HONOLULU (KHON2) -- In Hawaiʻi, the spirit of aloha is essential for building strong community ties. Whether you grew up here or you moved here at some point in your life, you have encountered aloha from many different sources. From our community, we experience aloha when we are kind and courteous. In our work, we encounter aloha in honesty and good faith business dealings. On the ʻaina, we experience aloha in a personal way. There are so many ways to embrace aloha. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You For people living on an island, aloha is especially important to driving an empathetic and cooperative society. Being greedy and selfish in island life can lead to many consequences we wouldn't normally experience on the continent. Isolation, depression, hopelessness can creep in so very easily. So, in honor of Indigenous Peoples' Month, KHON2.com had the great opportunity to learn more about this from Kumu Bradford Lum. Kumu Lum believes that in order to have a successful life, one must embrace and live aloha. But how does one do that? Collaboration thrives in communities that embody the spirit of aloha. Kumu Bradford Lum assertED, “When people come together with a spirit of aloha, they are more likely to work toward common goals.” This collaboration not only benefits individual projects but also strengthens emotional connections within the community. When community members prioritize relationships grounded in aloha, they foster a sense of belonging that is essential for mental well-being. Kumu Lum emphasizesd that emotional ties deepen through empathy and understanding. “By showing empathy,” he explained, “community members can relate to one another on a deeper level.” This deep connection is crucial for creating lasting friendships and support networks. As individuals engage with one another authentically, they build a community where everyone feels valued. The sense of belonging cultivated by aloha is vital for mental health. Kumu Lum noted that when people feel connected, it boosts their mood and fosters a sense of purpose. He encouraged community members to embrace aloha in their daily interactions. “Spreading aloha and awareness is vital,” he stated, as it leads to higher levels of communication, engagement and participation. Moreover, collaboration inspired by aloha can lead to community projects that benefit everyone. When individuals unite to volunteer, organize events or address challenges, they strengthen their emotional connections. Kumu Lum believes that the spirit of aloha can create a ripple effect, inspiring others to act kindly and compassionately. Collaboration and emotional connections are enhanced through the practice of aloha. Kumu Lum’s insights highlight the importance of empathy, belonging and mutual support in creating a thriving community. By embracing aloha, individuals contribute to a harmonious environment which allows us to prove that “spreading aloha and awareness is vital” for fostering deeper connections. November is National Native American Heritage Month in the United States. So, check out Kumu Lum's Aloha Segment every Tuesday through November. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 This is the second in a six-part series examining what aloha is and how we can embrace it in our lives.