. It has taken me three back-to-back flights to get there. Exhausted as I am, I am also excited to finally see one of the most famous places on earth, mentioned in books, films and songs for as long as I could remember.
It has always been depicted as a tropical paradise, and being born and raised in another tropical paradise that’s Malaysia, it didn’t sound too different from what I am used to.
But when I arrive in the Big Island, Hawaii, I am pleasantly surprised to find that there is so much more to the archipelago than just beaches and cabanas.
Hawaii is a term of reference for a cluster of islands. The most famous is perhaps Oahu, home of the popular North Shore and Honolulu beaches, where people come from all over the world to enjoy its seaside lifestyle.
This is great but the geologist in me wanted more, and so I found myself on another Hawaiian island, the Big Island, known to locals as the “original” Hawaii.
It’s a place to go if you wish to witness one of Mother Nature’s most captivating sights ― active lava oozing out from earth, shaping the island until today.
It’s a place to reflect on the physical examples of change ― there are flows after flows, changing how the island looks like each year, and the locals who seem unperturbed by it.
THE UNCERTAINTY OF CHANGE
Getting to know the history of Polynesians and how they travelled by canoes to begin new lives in Hawaii thousands of years ago is fascinating. It’s a story of humanity’s great voyage ― leaving their homes and families, adventuring into the great unknown.
Hawaii is still considered as one of the most remote places on earth, and one can only imagine the angst and anxiety that the Polynesians had to endure with the transition in their new home.
Furthermore, the islands are active volcano hotspots and they continue to grow and evolve constantly, which only means frequent changes to those who choose to live on them.
Let’s be honest. Change isn’t something that is easy. Most of us are creatures of comfort, finding relief in the familiar and ease in things that we are used to. I can easily attest to this.
I once contemplated moving away but the thought of leaving the suburbs I’m used to, going to a new place where I would have to figure out where the launderette or the morning market is make me feel anxious, so I didn’t.
I like knowing exactly where I will park my car each morning at the office. I buy the same nasi lemak from the same place because who knows if the other stalls are any good?
Looking back, there were so many things in my life that I’ve chosen or resorted to, not because I thought they were the best things, but only because I was afraid that anything else would require too much change.
Change, for me, is scary. The unknown and the uncertainty that may result from these changes intimidate me.
One of the things that really awes me about the Hawaiians is how susceptible they are to change. Almost every year, new lava flows will flood the surrounding neighbourhood, causing roads, buildings and parks to be completely blocked or buried by metres of hardened rock.
And each year, after all the changes, people will just build their lives again. Roads blocked by lava flow? They just build roads around it almost immediately. Homes destroyed by the volcanic settlement? They build new houses on top of it and market them as tourist attractions (an experience of sleeping right on top of a lava flow, anyone?).
The old beaches may have been completely buried but new beaches formed where the eruption meets the sea. Folks will just open up new parks and seaside spots for everyone to enjoy.
Change is inevitable on the island and the locals have embraced it fully without much fuss.
GIVE CHANGE A CHANCE
Lately, whether it is within our own community or on a personal level, there has been a lot of calls for change.
With current adjustments in the political scene, it is evident that there is a certain level of restlessness, the result of the shift that is gradually happening within our country.
This is understandably so. It’s the fear of the unknown and the loss of sense of security that comes with a major change.
However, I think that it is an exciting time for us. I look forward to see what these changes may bring, and what we can learn from them, to become a better, more evolved nation.
In terms of personal changes, I’ve been inspired by my recent travels to the Polynesian paradise of Hawaii to be more open to leaving my comfort zone and trying to see things in my life from different perspectives.
Changing is the only way to learn anything new, and what’s life if you’re not progressively learning?
Most of the time, change is a good thing but if it isn’t, there is no better way to find out than trying it out.