The Spirit of Aloha

"Aloha to learn what is not said, to see what cannot be seen & to know the unknowable."
Queen Lili‘uokalani


For my first entry in this new blog I wanted to touch upon a lovely word and concept that I have felt during each one of my visits to Hawaii and that has intrigued me: the spirit of aloha.

From the moment that I first touched down in Hawaii, I was mesmorized with its beauty, culture, warmth, language and diversity. Of course the word you hear more than any other in this state is "aloha". Aloha is an Hawaiian symbol. Aloha means so much more than just hello and good-bye; it's a whole way of thinking that permeates the entire Hawaiian culture and experience. Its meaning goes beyond any definition you can find in the dictionaries.

In Hawaii, you hear aloha all the time and you are treated with aloha everywhere.

So What Does Aloha Mean?

Aloha is the most Hawaiian of words. In the Hawaiian language, it can mean hello or goodbye. It also means love and affection. The word aloha is used in a combination with other words, such as aloha kakahiaka, which means good morning; aloha auinala used as a greeting that means good afternoon; and aloha ahiahi is how you can wish good evening in Hawaiian. Because of aloha’s unique meaning and popularity, Hawaii is called the Aloha State.


The Spirit of Aloha

The literal meaning of aloha is “the presence of breath” or “the breath of life.” It comes from “Alo,” meaning presence, front and face, and “ha,” meaning breath. Aloha is a way of living and treating each other with love and respect. Its deep meaning starts by teaching ourselves to love our own beings first and afterwards to spread the love to others.

According to the old kahunas (priests), being able to live the Spirit of Aloha was a way of reaching self-perfection and realization for our own body and soul. Aloha is sending and receiving a positive energy. Aloha is living in harmony. When you live the Spirit of Aloha, you create positive feelings and thoughts, which are never gone. They exist in space, multiply and spread over to others.

Inspired by the philosophy and the wisdom of the Spirit of Aloha, nowadays many institutions and businesses in Hawaii carry its name: Aloha Tower, Aloha Stadium and Aloha Airlines. Many Hawaiian singers write and perform songs about aloha as well.

http://www.bigisland.org/activities-cultural/68/aloha-spirit-the-meaning-of-aloha

What a beautiful idea for a culture to have a word with such depth and feeling to it. I find that so inspirational and romantic. Aloha is the perfect word to accompany the lovely Hawaiian culture, and holds a spirit we could all do well to live by wherever we may be.

Aloha to you all!!