“Bloated with Data, yet starved for wisdom” are the words of Dr. Elizabeth Kapu’uwailani Lindsey. A former actress turned anthropologist who grew up being trained by Hawaiian elders.
This TED talk comes out of her work with the Mapping Human Story project sponsored by Google. As Dr. Lindsey says, “When an elder dies, a library is burned.” As we lose species we are losing our connections to ancient traditions that have much to teach us.
I learned the importance of honoring our ancestors from studying with traditional cultures. They are constantly honoring their past as well as all the realm of Nature. When you bestow honor on to someone or something you are giving back to those who have given to you.
Today we are fixated on instant data, entertainment, and doing. When you honor you must slow down and find that part in you that feels appreciation. This ten minute video models the ancient way of honoring. We all can learn from this.