While visiting a friend’s coffee plantation on the Big Island of Hawaii, my step-father told the story of how he used to pick coffee beans in Kona when he was a kid. When someone asked how much he got paid, he simply said, “kokua.” Kokua is the Hawaiian tradition of “extending loving, sacrificial help to others for their benefit, not for personal gain.”
Later, on the plane ride home, I watched a documentary about the Hawaiian rainforests. A Hawaiian medicine man mentioned how he would only gather enough medicinal plants for the sick person. “Hawaiian medicine is not for sale,” he scolded.
30-30-30
I took this as a sign for my business, so for the next 30 days, I am offering 30 free half-hour telephone or video conference sessions.
Simply click on the link below to schedule. No strings attached. I specialize in bringing peace to relationships, but I offer services and practices that will bring peace to any stressed-out, disconnected, or overwhelmed individuals.
Feel free to forward this link to any friends or family that need a refuge from the modern mindless, achievement-based rat race.
Click here to schedule a free 30 minute phone/video conference session
Is there a practice of selfless service in your culture? Please share.
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- Everyday Thanksgiving: July 2013 (everydaygurus.com)
everyday gurus 
♥ love your selfless next 30 days idea. ☼sunHUGS!
Thanks, Sunshine. It is the least I can do for all the blessings I have gotten in the last year, including my friendship with you. {{{hugs}}} Kozo
You are what I call my Dad…a good man. Three words describing the one human being with the biggest heart and best example of being human –God has given to me here on earth. Not, to be fooled –he served his county for 40+ years and grew up in the 60’s being a light skinned black man and one of 23 syblings (nothing came easy to my Father). You Kozo, remind me of my Dad…a good man. (((Huggs)))!!!!!
Thank you so much for even mentioning me with your father. I honor his service, his perseverance, and his compassion–for he must have been a compassionate man to serve a country in racial turmoil of the 60s.
Funny you mention fathers, 1G4AW. I just got a letter from a man who served with my father in Vietnam. My father went MIA when I was three, so the stories from this fellow soldier were some of the first I heard about my father as a pilot. I also learned that my father was also a good man.
Thank you for reminding me how important it is to be a good man. {{{hugs}}} to you and your father. Love, Kozo
Hi again kozo! I ment 20 + years my Dad spent in the service. He retired and then worked for the U.S. post office till he retired from work for good. I’m so happy you were able to learn more about your Dad!! What a blessing!! And your sons will benefit from the goodness of their Grandfather and YOU. What a legacy!!
Wonderful and thoughtful. ღ
Thanks, V. I’m hoping to use some neuroscience to bring peace and compassion into people’s lives. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
A wonderful expression of generosity! Thank-you for setting this example, Kozo!
Just being a vessel, Cathy. You know more about selfless service than I could ever offer. Your blog reminds me of how rewarding selfless service can be for the server. {{{Hugs}}} kozo
…how sweet…
As someone else said, you are a good man, Kozo.
Be well and be safe my friend. 🙂
WTG Kozo. You get messages. You hear them. You act on them. And you do it all with a big open heart. This will never lead you wrong. Kudos.
(((((hugs)))))
Alison
Thanks, Alison. I could write the same words about you, except you act on messages that involve selling everything and traveling to exotic locations around the world. 🙂
I think keeping an open heart is key. I’m just learning to open my heart. Spent a lot of years protecting it with my ego. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
As did we all Kozo, as did we all.
xoxox
I like that ‘kokua’ is a sufficiently regarded concept that there is a word for it.
I also like that first picture. I don’t know what it is about round rocks and a beach, but both bring me a sense of peace, even if just looking at a picture of them on a computer monitor.
Yes, those round rocks do bring peace. I consider those rock statues kokua. The people who build them just do it for sheer joy and to share with others. {{{hugs}}} Kozo
What a great idea! I’m sure you will be paid richly in return. By something more important than $.
So true, Georgia. I’ve realized that richness has very little to do with money. Money can’t buy peace. {{{hugs]}} Kozo
By the way, welcome back!
Thanks, Georgia. Are you still on summer break? Care to get lunch one day? If so, email me at everydaygurus@gmail.com. If not, no worries. I’ll try drop by one of your classes next quarter. {{[Hugs}]] Kozo
Very cool…I look forward to reading about how this effort shifted perspectives you have. Such a gift. 😉
To tell the truth, Carrie, it has already shifted my perspective. I feel like more of a servant than a leader. I am more thankful for all who have worked towards peace for so many years before I was even born. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
…and then there is the concept of servant leadership. We are all leaders, if we choose to step fully into the lives we can and do create rather than a life we adopt by default. Living your heart Kozo, you inspire us all. 😉
I love this idea and I have passed it on. 🙂
Thanks, Rara. You are the queen of selfless service. I learn from your example. {{{hugs}} Kozo
Well done, Kozo!
Your heart is vast and deep, my friend – and filled with goodness, of course.
Thanks, Hook. I might have to give you some business cards to hand out at the hotel to guest who come together, but leave separately. haha. Thanks for the love. {{{hugs]}} Kozo
Reblogged this on Being Stuck Sucks and commented:
I’m a big fan of Kozo and Everday Gurus… Check out his 30-30-30 offer…
Thanks for the reblog and recommendation, BSS. {{{hugs}}} Kozo
Reblogged this on 1EarthUnited and commented:
Kokua indeed! My friend, you exemplify this practice. 😀
I’ll spread the word, keep up the great work & spreading the ♥. {{{Hugs}}}
Oh that’s really sweet of you, Kozo, to always selflessly offer your time and advice to others! I’ve been just writing in my new article draft today that we each really have enough time and resources to share some of it with those who might be just in need…
Great work, our dear guru, as always, thumbs up for you!
Can’t wait to read the new article, Sofia. Great topic. Kokua, Dana, Self-less Service, whatever we call it, it is important. {{{hugs}}} Kozo
what a generous heart you have….
Take Care…You Matter…
)0(
maryrose
Thanks, maryrose. I keep reminding myself that I am enough, but I also like “you matter.” {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
Kokua
~
holidays are
so
inspirational
~
I’m glad
yours was so rich
with
love & wisdom
Hope your holiday was as rich, Geo Sans. One day we will meet on a holiday and watch the kids play together. {{{Hugs]}} Kozo