Just A Flicker In Time

Sitting next to Kilauea volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii is humbling, to say the least. It is estimated that Kilauea started to form somewhere between 300,000 - 600,000 years ago; and, it rose from the sea between 50,000 - 100,000 years ago. Yet, these time frames are also very short when compared to the age of the Earth or the Universe itself.

Now, think about your own life. Let's suppose that you live to be 85-years-old and have a full life. This time is just a flicker in history; a pebble on the beach in comparison to the larger concept of time. It almost feels unfair. Yet, this is what we've been giving, God willing. So how will you spend that time? Will you add value to the world or take from it? Will you live a life of significance or simply accumulate things to try and prove your value in being here? Does it matter at all?

No, I'm not saying that nothing matters. Of course, we all want to enjoy long prosperous lives and experience the wonders of human ingenuity and technology. But think about it. Does it really matter if you can get your email on an airplane at 40,000 feet or pick-up that phone call on the edge of a mountain? Will this make our lives significant?

While standing in the presence of Kilauea volcano, you can only feel a sense of vulnerability and humility; and a sense of awe. And while this volcano will be here long after we're gone, we are determined to live a life that matters, to us and to others. Light a fire with your short flicker!

Here, Renuka and I pose with Kilauea volcano (in the hazy background!) on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Dawn Of A New Day

There is something simply magical about rising at the break of dawn. All seems to be right with the world. You giggle as you enjoy a quiet moment while others are still asleep; almost believing you are getting a little more than your allotted 24-hours. Many spiritual teachers suggest that this is the best time for you to meditate and get in touch with the peace of mind we all seem to chase. While I have yet learned how to meditate, I can truly say there is some peace found in watching the sun rise on this wondrous rock in the cosmos. You can live life but one day at a time; each starting with the promise of a new opportunity; the dawn of a new day. Your day. Make it count.

Here, Renuka captures me as I film the incredible sunrise this morning at the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort, on Kauai, in the Hawaiian Islands.

Peace.

Photo by: Renuka Mohan

Ring Of Fire - Hawaiian Style

No, we didn't meet the Ghost of Johnny Cash nor fall into any fire! But we did have a great time at the Waikiki Starlight Lu'ai at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Simply an amazing show of cultural music and dance from the Pacific islands. Like our recent travels to Africa, these moments remind us that we are all very proud of our heritage and history. The Polynesian peoples of the South Pacific and Hawaii certainly have something to have pride in.

Renuka took this photo during the fire-dance presentation. Very cool, indeed.

Tomorrow: off to the island of Kauai!

Paradise Cove

How many times have you been so "busy" with doing something that you actually forgot why you were doing it in the first place? That is, it's very easy to get caught-up in the actual "doing" of something than the "experience". Today was one of those days for me.

We had the great fortune of visiting Pearl Harbor and the Memorial to that infamous date of December 7th, 1941. Emotionally moving; no matter what your nationality. Then, we drove to the west side of O'ahu and enjoyed the Paradise Cove Lu'au where we ate like kings & queens and enjoyed the cultural showcase of music and dance; Polynesian style.

Now seriously, how can one lose focus on these moments? Well, as a videographer, I sometimes get so "busy" with getting that next shot that I miss the essence of the experience, only to relive it when I see the video footage. I think our lives can be like that. We are so involved in getting things done that we only realize their significance when we take the time to reflect; or, watch that mental video footage called our memories.

So, what the hell am I babbling about? I'm talking about the old saying, "Stop and smell the roses". Enjoy each moment by living in the now. If things are not going "your way", then get over yourself and keep moving forward. I know it happens because it happened to me today; and, I was in Paradise...Cove, that is!

How did I come to realize all this? By seeing Renuka's photo of me filming in Paradise Cove, O'ahu. Yes, Peter, you have it so hard! Smell the roses?

Aloha from Waikiki

As a Canadian, I am so grateful to live in one of the best countries in the world. But, man, I am tired of winters! Today I spent the day at the Hilton Village Resort on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii. Simply unbelievable! Bath-water warm waves rolled onto my feet as I strolled the along the ocean's edge looking for that next amazing shot. There is something magical about being near the ocean; its energy; its power; its beauty. A vacation here can do wonders for the soul.

If you are thinking about Hawaii as a vacation destination, visit Westjet Vacations and see what is waiting for you.

In this photo, Renuka snaps a picture of me while I set-up for one of a few nights shots we filmed tonight.

Aloha!