In Indonesia, the term Hati Hati means to proceed with caution and to be careful. It means to be proactive about the dangers that are ahead. What I love most about it is that literally translated it means 'watch your heart.' That means Hati Hati is a term to protect every part of us - physical, emotional, and spiritual! It's a term that reminds us to be mindful. How cool is that?
While living there, it became my favorite phrase. I would see Hati Hati signs most often where there were hazardous conditions, but it is also a term of endearment when you want someone to be safe and well. For example, my Indonesian friends would say it to me before embarking on a long road trip or to my children when they started a new school year.
I often think of this term when it comes to people and topics I care about.
I care about and advocate for a lot of things. Some of the most common are children's mental health, positive parenting, and seeking the truth beyond religious walls.
These things are so important to me that I can get intense when I talk or write about them. In fact, there have been times where I have shocked my friends and family members by my passion when these topics come up in conversation.
Because of this, I asked my therapist why I care so much and why I am so passionate about these things. She said something so simple. She said, "You know what is at stake."
She was right.
From personal experiences, I know what happens if a child's mental health is neglected, I know the negative impacts of Authoritarian Parenting. and I know the trauma that fundamental religion can cause. Like the Hati Hati signs warn us from hazardous road conditions, my advocating is what warns others. I am passionate becasue I know what can happen if people are not careful and not mindful. I want people to protect their heart and the hearts of those around them. If you want to learn more about how these topics affect you and others around you, click on the links for some informative articles.
It's a lot like what happened to me on my walk the other day.
I love walking on the trails around my new neighborhood. Being in nature calms my spirit and centers by body. Feeling the breeze on my skin and gazing at the forest lined pathway helps me clear my heard and gather my thoughts. It's one of the ways I take care of myself.
While walking the other night, I noticed a large snake laying across the path. I didnt think anything of it. In fact, I was so surprised and in awe of it, I took a video of it to show my family and friends.
Later, it came to my attention that the snake I encountered was a Copperhead snake. If you are not familiar with snakes, Copperheads are venomous and are responsible for more bites in the U.S. than any other snake species.
There are no Hati Hati signs in the U.S., and there certainly were not any warning signs on the trail. So, as soon as I realized that this venomous snake was living among the trails that my family and neighbors walk on daily, I became the Hati Hati sign. I researched how to protect ourselves and prevent snake bites. I then notified my family and neighbors of the dangers. My family and I then came up with a safety plan that included the safest times to walk on the trail, what to do if we encounter one, and what do do if we get bit by one.
I did this because I knew what was at stake if people walked on that trail and encountered a venomous snake and I wanted them to watch out and be careful. I wanted them to be proactive and mindful about the dangers ahead.
I do the same for the topics that I am passionate about.
While there are no safety signs in how we live our lives, there are people who have experience, provide preventative measures, and have knowledge and wisdom to keep us safe. Those people become the Hati Hati signs in life.
Let me be your Hati Hati sign today.
Hati Hati with your mental health. It affects every single thing you do.
Hati Hati in how you parent. Your child's livelihood, mental health and well being depend on it.
Hati Hati with religion. It is often outdated, dividing, controlling, and fear inducing.
Hati Hati with yourself. Don't settle and love yourself relentlessly. Your younger self and future self are depending on it.
Be careful. Watch your heart. Be mindful.
Hati Hati, my friend.
Yorumlar