“‘He puko ʻa ku no ka moana.’
A large rock standing in the sea.
Said of a person who is unchangeable and very determined.”
Chicago Public Library Budlong Woods Branch Hula Performance
I’m taking a moment to pause to see the rain splashed window next to the dining room table I’ve used as a desk ever since we moved five years ago. We relocated from an 8-bedroom Victorian home on 163 N Humphrey to a 2-bedroom apartment at 38 Lake Street above our one room Zen Center. Quite a change!
April showers are continuing into May, and the tree outside that has been my close companion is bursting with new yellow green leaves and tiny white flowers. Many of its branches are covered with a green forest moss.
We are preparing to move to our new home at 46 Lake Street. There’s been lots of activity since we closed escrow on Monday. The old awning has been taken down letting in more light. Seeing open skies through the front windows lifted my heart.
The wood floors are being re-finished as I write this. Estimates for a fresh coat of paint inside are now being received. And many volunteers have signed up to help do whatever is needed - pack, move, clean.
Four of us did deep cleaning of the kitchen and bathroom the other day. I find it very satisfying to clean. Cleaning can be a meditation - just cleaning without thoughts except for how to get this spot out or rub away this greasy build up. This kind of work practice surely blesses the space.
I had a dream about a week ago where I saw a great tidal wave slowly growing in size until it was as big as a huge mountain range. All I could manage to say was "Oh... my... god...!!!" My husband and I were behind a huge rock that was high enough to shield us from this monster wave. I watched with a mixture of fear and deep respect for this big wall of water coming toward us. I didn’t try to run, I knew the rock would protect us. It was big, solid and firmly rooted to the land.
I’ve had dreams about tidal waves in the past. They always seem to come before a big change or move. This one was different in that I wasn’t alone. And indeed I feel supported by so many of you who have contributed in so many different ways to this momentous change.
I am deeply grateful to my husband, Robert Joshin Althouse for his vision and steadfastness, and to all of you for also being my rock in the midst of great change. May our collective path be clear and strong: full of love for ourselves and each other.
Malama pono (take good care of body, mind and spirit),
June Kaililani Tanoue
Kumu Hula and Sensei
P.S. May is also Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Join us for three free public performances at Chicago Public Library branches as well as the Oak Park Public Library.