The Spirit of Aloha

March 7, 2010

Dear Friends,

After Carol and I returned from Maui last week, I wrote about the easygoing nature of native Hawaiians, and how they seem to “naturally” live life in the divine flow. But maybe “naturally” wasn’t exactly the right word to use. Perhaps “consciously” would have been more accurate. Because the Hawaiians are constantly reminding themselves to be in the divine flow of life by frequently using the word, “aloha.”

Aloha, you see, is much more than a simple greeting that has come to mean both “hello” and “goodbye.” You can’t be in Hawaii for more than a few hours—or even a few minutes—without hearing about the Spirit of Aloha. The Spirit of Aloha represents a way of life—a way of living focused on love, harmony, and mutual respect.

It is a way of life that has a very admirable code of conduct. And to remember that code, people have created clever acronymic meanings for “ALOHA.” What’s interesting about these acronymic meanings is that they parallel many of the principles I teach for living life in the divine flow.

Specifically . . .

“A” stands for “Akahai,” which means kindness. Well, as it happens, expressing loving kindness is one of the key ingredients for living life in the divine flow. “A” can also stand for “Ala,” which means watchfulness and alertness. Here, too, there is a parallel . . . because being in the flow of life demands that you pay attention to what’s going on around you, and to what’s going on within you.

“L” stands for “Lokahi,” which means working with unity. Again, one of the major principles for living life in the divine flow is remembering that we are all in the same boat . . . and that to get down the stream to reach our dreams we need each other’s help.

“O” stands for “Oluolu,” which means agreeableness. This is related to the principle of non-resistance, and being willing to follow the flow even when you don’t understand where it is leading. “O” can also stand for “Oia’i’o,” which means truthfulness and honesty. Once again there is a parallel . . . because to live life in the divine flow you must always be open and receptive to a higher truth, and be willing to let go of your need to be right. In other words, you must be honest enough with yourself to admit that what you currently think is true, might not be.

“H” stands for “Ha’aha’a,” which means humility. Here is a very direct parallel . . . because a sure way to block your experience of the divine flow is to get caught up in pride for any length of time. That particular expression of the ego can greatly interfere with your ability to sense divine guidance.

And finally, the last “A” stands for “Ahonui,” which means patience. And yes, following the divine flow often takes a great deal of patience. As you take one divinely guided step after another, you must always remain centered in the now moment, and allow things to unfold in their divine time.

So there you have it: “ALOHA”—not just a simple greeting, but a beneficial way of living . . . a way of living that keeps you in the divine flow of life, and helps you move forward in life with grace, ease, and continual feelings of peace and joy.

Aloha!

Steven

© 2010 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com