Postcard #2: Kauai
Officiating a wedding, hiking the Nā Pali coast, and slowing ourselves down
Aloha, friends!
I’m writing this week’s Mind, Meaning, and Magic from Princeville, HI. Since we’re traveling, you’ll notice that the format of today’s newsletter is a little different.
On Friday, I officiated the wedding of a friend (and MMM reader) I’ve known since middle school. It was a beautiful ceremony and a lovely gathering of people. This was the second wedding I’ve done, and I think the couple was happy with the custom ceremony script I created for them. As I wrote recently, weddings are a rite of passage, and I believe having a meaningful ceremony is an important part of that experience. We were also lucky enough to have one of the most gorgeous imaginable settings for this wedding—the Princeville Botanical Gardens. The groom’s parents (also MMM readers) were kind enough to host us for a few days, which really helped us settle into the rhythm of life on Kauai’s north shore.
Yesterday, we hiked part of the (in)famous Kalalau Trail on the Nā Pali coast—just to Hanakāpīʻai Beach and back—about 4 miles of steep inclines and rocky, muddy terrain alongside lush jungle and breathtaking views of the ocean. It was awesome—Chelsea and I both agreed it was one of the best hikes we’ve ever done, and we’re already planning to come back and hike more of the trail next time.
While grabbing shave ice after the hike, we stumbled upon a little shop in Hanalei with a motto I am wholeheartedly embracing: Slow Yourself Down. One of the most pernicious characteristics of life in the modern world is its speed. Yes, we have to work hard in order to survive, but I believe all of us could benefit from slowing down, taking some deep breaths, and enjoying the present moment—which is part of the reason I write this newsletter. But it’s funny—even though I consider myself a fairly mindful person, there have been a handful of times since we’ve been on the island that Chelsea has had to remind me that we’re not in a hurry. So, Kauai is teaching me to slow down even more.
Previous MMM Postcard (Charleston, SC):
Podcast I’m Listening To
The Emerald — Let Us Sing of the Syncretic Gods of Outcasts and Wanderers. If you’re an MMM reader and haven’t checked out The Emerald yet, you’re missing out. Joshua Shrei’s blend of poetry, scholarship, and sonic alchemy makes for a frankly psychedelic listening experience, and this latest episode felt very relevant as Chelsea and I are traveling this week. Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Quote of the Week
“The universities do not teach all things. A doctor must seek out old wives, gypsies, sorcerers, wandering tribes, old robbers, and such outlaws and take lessons from them. A doctor must be a traveller because he must enquire of the world. Experiment is not sufficient. Experience must verify what can be accepted or not accepted.” —Paracelsus
That’s all for this week! As always, I appreciate your feedback on Mind, Meaning, and Magic. What was your favorite thing I shared this week? What would you like to learn more about? Reply to this email or leave a comment below to let me know.
Thanks for reading,
Chris Cordry, LMFT
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We love The North Shore and have hiked Na Pali Coast many times. Each time is unique and inspiring. Be sure to go to Bar Acuda for dinner. And ask a local how to get to Secret Beach on the North Shore. A short hike to a wild place where if you’re lucky you can see seals sunning up close.
The quote you shared resonates a lot. As does the theme of slowing down! The last months have been a whirlwind for me and as a result I’ve been super inconsistent with writing and reading. Coming back to your newly titled (or not so newly titled - I’m just late getting to it!) is a real pleasure. Thanks for reminding me that writing is a way to tune in and be present 🙏🏽