The pace of life in the islands is molasses slow. People tend to live in the moment, one right after the other.
Present-moment living means focusing your attention on the here and now. You appreciate life just in that moment. You realize there is no better time to appreciate your life than right then. You're not so caught up with what's next that you fail to savor a spectacular sunrise over the Mokulua Islands or a magnificent sunset over the Koolau Range.
When I slip out of the present moment, my grandkids help me regain focus. They allow themselves to stay fully engaged and absorbed and involved in whatever they happen to be doing and with whomever they happen to be. As a kid growing up at Kailua Beach, I milked every ounce out of that experience. Instead of worrying too much about future problems, I saw beauty. I'm not saying there weren't any ants at the picnic. But rarely would they ruin an otherwise perfect day.
People in Hawaii see the present moment as this magnificent place that is waiting to be enjoyed. It was in Hawaii that I learned that if I wanted tomorrow to be different, I would have to make a personal commitment to enjoying my life today, as it is right now.
Coming up in Part 5: "Efficiency."