What an incredible example of the power of one thought, one seed of an idea, intent, focus & action! The fundraising day on 17 January was the idea of Teresa Corso who simply wanted to do something to give back to those whose teachings have been so important to her journey. The seed was planted & in 4 weeks the appropriate people came in to being to assist & support her in her endeavour. In just one day $2532 was raised! Mahalo nui loa to Teresa & to all the ‘ohana who were either there on the day or who donated items for raffles, doorprizes, money, food & teas. You are all extraordinary! The money will help in Sacred Halawa Valley to get such things repaired as the brakes on the truck, the pipes which carry water from the dam to the house & the lo’i, &d if we can raise even more – maybe hot water for showering!

This brings me to the concept of tithing or donating, whatever phrase you want to use. Many spiritual practices & universal ‘laws’ talk of the concept of tithing, often using the figure of 10% of income. Many of you know I donate regularly to RSPCA, IFAW, World Vision Child Sponsorship, Aloha International and Halawa Valley & collect towels for various animal shelters ( which reminds me, the Xmas bundle went to Victorian Dog Rescue – mahalo to those who contributed). That’s what I choose to do & of course everyone is different & has their own journey & priorities. The thing with tithing or donating, It’s not the amount that is given, it’s about the intent with which it is given. Neither does it need to be money, it can be time, volunteering, all sorts of things.

I often hear people say such things as’ I can’t afford to’, ‘ I don’t have the money’ etc . Perhaps it’s time to revisit ‘The 7 Principles’ of Huna, ‘The Secret’, ‘The Law of Attraction’ – all spiritual concepts of manifesting just under different labels.

To quote some Hawaiian phrases regarding manifesting & prosperity :

- Ana’ole, kea au, ka po ( there are no limits to the outer world or the inner world)

- O ka pono ke hana ‘ia a iho main a lani ( do good until the heavens come down to you/ Blessings come to those who persist in doing good)

- Aia ke ola I Kahiki ( Life is in Kahiki/ Success comes from the inner world)

- A’ohe wawae o ka i’a: o ‘oe ka mea wawae, ki’i mai ( a fish has no feet: you who have feet must come & get what you want/ thoughts must be reinforced by action)

- Ko Koa uka, ko koa kai ( those of the upland, those of the shore / share so that everyone’s needs are met)

And to quote Serge: “ Fear is the only problem: love is the only solution.”

“ Tithing is a way of sharing resources & expanding prosperity. You get back according to how  it makes you feel, not according to how much you give”

& here’s Serge’s great little ditty to sing : Life is An Adventure

Be aware of what you are & what you want to be:

You can turn your life around from A to Z

Nothing is Impossible, belief is all you need;

You don’t have to trust to luck just plant the seed.

(chorus) Oh, Life is an adventure, life is all a dream;

Everything is flexible & not what it would seem

Dare to give yourself a chance to do the best you can;

Plan the way to live your life & walk your plan!

When the world is getting dark & you are full of fear.

Remember to turn on the light & make things clear.

When you are unhappy, & when you’re full of doubt.

Fill yourself with energy & then begin to shout

(chorus)

There’s a little secret that’s as old as can be;

Faith can make a mountain move & love can set you free

So bless the world each morning, & by it you’ll be blessed;

Trust the power deep within & then expect the best!

(chorus)

Are you Singing & Smiling yet?     You could even put a little dance with it to energise even more!!

]I was coming back from my walk this morning with the all that is contained in this blog running through my head. Whenever that happens I know it’s coming from a higher source that wants to be heard or get a message through and that it’s time for another blog, so here it is.

I’m often asked questions by people seeking a lomilomi teacher or practitioner as to who I can recommend. My answer to them is along the lines of  ’ask them these questions and then decide if this is the appropriate teacher or practitioner for you’. The questions are: where in Hawaii have they trained? if not in Hawaii, what is their kumu’s lineage or background ie has their teacher trained in Hawaii, does their teacher have the permission of their kumu to teach? Have they ever been to Hawaii? Have they ever studied at all with an Hawaiian?               There are many who are doing lomilomi that cannot answer yes to many of these questions. There are many who use the Hawaiian teachings, culture and spirituality in their businesses and I will be blunt enough to say , who earn money from these teachings and cannot answer yes to these.

So , my question is to those who are practitioners  and teachers of Hawaiian healing and spirituality in any form is - what are you doing and what do you do to honour, respect and support those whose wisdom and knowledge you benefit and profit from?

When Lawrence Aki ‘agreed’ to come to Australia to share the teachings of his ancestors, he would only do so if he had the permission of the Indigenous Australians. He would not teach here without their blessing. So a sacred ceremony will be done in Melbourne and Brisbane with the Indigenous Elders of Australia, with ho’okupu (offerings) being made to them from the Kanaka Maoli of Molokai.    This is how important honouring and respecting is for Native Hawaiians. How important is it for you?

I am under no illusion- although I am seen as Kumu in Australia and am given that title by a number of Hawaiians,would never have the arrogance to assume that title in Hawaii. I will always be haumana when I am in the presence of Kanaka Maoli. I may  be seen as ‘Professor’ of many things Hawaiian here, however am very much in pre-school when I step foot on any Hawaiian ‘aina.

I know my Kia Kahi, my purpose is very different to many peoples and that we all have a different journey.  I continue to strive to be the best advocate and representative for Kanaka Maoli and all Hawaiians that I can be. This, along with being haumana and of service to them will continue until the the day I Walk the Rainbow.

Perhaps it’s time to take a moment and reflect upon  your own kia kahi, your own purpose and journey. Are you truly embodying and understanding what it is to honour and respect the Kanaka Maoli, the Native Hawaiians and the Ancestors?                                                                            Are YOU willing to embrace in your Practice what it is to be truly Hawaiian  & to be PONO with your practices? What commitment are YOU willing to make to yourself to move from ‘doing’ to ‘being’ & to honour the Kanaka Maoli & the Ancestors &  to Malama Pono ? Sometimes you are offered a Makana, a Gift .Are you willing to receive this  gift, this rare opportunity? Are you & your clients worthy of this investment?

‘IKE NO I KA LA O KA ‘IKE, MANA NO I KA LA O KA MANA
There is a time for knowledge & a time for mana ( power)
Sometimes in life you are learning, sometimes you put learning into practice..
….but you never finish learning.

Aloha Kakou,

Xmas is almost here again, which for many is a time of reflection of what the year held for each of us and what difference did we each make to the planet. For me it was certainly filled with extraordinary events and adventures, learnings, movement, re-evaluation of values, meeting extraordinary beings, and so the list goes on. It has certainly been a year filled with embracing and articulating more of all that is important to me  which can really be put under 2 phrases: Aloha Spirit and ‘Ohana.

As always, life reinforces to me why I do what I do, live how I live, teach what I teach. Whilst the journey always has it’s challenges, the joys certainly  far outweigh the hiccups.

To all my ‘ohana -family, haumana, clients, friends, incredible beings who have crossed my path- mahalo nui loa for being a precious part of my life, and Murphy’s, and for encouraging and helping me to follow my pu’uwai,my na’au, my path, to keep striving to spread and live Aloha. I wish you all the most wonderful Mele Kalikimaka ( Merry Xmas) and Hau’oli Makahiki Hou ( happy new year). May you all follow your heart, your guidance with much aloha.

Remember too, to offer the compassion, caring and support to those who have perhaps had a challenging year and to the special little beings who don’t have a ‘voice’. Many of you know that I collect towels, sheets etc at this time of the year to donate to animal shelters, so feel free to pass them to me and I will deliver them, or do what you can to help these little beings and any beings in need. Be Aloha, Be pono

Me Ke Aloha Pumehana, Tracey and big Mana filled licks from Murphy

What can I say here…..I feel I am still integrating the whole trip in body, mind and especially soul.  On this particular day some of our group headed off for a trek to Kalaupapa village, to get there you had to trek down a 3,000ft high sea cliff to reach the beach and then bus it to the village.  I thought that is ok the track can’t be that bad..hahah.  I have done a lot of trekking and bush walking so I though this would be ok….another hahaha!!

We arrived at the beginning of the trail did a beautiful ceremony to assist us on our trek and standing at the top of the cliff I looked down and thought what an amazing sight and wow what a way to walk, however I had excitement yet calm within.

This was the start of my journey, unbeknown to me spirit had other plans for me for the rest of the trek.

We walked in silence which was great as you were able to be in the present moment, yet at the same time were taken back by the beauty of nature that surrounded us on this trail.  We were walking through some of the most ancient forests around and you could feel the sacredness of the land that you walked upon, you felt the nature spirits guiding you to turn and look at certain points along the trail, to be in-touch with the aina.  This was very powerful.

The trail was very steep, muddy and rocky in a lot of the parts so this made you make sure you kept your awareness about you as you walked, however at certain point the scenery was so magnificent that you did turn and look at the beauty, this is where my little surprise popped out of nowhere.  I turned to look at the beauty that surrounded me especially the moss that covered the forest that we were walking through and through one moment of distraction I found I lost my footing, slipped on some mud and then WHAM!!! I found myself sitting in the mud with a twisted left ankle and twisted right knee, getting close to mother earth – aina, I obviously needed to be grounded.

I sat for a few moments thinking “what happened” and I suppose I was in a bit of shock, luckily for me my girlfriend was coming behind me and was first to see if I was ok.  I said I was but not sure if I could move my foot, she began to do some healing which I found instant relief and was able to bring some movement in, just  as I was about to get up part of the group that was following behind came up to see if I was ok and they began to do some healing as well…..this was the point where I was overwhelmed by the support from everyone about my wellbeing and assisting me on all levels so I was able to continue the trek….as I knew I could not go back I had to go forward and to do this on my own yet with the energetic support from the others.

To my surprise there was one of the group that was consumed by hunger in all this and had to eat breakfast whilst watching the others assist me…I found this amusing.

As I continued down the trek hobbling on one ankle and aiming to support the other knee, this made the journey very slow, however I did make the journey.  I was very much aware of the continuing support from all and how I needed to maintain a strong mind and continue telling my body that all is ok and you can do this…you can make it through the day and back to the top when the day is over.

We did the bus trek and the journey was fantastic, there was a lot of sadness and grief in Kalaupapa and at times tears began to flow, others and myself were continually doing energy work and assisting the lost souls to cross over and come to some sort of peace.

During this time my injuries were the least of my concerns, my energy was on the land and the souls.  A lot of healing went on that day on all levels…we all came back feeling very different as a lot had occurred.

When we left the village it was time to do the climb back to the top and to me at this time was very daunting as I thought “how am I going to do this?” then another thought would come in “You are strong we are with you and you can do this!”

Even as I write this a feeling of humbleness and gratitude flows through me bringing me to tears as I recall the amazing support from all that helped me to the top.

It was a hard journey one of maintaining a strong mind and continually telling my body it was ok…it was healing and it is able to get to the top.

I finally made it to the top with the assistance of a most amazing and beautiful person that kept telling me she would not leave me on the trek to do it by myself, that she would be with me even if we had to spend the night there….this is what I call true family….true Aloha spirit….that you never leave anyone behind.  This is what the world needs right now.

We finally made it to the top and it felt like crossing through a port hole and that I had just completed some form of initiation…..this is where I sat and cried and was held as the tears flowed by spirit and by a most precious friend.

Once we arrived back to the ranch I was welcomed by all and given a lot of nurturing and love…..I was totally looked after by family….aloha spirit!!

On that amazing day there were a lot of lessons learnt, we are all ohana (family) no matter what, opening to spirit and allowing the energy to move through you, knowing that you have the strength within to cope with any situation that occurs and to know that family not matter who it is, is there for you and that you are there for them whenever is needed.  I also learnt a lot about gratitude, appreciation, the aloha spirit and being open to the ancestors and for this I am forever grateful for the most amazing journey that I have experienced.

Mahalo Nui to all my Molokai Ohana.

Many of you have possibly realised  from my earlier writings is that one of my other very strong energetic connections or obsessions on Molokai is with Kalaupapa. Hence, the day we were going to do the trek down the trail in to Kalaupapa, I knew I at least was in for a profound and emotional day.

Being the place where those with leprosy , now known as Hansens disease, were exiled so many decades ago  and where some of those residents still live, it is a place of much pain, both in the ‘aina and the people and an area in need of much healing and forgivenss.

( see earlier blogs).

 Whilst extraordinarily beautiful, this is not a hike for the faint-hearted. It is very steep with many rocks and much mud, so on the way down it’s important to be in the Now and be mindful of your footing.  Again, it was another day for many lessons and learnings to unfold. I was asked to lead the group down, with Gary bringing up the rear to ensure everyone was safe.  I knew that when we reached Kalaupapa it would be very important to do a pule, so with Myself, Joey and Kalena being the first to arrive, we took some time to say a forgiveness pule.

We soon also found out that Sue had fallen and twisted her knee. More about that shortly.

The bus trip around Kalaupapa and visiting the ‘sites’ there was such an overwhelming experience, I was very grateful I had my sunglasses. Again, after we finished lunch, I guided  the whole group  with another forgives pule, which again was very profound. So much pain energetically there it is really tangible, well, for some it is. I had been more than a little surprised when it had been suggested to us  before we left that morning, that it would be a good idea to swim before we made the return hike. At the time I had thought it would be  absolutely not pono to do so in such an incredibly ‘abused’ place and with so many souls who had lost their lives in the ocean there . This was very much reinforced for me when we were there. It felt that to do so would be disrespectful and dishonouring.

Some, however did want to swim so I said I would head off straight away with Sue as we would need to travel very slowly and was very aware of the steepness of the return journey.  Some chose to head out with me and all were given clear instructions that they had a choice, stay with me and walk slowly or stay with Gary until they were ready to come. We needed to ensure all ‘ohana were safe.

Again, interesting lessons in ‘ohana and ‘no-one gets left behind’. We were supporting Sue physically and energetically in what I knew was going to be a challenging and arduous trip for her.   One person disregarded what was asked of them and chose to leave the rest of the ‘ohana and go ahead by themselves, although being specifically asked not to do so. Hmmm.  Others, as they came through I sent on ahead, always ensuring they had at least one other person with them, so they were looking out for each other, being ‘ohana.

Three of us stayed with Sue on what was an incredibly challenging hike, even for those who were able-limbed. For Sue and the rest it was again a lesson in the power of the mind, using all our healing and energy skills to help get her back to the top with us.  I wasn’t going to leave her behind and I ‘joked’  a few times  that if I had to spend the night on the trail with her I would and that the others would have to just fit in someone elses van to get back to the ranch ‘cos I was the driver and had the keys!  It wasn’t a joke though- if that’s what needed to happen, that’s what I would have done.  One of our ‘ohana, Jason, actually got to the top and then came back down to help and at times ‘push’ Sue up and stayed with us from then on. I was also  aware of some of our ‘ohana who were at the top, using their energies to help ‘pull’ Sue up. Again, lots of hands on opportunities for people to use their shaman skills and truly be ‘ohana. So, with a monumental force of will and focus, and with the most of the rest of us using all our various shaman and healing skills, Sue made it to the top. Again, many opportunities for people to reflect on what it is to be ‘ohana and also to reflect on what constitutes being a ‘healer’. Some never gave us a second thought, some spent a lot of time focussing their energies, either physically with Sue or from the top of the trail, helping her to get home. So a big mahalo nui for those who helped to get everyone home that day and also for being part of  what I believe has been at least a part of the healing of Kalaupapa.

In March this year I visited Moloka’i for the first time in 10 years to assist on a training there.

 I knew it was going to be a profound trip for many reasons, some I had been given glimpes of, such as meeting native Hawaiian culturalist and spiritual teacher Lawrence Aki ( that’s a story for another day!), others though I didn’t see coming.

Moloka’i, the ancient land of the Kahuna, the island of powerful prayer, the island holding a lot of emotion and pain, caused primarily by the haole – the white people. Kalaupapa where those with leprosy were exiled and still live today.

On this particular day, which I realised later that evening happened to be Friday 13^th, our group was having a day off to go to the beach. We were supposed to go the day before however it had been raining so the trip was postponed. All very symbolic as it turns out. We arrived at Papohaku Beach, me along with the 6 other Aussies and an assortment from around the globe, excited by the prospect of an ocean swim. Being a beach loving Aussie I ‘knew’ as did the others from Downunder, which was the safest and most appropriate area to swim. However, our trusty leader and facilitator said that they always go around further. We all reiterated this was the best spot and where he wanted to go had a heavier feel energetically and not as light as where we had been guided. He persisted, so going against my na’au, my knowing, I followed. Joey and I exuberantly went straight in to swim with much joy and aloha, and whilst the ocean was rough we are both strong swimmers and used to much rougher conditions. I have always had a healthy respect for the ocean and often use it for my energetic cleansing ritual.  There we were having a lovely time laughing, swimming, floating, enjoying the now moment in the ocean. In a nanosecond I suddenly felt a clear shift in the energy of the ocean and said to him we need to get out of here now. Joey later shared that at that moment he saw a shift in my demeanor and knew something was wrong.

The ocean was angry. The ocean was about to spit us out.

The waves grew in such size, frequency and strength that as we tried to swim to shore, we were constantly pounded and hammered by this powerful onslaught. I went under at least 6 times, I really lost count of how many.

Using all my shaman skills to stay still, aware, focussed and not fight the tumbling each time I went down, but to wait for the stillness, using all my strength to climb to the surface, snatch a second of a breath before being pummeled down again. Being aware the whole time also that I may be being flung toward the rocks to my left, having my eyes open and arms out to protect myself physically if that was the case. I was aware of being what I call Poliahu- one of the Hawaiian Goddesses who was able to not be defeated by Pele when her anger raged by staying calm and centred. Her energies are one I work with a lot. Also expanding my energy and telling those of the unseen realms that we could really use their help. It really is remarkable what goes through your mind in a few seconds. At one point whilst tumbling under the water in the washing machine spin cycle, I did have a thought “ you know, you might not get out of this one”, however being calm during the whole thing and having no fear.  At the same time too, always being aware of Joey and the aka cords that were connecting us. Oddly enough what should have been dragging us out to sea, was throwing us to shore, even though there was an incredible undertow. Finally, after I have no idea how long, I got to a point where I could stand and saw Joey was safe and Danae had come as far in as she could to try to help, wanting to but being unable to.  Yet another wave and under I went again, but this time with a force of strength made it to the shore- with my bikini still in tact, gotta be happy with that!!!

 Exhausted and heaving for breath, I made it to a rock to sit on, and with Joey standing next to me we both bent over, gulped air in to our strained lungs, regained our breath and burst out laughing.

The rest of the day, every time we looked at each other we would snort with laughter, something the others thought was a sign of trauma and wondered if something was wrong with us, but it wasn’t. There really was no trauma at all for me, it was totally a reminder in surrendering to the moment, trusting and not fighting, whilst being present to do what needed to be done.

 It was however a life changing event and a massive clearing of energy. What the Hawaiians call a pi kai, a salt water spiritual cleanse ( externally and internally in this case!). You don’t come out such an experience unchanged.

A few of the group on the shore had been watching the whole episode, having seen and felt the shift in the ocean also. They kept watching us and ‘willing’ us in to shore. The next day I realised their contribution energetically and shamanically in ‘drawing’ us in to shore. With the undertow, we should have been dragged further out to sea. What a powerful reminder of the power of focus and intent and aloha and that combined focus of energy.

Later that night when I finally had space to be with my thoughts and ‘hear’ – one of the messages was that Moloka’i held so much wounding and anger for what happened to the Native Hawaiians and the ‘aina and Lawrence’s words from a couple of days earlier came to me – ‘ I forgive but I will never forget’. That a big part of my journey was to assist in the healing of the ‘aina and the energies there. The past has been forgiven by the native Hawaiians, that’s who are they are and how they live – ho’oponopono, making right, working with forgiveness as a daily process.

The elements still needed some kala, some release.

 Joey and I went in to the ocean filled with Aloha, love and joy and I recognised the comparison with clients. When healing is happening, the old emotions and wounds can come to the surface with a vengeance to be cleared and healed. Sometimes when offering aloha and love, the anger and rage has to surface in order to be released. This is certainly what happened that day. It happened to me as I knew how to handle it. All was in perfection.  As with clients, family, friends and loved ones, often when they are in a place of anger and other emotions, when you give them love and aloha, it brings up their old ‘stuff’ from the deeper layers even more, so it can be released. Joey and I were there to do a job that day, to let the ocean express what was needed, as we were the ones who could handle it. It allowed for some release of 150 years of wounding. We also had the support of other incredible beings on the shore that also had a job to do that day.

In Hawaiian culture and ‘ohana), there is a phrase ‘no-one gets left behind’. That was one of the big lessons for people that day. Each time I came up for a breath I would make visual contact with Joey to make sure he was ok. We were either going to get out of this together or not - together. I could feel the cords connecting us strongly. Danae shared also that she could see each time we surfaced, that we looked for the other – that neither of us was going to leave the other out there alone. No-one was getting left behind. Those on the shore were helping to ensure that with their energetic ‘pull’.

We had also had a group session of Ho’oponopono – to make right, often called the Hawaiian code of forgiveness, a couple of days previously, so again all was in perfection. Many forces spiritually and energetically came in to play that day.

Other lessons- Wayne later apologized for not ‘listening’ to and honouring our knowing and to the messages we had been getting, however no apology was needed, it was all meant to be. It was a lesson for the rest of us in honouring ourselves and our knowing, our guidance, and not to be swayed by others.

I came out of the ocean that day, not only with my bikini in tact, but with a cleansing, strength and renewed sense of purpose. I realised life was too short and I needed to follow my own advice to so many others. I had spent so much of my life prioritising others feelings, being loyal to people when that wasn’t reciprocated and doing what was ’ the right thing’ for others. It was time to prioritise me, my ‘knowing’ and going after things that I know at the core of my being are right for me personally, and in doing so, being of a greater service to the planet. I’ve always done this with my quest for honouring as much as I can of Hawaii nei, na aumakua, na akua, na kupuna, na kupua and sharing the aloha spirit, however not always for myself personally. This has led me to an incredible journey and connections with the beauty, serenity, powerful mana  and energies of the  Halawa Valley on Moloka’i and the special beings who live there…..that’s a story that will have to wait another day.

I’ve just returned from another 3 weeks on this incredible island, staying in Halawa Valley, that has the most profound impact on me. (and yes, I’ve already booked my flights to return 27 Aug for another 3 weeks!) For me it is a remembrance, a coming home. For a usually very articulate and communicative Gemini, this sacred island leaves me in such a place of comfort, healing, being,serenity that it’s beyond words. Working in the Taro patches and immersing totally in the mud and the moment is something that I simply love and cannot explain. Sure, it’s physically hard work and every muscle aches especially after day 3, however it really is such a joy for me. Perhaps letting some of the photos speak for themselves would better serve the purpose.[

Life has been somewhat of a rollercoaster since my return from Moloka’i (well, it was when I was there too!) and that’s continuing - all  in a fantastic way, however I am tying my slippahs tight! Since returning, I have done a lomi training with a group of extraordinary beings and extraordinary assistants ( much aloha and mahalo to Michele, Joey, Melissa and Kalena) , scheduled another extra lomi training for Jul/August, moved premises just up the road to Kings Arcade in High st, Armadale ( mahalo to Joey for being such a wonderful cleaning and furniture moving anela), have the advanced day next Sunday with a very full hale and the Ho’oponopono afternoon on the 24th. Then on the 26th I board a plane to Moloka’i again for       3 1/2 weeks. The pull there is so very strong for so many reasons, I have to explore it/them. Na Aumakua, na Akua, na Kupuna and na Kupua are certainly pushing and paddling this canoe, so I’m simply surrendering and allowing the journey to unfold.

Aloha, my beautiful friend,
 
Thank you!  Your email is beautiful.  You are so special, words can’t even describe the how’s or whys but just that you are here with such purpose…and your sharing on so many levels in so many dimensions is wonderful.
 
I have been to Whittlesea (thanks for text and email you sent out to the ohana) a few times now, and have been working with the group that your chiro knew about.  It has been wonderful.  I have been at the CFA staging Arena, and have been working different shifts massaging the emergency crew, ie SES, CFA and Army guys.  What an amazing and inspiring world that is.  These people have given up their time, their comforts like beds and homes and are doing such an amazing job in clearing and cleaning the fire affected areas.. So many stories, I have been fortunate enough to work on  many of the guys (back massages with the lomi intent and style)  and it has been such a special  environment.  The minute you hop into the tent – the energy comes alive…all the therapist are so happy to be there and helping out…it is truly an amazing experience.
 
Next to our tent there is the Wild life Rescue team….they have also been working around the clock, helping the wildlife, they sleep the night there and watch, and assist the animals in their care or those brought in by the emergency crews.  Many are burnt, Others are homeless and tiered..that has been heartbreaking, ….so I have been thinking of you, and want to send you aloha and blessing, for you and your ways makes the journey  clearer and easier for these beautiful souls .
 
So I too am looking forward to hugging you next Sunday…What a special day that will be!
 
With love
Teresa
 
From: Tracey LakainapaliSent: Sunday, 15 February 2009 4:01 PM
To: teresa corso

Aloha nani wahine,
Even the fist line of your email has made me tear up (again!!)
I guess part of the ‘how am I’ can best be answered by this copy and paste from an email I sent to an ‘ohana in Hawaii today - I’m looking forward to a long walk and afternoon at the beach today. It’s been a full on three weeks of teaching and clients ( some of whom have been involved in the fires here), and particularly this week. The healing needed here with the fires  on all levels has been intense and even for the most skilled shaman, pretty full on.
 Helping both human and animal souls walk the rainbow in my nocturnal hours also (along with the help of my trusty ilio Murphy!) , along with the ‘physical’ healings has certainly meant a pi kai cleanse at the ocean today is much needed. So any extra ‘waves’ you can send my way will be received with much aloha

Your  beautiful energy is radiating to all those in need, even simply by you thinking of them. Ask for guidance from ‘above’ to lead you to the right people regarding how you can help. When you make the connections let me know and I can email what’s happening when something is organised  to the ‘ohana for you.
Even if full lomi isn’t appropriate, even a back massage would be very much valued. Go with your guidance and be flexible with whatever will work and is appropriate in the situation.
I was going to call Adeline, my chiro anyway tomorrow to make an appt for me and Murph and I know she was one of the chiro’s who went up on Friday, so I can ask her.
Remember that the energies will be incredibly intense there, so whoever goes will need to be energetically prepared. Also remember all you can do is be there, listen, give hugs and massage. Their pain and grief is very intense and we cannot have any words to even begin to ease that. Just allow aloha to shine from your soul, heart and eyes and they will ‘get it’.
So, let me know what unfolds.
Have penciled you in for 01 march and I for 1 will be looking forward to a big aloha hug from you
Aloha hugs to you, Tracey ( oh, and aloha licks from Murph)

On 13/2/09 7:37 PM, “Teresa” <tjcorso@iprimus.com.au> wrote:

Aloha, my beautiful friend
 
How are you?  Hoping that all is well.  You probably have had lots of emails within the ohana expressing sadness and shock with all the devastation of the fires.  I have wondered what could we do to help…what would the shamans do…..???  I feel so overwhelmed with sadness and the reality that this is so HUGE…but still wonder collectively what can we do to change this? ( I am hoping my wonderful teacher (you) has some advise)
 
Secondly i am trying to work out how some of us could get together and give lomi and the aloha spirit to those affected.  I not sure how yet, or where, but I visualise being set up with a couple of tables and providing free massages.  I contacted our local CFA, and they weren’t quite sure how to go about it.  I have also tried calling the Whittlesea rec centre for advise…as yet no response….I have contacted another massage therapist who is also trying to do the same and mentioned I was happy to help coordinate  it.  However I am wondering if you are already aware of this happening ( I know the chiropractic association has set one up) or do you have any suggestions on how we can go about it?
 
I have been thinking of you a lot in the last couple of weeks, so I hope you are well!??  Tania and I worked together on the weekend and did 2 doubles, and it felt so amazing, truly a beautiful gift to give.  I am so grateful to you for sharing your gift, your love and your time.  I feel really blessed to have you part of my life and for introducing Joey and Tania to.
 
If there is still room available I would like to tentatively book the advanced  training day on the 1st March.  I will confirm early next week.
 
May you keep safe,
 
Aloha
Teresa
 

Sometimes in life you meet someone who deeply touches you. Someone who wouldn’t even particularly call themselves spiritual, however their soul and spirit radiate such a humanity and depth that you come away from meeting them knowing you have received a gift from Spirit. Paul Cox is such a Being. A few years ago I had the pleasure of viewing Moloka’i- the story of Father Damien. This was a film surrounded in much ‘controversy’ as the version shown around the world was a very diminished version of what Paul had done, and not the version he had edited. ( I won’t go in that full story here)  However, it was nonetheless a very powerful movie. Then he went back to do the documentary ‘Kalaupapa Heaven’ which I saw in 2007. At that time I felt moved to email him the following message and received the reply from his then assistant:-

Aloha!

Yesterday I had the honour of viewing Kalaupapa Heaven at the  Melbourne Film Festival and hearing Paul speak afterwards. I want to acknowledge  Paul and his crew for the outstanding work they have done. Whilst being an Australian myself, I have a very strong connection with Hawaii and the Hawaiian people.

I teach Hawaiian massage and philosophy in Melbourne and journey to my ‘island home’ regularly. Maintaining the integrity of the Hawaiian culture and honouring the Hawaiians is something I am very passionate about. To view this incredibly powerful film and to experience the sensitivity to both the people and the culture that Paul and his crew displayed in a way that was very ‘pono’, was a joy.

To then experience the humility and warmth of Paul in his speaking of his experiences moved me to tears. What an incredible human being. When ‘Molokai- the story of Father Damien’ viewed some years ago also at the festival, I was very moved then. Paul has now taken this to a new level.

He is leaving an incredible legacy for the native Hawaiians and I truly applaud him for this and for his ‘ahonui’- his patience and perseverance in pursuing this.

Mahalo nui for having the courage to tell this story.

Much Aloha, Tracey

 On 30/07/2007,  Subject: Paul Cox - Kalaupapa Heaven

Dear Tracey

As you can see from the email below, Juliana was kind and forwarded on your email to Paul

He has asked me to write and give thanks for your sweet and kind letter.  I can assure you it gave him much joy.

With kind regards, Joanie

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As I’m heading off to Moloka’i in March to assist on a training there ( co-incidentally the first time I was there they were filming the movie), I wanted to purchase a copy of Kalaupapa Heaven to take to show the other ‘ohana in Hawaii as they hadn’t seen it. On contacting Paul’s office I was told that he would like to give me a copy. That in itself was a huge gift, however when I went to pick up the DVD a greater gift again was in store. I had the pleasure and honour of spending 1 1/4 hours with Paul. What an incredible Being. His compassion, humility, humanity, respect .. the list goes on, is so tangible. I came away from our meeting with so much more than I can put in to words. He also gave me another gift - a copy of his book - ‘Reflections: an autobiographical journey’ . Apart from being a fascinating and touching read, it’s also filled with the insights of someone who simply understands universal and spiritual truths, and to me who is innately a deeply spiritual and humanitarian being, although perhaps wouldn’t ‘label’ himself as such. If more people had the essence and core values that Paul does, the world would be in far better shape than it is. I would like to share some of his writings. Whilst they may be commenting on such things as film making, I ask you to look beyond the subject and in to the core truths and how they can translate to your life, your work, your journey, your passion, your integrity, your ethics, your being Pono and making a better  more harmonious world.

excerpts from  ’Reflections’ by Paul Cox

p73 A film that matters lives on, bypasses instant praise or rewards. A good film penetrates the psyche and         thus lives and lingers forever.

p75 Vincent van Gogh says ‘ How does one become mediocre? By compromising and making concessions,          today in this matter, tomorrow in another, according to the dictates of the world, by never                           contradicting the world and by always following public opinion.

p84 The film was shown to a few friends, ignored by the people who mattered and put away. Doing the           things one dreams of is more important, much more important than enjoying the achievements.

p85 To carry a grudge for too long hurts the heart. Hatred only harms the person who hates.

Perhaps it’s an opportune time to reflect on the reality you create, your thoughts, focus, motivations.       Are they from a place of fear and/or ego or are they from being pono, compassionate, ethical, loving and Aloha.