This Sacred Place

Do we belong?

By Kau’i Aguiar

September 17th, 2023

I know we must look funny. It isn’t often the coral, the fish, the loli (sea cucumber) see things that look like us. I wonder, what do they think? To hear our bustling motors, to smell our unfamiliarity. The dichotomy of our existence in this realm is something I think about often. We who do not belong but do, in a way. For a moment.

I must reconcile with my place here; on this team, on this ship, in this sacred space. The beauty of these waters inherently breeds a sense of awe but in the same breath a feeling of self-doubt. The sanctity of Wao Akua (realm of the gods) is not lost on me, on any of us. It can make one feel unworthy. I must remind myself that we; as a collective, as individuals, would not be here unless kūpuna (ancestors) saw it fit for us to be. In understanding that, I feel honor. In that, I find peace.

Meet the Author

Kau’i Aguiar

Learn more about Kau’i here!