“O ke kahua mamua, mahope ke kukulu.
The site first, and then the building.
Learn all you can, then practice.”
Attending class with my Kumu Hula Michael Pili Pang and my hula sisters, Waimea, Hawaii Island December 2019
I just looked up from my desk and noticed beautiful white clouds, kind of scrappy looking with blue sky poking through cottony wispy holes. A mass of these clouds moved across the Chicago sun, slowly yet energetically as if pushed by brisk winds.
It's the Makahiki season in Hawaii. This is the ancient Hawaiian new year festival that covers four consecutive lunar months in honor of the god Lono. It used to be a time of spiritual cleansing and offerings to the gods and local ali'i, rest, practicing sports, dancing, and renewing communal bonds. Warfare was forbidden.
The season is marked by specific cloud formations, life giving rain and peace. Our stay in Hawaii included a weekend of very strong 50 - 60 mph winds, drenching night rains as well as warm, humid sea air, gentle breezes, rainbows and sunny skies.
Hawaii seems like a dream now that two weeks have passed since we got back to Chicago. But I remember the large stand of Keawe (mesquite) trees we stayed next to - largest in the state. An organic silence emanated from that forest that felt like deep samadhi. Past the Keawe trees, there was vast open space up to Mauna Kea. Gazing past the trees to the mountain was healing - something that my body and mind needed.
To the east and south I saw the mountains Mauna Loa and Hualalai. The Kohala Mountains were to the north. Zebra doves, francolins, sparrows, mynahs, and a night heron were there. I even saw five long legged turkeys in someone's driveway on a morning walk.
I visited the kia'i (protectors) of Mauna Kea. They were still blocking the road up to the mountain from any Thirty Meter Telescope construction vehicles. Other vehicles were passing to the side of the ten. They've been doing this for over 180 days. They were organized and in good spirits.
They do ceremonial protocols three times a day every day which includes oil (chanting) and hula. I attended their noon protocol and joined the hula noa (free) section. It was energizing to be on the ala (road) dancing with many others I didn't know and yet feeling part of a whole. We honored the elements and especially Big Mama - Mauna Kea. At the very end, we gathered all of our intentions/deep aloha and with hands outstretched and palms facing the mountain we sent these blessings to Big Mama. The love for the mountain was palpable.
I know this issue has been difficult for some to agree upon and has caused splits in family and friends. Is it possible to appreciate each other even when we disagree? Is this what it means to practice kapu aloha or sacred love: practicing nonviolent principles of love and respect for others as well as ourselves in the face of great challenge and change?
I hope so. We need this now more than ever.
Malama pono (take care of body, mind and heart),
June Kaililani Tanoue, Kumu Hula and Sensei
P.S. Here is a slideshow of our trip to Hawaii. Beautiful music "Color in Your Heart" and "Let's Kiss the Sky" by Keoki Apokolani Carter and Yvonne Yarber from their new album "Auwe Nohoʻi Pili ʻĀina Kahi."