ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD
People in Vanuatu have a different relationship with time than us – us, the busy people. Over and over we were met with blank stares when we asked: how far, what time, how long, when is it? This does not mean time is not important; it just means time will tell, it will happen when it happens, all in good time, and it’s all good.
We explored the remotest islands and villages we could find; places where people are time-rich. How you spend your time is of more value than how you spend your money—if you happen to have any. Material riches are not evident. The fastest way to get rich is to want less. The fastest way to happiness is to give away what you have.
We wiped ‘killing time’ from our vocabulary, and tried to fall in step. Here time is marked in seasons, rainfall, the aging of your children and your parents, your growing family and garden, the tides and moon, night and day. Affluence is spending time helping others, taking care of your community, and raising a family. Giving is a sign of true wealth.
This is John-Marie; we share a birth date. We also share birthdays with his father, his father’s father and his daughter, much to our delight! He is my Birthday-Brother from another mother. I had the joy of making his family breakfast; his two young boys discovered Nutella and heaped it on with a spoon. I asked Rose, John Marie’s wife when her birthday was. She said she was 48 like me but would look up her birth date and tell me later. We went to pick up this little piggy we purchased from them, and Rose ran into the house, came back, and with a shy smile pronounced: 25 July!
This is Emelia. We found her in the woods on Epi Island with her bread on display, just waiting quietly for someone to come along and buy some, so we did. She had all the time in the world, a sparkle in her smile, charm in her body language, and the best bread 200 Vatu can buy.
Quantifying anything seems unnecessary here. Not long is the answer to the question how far from our hiking guide Alessia. How many people live in your village - more than 50 people said Jerry. John the taxi driver said, just pay what you would like. Ni-Van generously give away what they have in abundance: time and Pamplemousse (grapefruit). The Ni-Van people rush to help you carry groceries, launch your boat, lift your luggage, asking nothing in return.
Here’s the kicker: Vanuatu has ranked as the happiest place in the world, twice. They own less than anyone I know and they give more often than not, and they have all the time in the world.
I think they are onto something.