My Huge Breakthrough

I had a HUGE breakthrough this week! I’ve talked before about listening to recordings of native speakers from the 70s and 80s. I don’t know however if I’ve shared how it’s always been really difficult for me to pay attention while listening. I’ve tried lots of things. I’ve listened while going for a walk, washing the dishes or cleaning, driving, working at home, and even while sitting at a desk with a pen and paper ready to take notes. All of these things I have tried, but I still miss sooo much of the recordings. This week my big breakthrough came as I worked on my mural in Kaimuki. I tried listening to an episode of Ka Leo Hawaii while painting the wall and WOW! All of a sudden I was hearing the stories of the kupuna for the first time. I don’t know exactly why listening is so much more effective while painting a mural, but my guess is because I already have the design ready and I’m just transferring it to the wall so my hands are busy but my mind is free. I learned so much from the first 6 episodes: hearing about Hawaiian music, the making of the book Nana i Ke Kumu, life on Niihau, the degradation of the Hawaiian language, ulana, and so much more. It was really exciting for me and I’m sharing it with all of you because it only took me 9 years to figure out! So if you’re 8.5 years in and you still haven’t found your zone yet for studying - I understand! And I know if you keep going you’ll find it.