Iwalani has spent the last 50 years of her life practicing, preserving, and teaching the ancient art of hula. She is a kumu hula, or master teacher. 

A hush falls across the room as she steps into the center of her dance studio. 

The music begins. 

Her fingers unfold like a flower in bloom while her feet keep time with the rhythm. Her hips swivel. Her face beams with a serene smile. Every movement is intentional and perfectly timed. She makes it look effortless.

I gaze at her hands—so graceful, like a ripple of silk—and I wonder how long it took for her to refine that one small motion. A month? A year? A decade?

We live in a world that is intensely impatient.

We send emails and expect an immediate response. 

We set huge goals and grumble when the process takes longer than a week or two.

We want dramatic results, instantly, with minimal-to-zero effort.

Watching Iwalani dance, I am reminded that behind every remarkable achievement there are sore muscles, crumpled first drafts, moments of doubt and frustration, and most of all, patience and commitment. The quiet willingness to do the thing, and keep doing the thing, until we get it right.

Iwalani’s hula troupe will compete in a major competition. It's the biggest event of the year. 

I ask, "How much time will you spend practicing and getting ready for the big day? How long will you rehearse?"

Her eyes crinkle. She smiles and tells me:

"How long? As long as it takes.”

xo.

-Alex