Art of Being

Writing does not come easy to me. I remember a professor on writing a letter of recommendation to law school for me stated “Good intellect, solid understanding, but writing skills have room for improvement.” But because I am currently sitting in paradise with a little extra time on my hands I thought I would put some words down.

Coming here to the Fijian island of Vanua Levu shows in stark contrast a major difference between the native people here and I. Our western culture is all about “doing” things (read accomplishing), whereas these islanders are “being” in every moment.

The routines of daily life which have been repeated for centuries are still places where profound satisfaction and happiness can be found. Fishing and farming are the day to day required tasks to stay alive. And yet those tasks are done with such a joy.

A most splendid example of that is the night fishing jaunts of the local village women off the beach where we are staying. Every evening except Sunday (until after midnight) while a certain fish run is on, these women come down and take bamboo rafts out to the reefs just offshore to fish. Before going out they wade off the beach with a five meter net with two holding the net while one slaps the water scaring the bait fish into the closing net.

 Video of Ladies with net

When the sun begins to set these very rudimentary bamboo rafts loaded with lanterns, water and party goers head offshore to the reefs. Laughter and singing can be heard throughout the night until they finally return at one or two in the morning.

I guess it is that paradox that so defines this cultural difference. Whereas westerners will pay thousands of dollars to come out here to sportfish only to grumble about not landing the “big one”, these local inhabitants will go out night after night enjoying every moment whether it is a “good night” or not.

For the joy is in the “being” there amongst friends rather than the “accomplishment” of a trophy.