Turning to Spirit for Guidance
All of my life, I’ve heard, “What kine Hawaiian you?” All things considered, I know why people ask me that question. I don’t ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (speak Hawaiian fluently). I’m allergic to poi. I’m not interested in eating fish, kālua pig, ‘ōpihi, or most Hawaiian delicacies. I definitely can’t hula or paddle canoe. And, yup…I don’t even surf. So, when I decided to create the Hā’ehuola wellness program, I first wondered if I was qualified enough to be a health coach. Then, I questioned if I was “Hawaiian enough” to include my cultural perspective…I mean, come on…a Hawaiian who doesn’t surf??? Finally, I wondered if anyone would want to learn about health through a Hawaiian perspective?
How the Answers Came
So, one day, while staring out into the ocean contemplating these questions, I asked Spirit for guidance. I closed my eyes. Filled my lungs with the breath of life (Hā). Drank some water (wai) from my trusty hydro-flask and called upon Spirit (‘ī).
As I stood in silence, the numbers 8-6-3 appeared in my mind as three Iwa birds swooped down right in front of me. Mesmerized by the beauty around me, I again quietly asked Spirit for guidance. All of a sudden I had a strong urge to go home. I jumped in my car, zipped to my house, and went straight to my bookshelf. I grabbed my ‘Ōlelo No’eau (Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings) collection and found proverb 863 on page 94. My heart exploded wide open as these words jumped off the page:
“He ʻonipaʻa ka ʻoiāʻiʻo.”
“Truth is not changeable.“
Truth is…
Hawaiians believe truth includes not only statements of facts but also elements of spirituality. ʻOiāʻiʻo means absolute truth and sincerity. Figuratively, it means “spirit of truth.” WOW! I was amazed how my ‘aumakua (guiding spirits) gave me the answer to my questions. They also impressed upon me four significant truths about me, my program, and mission.
What Spirit Told Me
Truth #1: First and foremost, “He Hawaiʻi au mau a mau” “which means, “I am Hawaiian now and forever.” Or, more specifically, “I am Hawaiʻi” (a part of the life giving breath, water, and spirit). They reminded me that no matter the food I eat, activities I engage in, or language I speak, I will always be Hawaiian. Nothing can change that. It is in my koko (blood). It’s in my soul, my lineage, and of my being. Therefore, I am indeed “Hawaiian enough” to share the Hawaiian perspective in the program.
Truth #2: The 7 Elements of Health program is rooted in truth. It provides a comprehensive perspective that considers the interdependent nature of all things. And, it provides lessons and practices that help people heal themselves, others, and our world.
Truth #3: The wisdom in the values and practices of my ancestors has stood the test of time. Their enduring truths align with the immutable laws of the universe and provide examples of sustainable ways of living. Practices that are in the best interest of nature and all humanity.
Truth #4: I am the echo of my ancestors. By fixing my eyes upon them (the past), which is rich in knowledge, I can see today (the present), what is needed for tomorrow (the future). There is truth in saying, “I ka wā ma mua, I ka wā ma hope —the future is secured in the past.” So, it makes complete sense that we rely on our ancestors for the answers to today’s problems. In doing so, we can use their ‘ike (knowlege/wisdom) as a guide to create a healthier future for the many generations to come.
You Can Turn to Spirit Too
As you can see, by turning to spirit for guidance, I was led to the answers. Also, they reminded me why it’s important to include the Hawaiian perspective in my program.
So, if you find yourself questioning your culture, heritage, or even your life’s purpose, my suggestion is do what I did. Take a moment and connect with nature. Quiet your mind. Listen with your eyes. Open your heart with Aloha. Then, let Spirit guide you.