Had some fun looking for a good definition of the word "aloha". The word is synonymous with island living in Hawaii. It is a word most loosely used as a greeting for hello or goodbye, but the spirit of the word is really means so much more. The word aloha literally means the joyful (oha) sharing (alo) of life energy (ha) in the present (alo). In Hawaii it is actually a law on the books that reads like this:
[§5-7.5] "Aloha Spirit"
(a) "Aloha Spirit" is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others. In the contemplation and presence of the life force, "Aloha", the following unuhi laula loa (free translation) may be used:
Akahai, [ah kah hai'], meaning kindness to be expressed with tenderness;
Lōkahi, [LOH' kah hee], meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony;
`Olu`olu, [oh' loo oh' loo], meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness;
Ha`aha`a, [hah' ah hah' ah], meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty;
Ahonui, [ah hoh nui'], meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.
These are traits of character that express the charm, warmth and sincerity of Hawaii's people. It was the working philosophy of native Hawaiians and was presented as a gift to the people of Hawaii.
"Aloha" is more than a word of greeting or farewell or a salutation.
"Aloha" means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return.
"Aloha" is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence.
"Aloha" means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable.
From the article "The Deeper Meaning of Aloha" by Curby Rule www.huna.org
"The kahuna David Bray interprets this code as "Come forward, be in unity and harmony with your real self, God, and mankind. Be honest, truthful, patient, kind to all life forms, and humble." He also stated that to the Hawaiian of old, Aloha meant "God in us." "
For me Aloha Spirit is the embodiment the of fruits of the Spirit that I learned as a kid.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." Gal. 5:22-25
I love how it says at the end "Against such there is no law". Meaning there is no circumstance ever that these are NOT permissible. These are always, in all cases a good idea. Always!
Today happens to be May Day where the Aloha Spirit is seen around the islands with the celebration of Lei Day. In 1927 "May Day is Lei Day." was conceived by the poet David Blanding and the phrase was coined by Grace Tower Warren who worked with Blanding at the Honolulu Star Bulletin. All over the islands today people are showing their Aloha Spirit by the making of, giving and receiving of beautiful floral garland called leis.
So today and everyday I try to make that choice to show my Aloha Spirit. It isn't always easy in fact most days it is a choice. Especially when someone isn't showing their Aloha Spirit to you! But it truly is the spirit of the islands and something that I am working to instill into my kids. It's one of those darn things you have to show them yourself otherwise it is just another concept on paper. We are the model, we are the living breathing example, we are the ALOHA.
Love this! Our little cottage in the UK is called Aloha Cottage. As I read the definitions of Aloha that is exactly what I want our home to stand for! Thanks for Sharing Cherie.
ReplyDeleteThank you my dear! LOVE that their is an Aloha Cottage in the UK! :)
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