Lessons from the Lagoon: Finding Purpose in the Art of Being Present

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned on the island is the importance of focused, intentional action—something I experienced deeply one afternoon out on the water. Manu, who you all know from some of our earlier stories, had offered to teach me the traditional handline fishing technique passed down through generations on the island. It wasn’t just about catching fish; it was about understanding the ocean and the rhythm of life here.

We paddled out to a quiet lagoon, its surface glistening in the midday sun. Manu handed me a simple handline, the hook already baited. He explained that fishing this way wasn’t about speed or brute strength—it was about patience, awareness, and respect for the process. At first, I struggled. The line in my hand felt lifeless, and my thoughts raced ahead to whether I’d even catch anything. Manu just smiled and said, “Slow down. Let the ocean teach you.”

I took a deep breath and focused. I began to notice the faint tension in the line, the gentle pull of the current. The sound of the water against the boat and the way the sun played across the waves suddenly felt alive with meaning. Then, just as I began to lose myself in the moment, I felt it—a soft, quick tug. A fish.

With Manu’s calm guidance, I pulled the line steadily, feeling every movement of the fish as it fought. When I finally brought it aboard, it wasn’t just about the catch—it was about the entire process. That fish became a symbol of something greater: the power of being fully present, of engaging with the moment instead of rushing to the result.

That day taught me a lesson I carry with me into everything I do. Whether I’m preparing food, cleaning the porch, or working on a creative project, I remind myself that every task deserves my full attention. It’s not just about the end result—it’s about the journey.

Fishing with Manu wasn’t just a skill-building exercise; it was a reminder of what it means to live with intention. So now, whenever life feels like it’s pulling me to hurry, I think of that day on the water and remember the joy of slowing down. It’s in those moments of presence that we truly connect—with ourselves, with our surroundings, and with the purpose behind every action.