| I have just returned from a fantastic holiday in | | | | witnessed so frequently in places which have less |
| Hawaii. Whilst there I was intrigued by the varying | | | | awareness of spirituality. An awareness of one's |
| circumstances in which the word "Aloha" was used. It | | | | spiritual nature inherently acknowledges our unity as |
| seemed to be used in the place of "hello", "goodbye" | | | | opposed to separation, and the shared impact of |
| and also in other ways too. | | | | thoughts and actions. To lash out at another is |
| I came across a book called "A Little Book of Aloha" | | | | recognized as hurting oneself at the same time. |
| by Renata Provenzano which explains the deeper | | | | There are many proverbs which we are all aware of, |
| meaning of this flexible word. Aloha, Renata explains, | | | | whether we believe in spirituality or not, which reflect |
| is a warm embrace between loved ones, the | | | | that "what goes around, comes around", but few of |
| meeting of one's spirit with another, the sharing of | | | | us actually look for their implicit deeper meanings. It is |
| life energy. Aloha clearly has a deep spiritual meaning, | | | | very easy in the majority of Western cultures to |
| and Hawaii is a very spiritual place. | | | | focus on separation and individuality and "survival of |
| The Hawaiian culture is full of reminders about our | | | | the fittest" but this creates a break-down of |
| true spiritual nature, and the benefits of this are | | | | community spirit and well-being. |
| clearly seen in the happy and friendly nature of the | | | | It is important to acknowledge that "we are all one" |
| people. I was extremely aware of the slower pace | | | | as a foundation for the creating of a relaxed and |
| with which the Hawaiian people go about their daily | | | | positive environment in which to live. "Aloha" is a |
| lives, and the peaceful atmosphere which prevails. It | | | | word which communicates the spirit of sharing and |
| is a great contrast from the frenetic activity which | | | | caring; its regular and consistent use is a constant |
| can be felt in so many places these days. | | | | reminder of the nature of spirituality. It is a little word |
| I just couldn't imagine the Hawaiian people displaying | | | | with a very big meaning. |
| the same levels of frustration and rage which can be | | | | |