I received a big package the other day from one of my best friends in Maui. It had all sorts of goodies in it - like macadamia nuts (all kinds - including the chocolate covered - yum) pineapple gummy bears, etc.
There was something in the box that my friend probably did not think much about when sending it to me. It is a simple bumper sticker. I am sure she threw it in the package for fun - and maybe as an afterthought. After all it is something we say a form of to eachother all of the time.
It says: "Practice Aloha."
It may not mean a lot to you - but it gives me immense comfort. Whether you know it or not, you are "practicing Aloha" right now.
In a (macadamia or coco-)nut shell it means, "Breath of Life."
That is powerful for a person who was told about 3 weeks ago they are standing on the brink of death. Not only did God initially give me the Breath of Life, and continues to do so, all of you and others - my family, my friends, and even strangers - give me hope, and therefore a breath of life, with your prayers, kind words, acts of kindness, etc.
Here are some versions of what practicing aloha means to some Hawaiians themselves:
1) Caring or treating someone the way you would like to be cared for or treated - and doing it with a smile that is genuine and sincere.
2) Aloha is love.
3) A couple says that in their house when things are getting stressed, they say they need to get things done "aloha style: slowly, gently, with peace in our hearts, softly, with love..."
4) Choosing to see the good (and thus creating more of it.)
Other key phrases:"Aloha ke Kahi. I ke Kahi." = Love one another.
"Aloha ke Akua" = God is Love
My golf pro and good friend in Maui wrote to me when hearing about my illness. He ended his letter with this:
Me Ke Aloha Pumehana= With warm love
So I say to you all now,Mahalo (Thank you) andMe Ke Aloha Pumehana
P.S. You can now find this sticker on the back of my car - so if you see it, honk, wave and say a little prayer!
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Beautiful post - thanks for sharing and teaching us a little something along the way! Hope you are having a good day!
ReplyDeleteMe Ke Aloha Pumehana,
Angela
Aloha Dawn,
ReplyDeleteYour story touched me. You see, the bumper sticker your friend sent to you is part of the 'Practice Aloha' project envisioned nearly a year ago. Mark Ellman and I co-wrote a book a few years ago. Last January he called me to say he realized the entire country is ready to understand what it means to live life with aloha.
So using the words he uses as his company motto, we set up a website where anyone can share their story. We hope many of the stories will be included in our book--PRACTICE ALOHA. www.PracticeAloha.org.
Can we include your blog entry on our website and perhaps in our book? It will be alongside stories from Hawaii's entertainers, chefs--even Congressman Neil Abercrombie and Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona!
We wish you strength and healing.
Me Ke Aloha Pumehana,
Barbara Santos
I would be honored! What a wonderful website you have - and spreading this concept is a great idea!
ReplyDeleteMahalo!
Please let me know if there is anything else you need from me.
Me Ke Aloha Pumehana, Dawn
Dawn,
ReplyDeleteGod is so good...and funny too! Now, you are encouraging and uplifting others with your words. Thank you, it was a great way to start my day by reading your blog. Prayers are continuing to be uplifted for you 24/7. Praying that you are feeling them and feeling HIM. Have a blessed weekend with your family...cool weather is on the way!
Julianne