Class last week was really moving and somewhat inspirational for me. It really didn't feel like a forced educational setting but more like an educated, yet spiritual, conference of sorts. I wanted to absorb as much as I could in the short time. I was writing notes like crazy, trying to find some hope of potentially holding onto all that was being taught about the environment, language, Hawaii, and life.
Hawaiian culture and language have always fascinated me. I had no idea of the complexity and intricacies of vowels and how their combinations make words. Still, it made so much sense. Even in the language the spiritual and physical connection with the land in Hawaiian culture is overwhelming. The simple things like living in the earth instead of on it really have profound and far reaching meanings, connections, and consequences.
One quote that really stuck with me was "We are all islanders suspended in a sea of space". To me this speaks of unification but also responsibility. We, as global citizens, need to work together with our fellow people of all kinds, for we all share this island of Earth. It is our joint responsibility; this is our aina.
ramsay's really good at this. i work with him on other projects. a couple of other students asked if he might be doing a more specialized training for those who were interested in learning more about the esoteric nature of language and sound. he expressed interest, as time permits. but the point is that when the students come together, the teacher steps up to the plate. his responsibility is to teach. ramsay really has no choice but to teach in depth because there is a request to learn. i'll let you know if/when he schedules classes.
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