The moment I stepped foot on Hawaiian soil many years ago, I had such an affinity — a “soul” connection to the land, to the people, to my Hawaiian “Ohana” (family), that ran so deep, it could not be denied. It is simply a beautiful, spiritual and wondrous place! It is with great privilege, gratitude and pleasure that my family and I enjoy simply delicious living in both Hawaii and in Southern California.
Even before my first trip, I learned that “Aloha” is a Hawaiian word used when you greet a person “hello”, or when you bid a person farewell. It also means “with love and affection.” However, aloha is also an attitude or way of living life. You’ve probably heard the terms “The spirit of Aloha” or “The way of Aloha” — it means a way of interacting with the natural world and all those who live in that world. Living “in the spirit” or “the way” of aloha is living by a certain code of ethics which includes, but is not limited to: love, kindness, tolerance, compassion, respect, and honor of all humanity and living things, it also includes the thoughtful and deliberate preservation of the earth and its precious resources, the joyful sharing of oneself with others, the act of being committed to the caring and the sustainability of one’s community and to the planet, as well as the “conscious manifestation” to live life joyfully in the present. The list of meanings goes on, but clearly, aloha means so much more than “hello” or “goodbye.” Isn’t it wonderful that Hawaii recognizes an Aloha Spirit State Law?
Definition of Aloha Spirit State Law
[§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 may be used:
“Akahai,” meaning kindness, to be expressed with tenderness;
“Lokahi,” meaning unity,to be expressed with harmony;
“Oluolu,” meaning agreeable,to be expressed with pleasantness;
“Haahaa,” meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty;
“Ahonui,” 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.
(b) In exercising their power on behalf of the people and in fulfillment of their responsibilities, obligations and service to the people, the legislature, governor, lieutenant governor, executive officers of each department, the chief justice, associate justices, and judges of the appellate, circuit, and district courts may contemplate and reside with the life force and give consideration to the “Aloha Spirit.” [L 1986, c 202, §1]
MANA
When you live “The way of Aloha” or in the “Aloha Spirit,” you help manifest a powerful spiritual energy and force or “Mana” that uplifts yourself, your loved ones and mankind.
So Simply Live Aloha my friends and help make our world a more joyous and sustainable home!
