Clarity in an unexpected place

by River Conner (United States of America)

A leap into the unknown USA

I have named it; “interdependent traveling.” Inspired by The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, I lost interest in the extremities of independence and dependence. In the middle lives a way of moving about life that I was inspired to understand. I leapt into the all too familiar story of quitting a career and mentally starting anew in a foreign land. Leaping or falling, I’m not sure; I landed on Hawai’i. I went without much of a plan, which is step one in traveling interdependently. Under synchronistic conditions I knew of two people that lived in Kalapana whom I stayed with for my introduction to the island. Uncle Roberts’ Farmers Market was my first visit on my first morning, while on a mission to find some coffee and a proper stoop to ponder life. This place sat next to a field of dry black lava, and nestled into the jungle greenery. Makeshift stands with differing specialties formed the space. A bit weathered down but full of a special sparkle that felt like deep belly laughs and community. The bathroom stalls were graffitied with words of wisdom. “Pray for everything, worry about nothing,” “You are cherished, love is the answer.” I thought that this must be what graffiti in Utopia looks like. Visiting beaches is to be expected when in Hawai’i, so I spent time at many of them. Kaimu, with black sand in Kalapana. Papakōlea, with green sand in the South. And Carl Smith, on the West with calm pools of salt water and sea turtles that lead out to the ocean ahead. Kua bay was shown to me by a Samaritan that jump-started the van I was renting when the battery died..I learned that all seemingly unfortunate events which lead to vulnerability, are potentials for great friendship. And in this case, snorkeling off the shore of Kua bay. Step two in interdependent traveling; say yes to unexpected invitations. Another chance to practice this came up when I went to make a pit stop at the bar. While leaving I was invited to join a game of pool. I wanted to say no, naturally, and after getting over myself, bonds were made that opened up opportunity. A home to sleep in and some fulfilling days together to follow. I was sleeping in the rented van with a bad battery prior to this cozy invitation. Sometimes interdependency looks like asking for what you need and sometimes it looks like accepting what you didn’t know you needed. One of these friends showed me a retired lava tube that has been hardened and then smoothed by the rain. A massive hole that leads to an underground cave, with a rain water pool collected at the bottom; a safe haven from the humidity above. Someone told me that Hawai’i was created by Pele, goddess of volcanos. I was reminded of that power every so often when the earth rumbled far off someplace underground. It would be a lie if I said my bones weren’t rattling each time it happened. The solidifying experience in my quest for interdependency started on one of my last days while I was watching the day melt away on the coast of Kona. A strangers’ voice from behind asked to join me, I turned to see his stereotypical essence, Grateful Dead neck tattoo, guitar case over his shoulder and all; His smile promised friendship. A nomad by definition, he introduced me to fellow nomads, which is when I questioned where the line between nomadic and homeless lies. Not condemning in the slightest; actually the contrary. I was invited into a community that is living interdependently in its’ truest light. When I started my trip, I left the hustle of an independent culture. I planted my faith in the hopes of finding what healthy community looks like, wondering if it could be created in the large scale of todays’ pool of people. I found clarity on a subject that’s been scrutinized in the modern world. And clarity on how to lead my life, not only on travels to follow, but in every choice. The last lesson of interdependency has been to recycle the love and wisdom gained, that’s what builds community.