'OLE DAYS ... Sunday through Wednesday

The four days and nights of the 'OLE DAYS starts Sunday, March 1st. See you back here on Thursday of next week. To learn more about our practice of refraining from new posts and new decisions during 'Ole (pronounced OH-lay) Days, please check out the link to the right (a great interview with kumu Kalei Tsuha of Maui, Hawai`i) for a beautiful description of living in sync with the universe by attending to the moon.


COMMENTS ARE ENABLED. Take care.

Listen … with your whole body … LISTEN RESPECTFULLY

Admitting I am living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities was as important an admission as any alcoholic makes when she works into the rooms, introduces herself by name, and adds, "I am an alcoholic." I've been in the rooms, would still be in the rooms if I could handle the smells. I am not an alcoholic, but only by the grace of god. I have been affected by the alcoholism of others and as they tell us in Al-Anon, alcoholism is a family disease. The similarities between my experiences in recovery from addictive 'side-effects' and life with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities are many, but I can start with these:

I am powerless over other peoples' choices ... yet, I am not helpless to do things that matter for me.
The first step is to admit the 'ism or the sensitivities exists.
The second is to make a choice to turn to a power greater than the struggle.

That's a start. The real work is in the continuing to listen to the power within. The outside visuals, the anxiety of scanning for the triggers (of potential exposure) and the hyper-vigilance that comes with always be 'ON' are loud! The power within is gentle, soft sometimes, and always available to be listened to respectfully. I'm not sure how this writing meditation will play out ... I'm really just listening respectfully to the voice that tells me "Sure, you're taking this dictation just right ~ keep on it."

The point I'm at today is a celebrating time. My dear husband Pete and I have come through so many challenges and I know "I am powerless over many things." With the guidance of my power within I have been led to a counselor who has modeled generous and respectful listening. She is a woman who lives with chemical sensitivities as well, so there is a common foundation of life view between us. Her brand of sensitivities is different and yet we don't spend too much time going through the comparisons. Instead, over the past ten months I have learned to listen to her listen to me. "You are powerless over x, y, 1, 2, 3, but you have such power within." "Do you recognize the mastery in that?" She has asked me that in so many conversations. "Do you feel you are getting enough from me today?" Weekly and now every other week I have been learning the vital skill of listening respectfully to me with my whole body/mind/spirit.

I celebrate because I am making progress reclaiming a transformed self ... a self who lives with an illness that can isolate like Hansen's Disease once isolated. I claim this self with more assurance today. My feeling of attachment to this Kitchenette ... it's a good thing, an indicator that I care for the comforts of regularity. Gently, I notice there are unexpected bouts of tears ... short bouts up they come from where I am aware yes, I know they come from old hurts healing. Then the crying stops. I celebrate my healing today and give thanks to a wonderful woman who has used her own vulnerable and caring self to care for me. Thank you "K." your magnificence spills over and its come my way.

Engage in good health practices … CARE

Clipart credit: www.designedtoat.com

Well, I gotta admit the weather is baffling me. Snowed last night. I appreciate the changes because there's always the chance something new will be 'better.' Or, maybe not. I glance over at "The Humor Stick" and read Swami Beyondananda's daily dose of humor. The universe being a "C grade" science project really shakes me up, laughing at myself. Is it okay to get "C's" in your world? Though I have no recollection of my GPA in high school, I do know that it was definitely more C's than the other letters at the beginning of the alphabet. Grades are a dangerous barometer for assessing worth in my opinion. There's all kinds of research and study that prove a narrow view of a student's prowess in the fundamentals of learning can put a crimp in the collective value of a tribe-country. We humans learn stuff in many ways ... and sit down and listen is probably the least effective, least fun way for most kids.

Looking back, I see the two styles of learning stuff in my family home: my brother the Sagittarius was athletic, charming, physical and adventurous. He did a lot. Classrooms weren't his best fit ... he still prefers being outside, and was a soldier who used all his "Sag" to make it out alive. Oh how I see his Value bright and clear from this point. And then me. I wished I were as popular and vigorous as my younger by two years brother. I was serious, funny when comfortable, quiet and observant, I thought a lot. Like most siblings the life we lived and the memories we have of the early years were different. "You thought that?" "I don't remember that?" I was a tough grader, and I remain a tough grader, it's not easy to win my trust. My brother and I are many years older and the thoughts we have about family life and learning seems to be more accepting and forgiving. Both of us have learned to understand ourselves by living life in our unique fashion. In some ways we have switched roles: I was the home-body until my early twenties, my brother rarely made appearances in the home during those days. I left home at twenty-five and have floated in and out every since.

Good for you isn't always good for me. Getting a "C" might be great for you, and not enough for me. In the long run it might be useful for all alphabets to be valued for there uniqueness and not there commonness. Let's see, if there weren't a lot of alphabets this post might read like ....AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.

Know that wisdom is found in many places … SOFTEN THE GROUND OF YOUR BEING

Laughter and humor have found their way back into my life. There's a new gadget on the sidebar. I've called it "The Humor Stick" a positively essential O'o in a Makua's life. Every day, there's something ...Swami is playing with my serious genes and it's softening me up in all the right places. My friend Linda turned me back on to the healing from Beyond(ananda) and I simply can't stop feeling the ripple of that act of kindness.

Here's a link to Swami's website if you're curious about the old wizard

http://www.wakeuplaughing.com/

Have some fun today, go wake up laughing.

Feel the heartbeat of the culture … MAKE TIME FOR LOVE

Spring bulbs sprouting through last year's leaves.

A major worm on its way to the compost pile.

The beauty of a compost pile with patches of wheat grass and egg shells on top.

The sun is bright today, Spring seems to have a green light. Our compost heap has been perking through the ten months we've been here in Seattle. Heaped up with a layer of fallen Japanese maple leaves our food scraps break down with the help of the hard-working family worms. The birds love the compost pile, too. Perched on it from time to time, eyes alert and poised the early bird gets at least one of those worms.

Season's change happens to us as well. I feel the season change and recognize the complementary sense I have: soon we will be changing place and move on. After nearly ten months in The Kitchenette, we near the final steps to making the vardo our home. I have become attached to the regularity of this place with all its quirkiness and shortfalls, there is comfort in the familiar. Today I give thanks for the gifts of regularity that have aided us in our journey:

• a bed to sleep on every night
• a loving partner to lay beside
• privacy when it is needed
• strength from a Source greater than struggle
• supportive friends and resources
• restorative sleep to mend what can not be done awake
  

The compost pile reminds me to appreciate the process ... life changes, breaks down into littler bits and then becomes something richer for growing anew. Simple fare. Thank you compost pile and compost workers!

Keep a keen sense of observation … NOTICE

What is catching your attention?

Today is Friday and tonight I turns the comments back on and look to see if any one has something to share.

1. Today I wonder what you are noticing?
2. Are there changes to the plants around you that catches your attention?
3. Is your body asking for your attention? How does it ask?
4. Are thoughts or images popping up more than once in a day/in the week?
5. What are your dreams like?
6. Who are you thinking about lately? Have you been in touch with these folk recently?
7. Do you give yourself the gift of a few minutes or more minutes to be attentive?

Just wondering. Care to share?

Question for clarity when making decisions … ASK

We have set a date for moving VARDOFORTWO. We're a month away and there's excitement in the air along with pollens as the trees begin their budding thing. In posts to come we will be asking our friends "Turtle" and "Pellet" about just how comfortable they are with becoming public ... part of the blogsphere. Our life as vardo builders was always contingent upon having folks who would willingly share their lives with us. Months ago "Turtle" and "Pellet" said "Yes." Kinda like marriage, or a promise to wed we have been getting to know each other in new ways. These friends have been in my life for more than thirty years. We met when we were young hippies, in a time when revolution was evolutionary ... we built businesses together, drank beer together, designed futures together, raised babies together. And now we contemplate and anticipate growing old together.

Over at VardoForTwo a commenter asked about our cooking arrangement once we are full-time vardo residents. "Will we build an outdoor room for cooking?" The answer is "no" we will share the large kitchen in "Turtle and Pellet's" woodsey home near Hood's Canal in Washington, and set up camp cooking in the woods near VARDOFORTWO. The specifics of our lives together with our old friends will evolve as we park ourselves on their acreage. We have laid preliminary groundwork for a shared life, and have one more visit-and-chat time scheduled two weeks before VardoForTwo is hitched to the flat bed truck we have reserved.

There are many, many questions to ask and answer, discuss and consider in any journey and if you are a partnered reader you know how relationships need nurturing to flourish. That is our fondest wish for our relationship with "Turtle and Pellet." That it will receive nurturing and flourish... It's a fine day to send that wish into the collective current of good. With every bit of star power and positivity that wish is made.

And so, it is. Love to the Turtle and Pellet ~ ~

Engage in good health practices … CARE

I was born in mid-November and am a Scorpio woman. By nature I am intense, secretive and determined. Scorpio gets a bad rap among the astrological signs because of that intensity scaring some off, turning others away and yet as I grow and grow older the care I learn to give myself must start by knowing or remembering my sun nature. "Live your sun, satisfy your moon," is the mantra I hear over and over in the past several weeks. To live my Scorpio nature which falls in the Tenth House I will be intense, magnetic and successful in 'work or career' in the world. What happens when the foundations of career success are pulled away from a Scorpio like me? She rebuilds again and again. I have a legacy of rebirths and rebuilding and the forms of success in my life are almost always revolutionary. New recipes are my delight, and writing down the recipes on napkins, poetry, tiny home pressed books and blogs ... these are my successes. To some I am flighty and impulsive ... no matter though, I am actually neither. That Scorpio nature that fuels me has inspected, analyzed and compared my shortfalls to the nth degree, and the depth of that Scorpion is insightful because so many views fill my inventory.

Where to go with this as I meditate with the o`o of CARE today? I see me with my walking and digging stick with or without a mask to be with the environment. The environment that includes the stench of heavy industry and jet exhaust; where birds land on sidewalks to peck the sunflower seeds laid out especially for them; and currents lap the shore stones in an unending melody. I see me rest a few extra hours because there is no reserve for more action at the moment. I am rebuilding a life with a foundation atop two trailer wheels bound for the foot hills of the Olympic Mountains. I live with a partner who can build things on a foundation of diverse sorts. As I grow and grow older I live my Scorpion intensity with more transparency than ever ... few secrets (though of course I still have some) are kept as I take to the blog and disclose vulnerability. I fear being without value more than almost anything. But it does not stop me. Here is something that fueled my Scorpion Sun, an excerpt from an essay called "You Were Made for This" written by Clarissa Pinkola Estes. The whole piece is also included on the sidebar as one of THE SITES OF LIGHT.

One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your soul. Soul on deck shines like gold in dark times. The light of the soul throws sparks, can send up flares, builds signal fires, causes proper matters to catch fire. To display the lantern of soul in shadowy times like these—to be fierce and to show mercy toward others; both are acts of immense bravery and greatest necessity.

Struggling souls catch light from other souls who are fully lit and willing to show it. If you would help to calm the tumult, this is one of the strongest things you can do.

Do you believe you were made for these times?

Know that wisdom is found in many places … SOFTEN THE GROUND OF YOUR BEING

Returning from a cycle of `Ole Days can be like stepping back into your skin after a vacation. Now depending on the sort of vacationer you are, the re-entry can be a relief or a regret. For me, the last cycle of three 'Ole Days were a time of reflection as they almost always are, and a time when the dream messengers give me their view of me. Any of our readers who have not followed us through the resting and weeding cycles of the moon ... the times we called 'Ole Days from the Hawaiian traditions of my mother's people, please link to the site of a wonderful Maui Island hunter-fisher family, to get an idea of how the moon cycle affects human activities.

This past long weekend I became aware of the shifting taking place within me. A new and improving level of physical health and spiritual connection has relaxed me. Discovering my blood pressure had risen to a level far above healthy for me, I was led to re-assess an old decision to refrain from taking prescription drugs. In years past, that choice was the right one for me. I slowly built a sense of balance and health that allowed me to stop taking a prescription for blood pressure medication. I monitored my blood pressure and slowly reduced the prescription until no medication was required to maintain a healthy blood pressure.

Life proceeded. Change happened. Multiple chemical sensitivities increased the pressures in my life, and in my body. My attention was diverted for a time. The tide of change took me this way, and that one. Sense and sensibility (one of my favorite titles and stories ... thank-you Jane Austin) became as possible as balancing on sand at the full flood of an incoming high tide. Weeks ago, the ringing in my ears I wrote about, rang my bell of awareness. I became aware of something ... and then I began aware that I needed to soften again and consider where I needed to be open to different opinions. With my environmental doc's recommendation, I started taking a small dose of prescription medication for blood pressure.

This time it was time to change my opinion. I'm happy for the opportunity to open to a changing my opinion. My blood pressure is greatly improved, and I feel much gentler. In two weeks, I have reduced that prescription by 1/4 tablet, and still retain a healthy level. Though the exposures of chemicals continue, I notice the improved response I have to them ... my body and nervous system have a much better chance to be heard, in a language I can understand.

With less pressure from within my blood vessels, I would guess all my senses have a bit of a vacation and a well-deserved one for sure. It is often so difficult for human beings to accept, let alone embrace differences in opinions. Whether those opinions come from within or from OTHERS, I know that I am quick to tune-out opinions that clash with mine. When I am overwhelmed by LIFE in the main ... that is when I am already over-stimulated, any additional input sends me over the top. And then, sometimes, wisdom simply will wait, knock, and wait again until it is responded to.

I am thankful for the `ole days because I review a couple weeks worth of life lived. Ask guidance about the harmony of my choices, and answers come. Like weeding during an `ole day, I make room for some new to pop.

What's it like for you when a different opinion comes your way?

P.S. I've added a few new links to SITES OF LIGHT. A broader view of spiritual opinions.

Feel the heartbeat of the culture … MAKE TIME FOR LOVE

These photos of Kolea, the Plover, were taken by my son son, Chris Kawika Brown

AKIN TO THE PLOVER

Written for Pete

By YMC

Akin to the plover

I shiver with lust for the flight

I love journeys

In mirrors

I find no feathers

No wings

Somewhere between dreams

The gods or their fairies

Did find me

A love who

Can send me

To places sublime

Sans feathers

Sans wings

Together we fly

Two dears

Hearts beating

Driven like birds

On skyways celestial

We clatter

Akin to the plover

Engage in good health practices … CARE

I've taken myself to Lincoln Park for a walk. My new winter walking gear includes those mini-leg warmers made by cutting the toes off a pair of thick woolen socks. They pull up over my knees to keep them warm and supported. The walking stick I found last Fall has been polished smooth where my right hand grips and rubs up and down the top notched curve. Movement is important and movement in the sunshine is a twin hit of caring for this dear self.

I've come to see my friend the walking stick as an o`o ... a tool, a planting tool perfect for poking holes into loamy earth. I consider the basic life tool for the day: Engage in good health practices ... CARE and see these four seeds planted for my future wellness.

C for COMPASSION. Treating myself with understanding and compassion, I release the need to compare my abilities today with those of years past. Today is all I have, all that matters. What I am today is good enough. There are days when the most loving compassionate thing I can do for my self is to rest, not go anywhere. Resting is a compassionate activity, I can hear Kay my counselor's voice telling me that. Thanks Kay.

A for APPRECIATE. I remember to appreciate, be in love with all the people in my life who support me on my journey. I name them out-loud and see them in my mind's eye, then I let them into my heart. "I appreciate Pete. I appreciate Christopher. I appreciate Turtle Woman. I appreciate Joel. I appreciate Lois. I appreciate ... one by one my heart fills up and over." That's how it works.

R for REACH-OUT. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to ask for help, it's difficult to acknowledge that I just might be broken and need someone to do for me what I cannot do for myself. "Could you reach that bottle on that shelf for me?" On some days not only is a bottle out of my reach, I might not be able to balance well enough to trust I could hold that bottle if I got it. Ever had one of those days?

E for ENOUGH. Being is different from doing, and yet it's the doing that gets so much of the human attention. With the experiences I have living and recovering from the effects of Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, knowing when enough is enough can be the best health practice of them all.

I hope these four seeds of C.A.R.E. offer you some food for your well-being Makua O`o.

Be well, hope you had some fun today, and if not yet, there's still time!

Cheers, Mokihana

Believe in Ke Akua, for this higher power makes all life possible … WE ARE NEVER ALONE

A winter shower of snow is falling as I sit to write late in the afternoon. The day has passed quickly and in such unencumbered fashion. Isn't it funny how familiar hard becomes, and than the moments and one entire day slips into easy and you notice.

A breath is taken more deeply, a whiff of something stinky clears more quickly. A power greater than my suffering eases me into the flow and I notice.

Small details, beautiful, small details and decisions were made easily today. Less thinking, intuition and guidance power me into ... the flow.

Miracle. Daily miracle.
One beautiful detail, a door knob with a pineapple on its face.

Miracle. Daily miracle.
Waking to snow here.
The sun, the vog
Warms the islands over there.
Miracle. Daily miracle.

Pete and I have muscled our way through so many difficult yesterdays. Struggle. Rebounds. Accepting the way life has shown up had something to do with the way we look at the world.
Knowing its more than that.

Today we were in the flow, the details, the miracles, the small and large adjustments to the way the vitamins and potassium relate in my sensitive body ... all create a daily miracle. We are living our life, more at peace with the flow.

We are not alone. Thanks.

Question for clarity when making decisions … ASK

Clipart credit: www.designedtoat.com

We took a day-trip north this past Saturday, and found unexpected treasure. I wrote about our plan to visit with our lovely young friends from O`ahu. The plan unfolded in divine fashion, that is not as we thought it would rather the way it was destined to happen. Let me tell you what I mean. Whidbey Island is a very large island in the middle of north Puget Sound. If my memory still serves I believe it is the largest island in ... the world? the hemisphere? It's a long boot shaped sort of island that is accessible by ferry from Mukilteo (just north of Seattle), by bridge over beautiful Deception Pass at the top end of the island, or via the Port Townsend-Keystone ferry at the waist of the island. Our friends are visiting family in Oak Harbor and we were soft-scheduled to meet them around noon. That schedule morphed because life had a plan of its own, and rather than noon we met our friends closer to five that afternoon. And we had a most incredibly wonderful time with them.

When "B" called me to say life had a plan of its own, she meant twin babies were their immediate focus. The tiny babies are an important reason for the trip across the Pacific. Our young friends were on Whidbey Island to help care for these two premie babie and their mama on the airplane ride back to O`ahu. I said, "No worry...we'll go visit these other friends on Guemes Island, and hook-up on our way back down." Our Saturday adventure was two-purposed ... we have old friends to visit with and friends we'd not yet met on Guemes Island. I know, I know, the tale winds. Sip your tea and stay with me, or bookmark it post and come back later... Pete and I have long envisioned collaborating with people who are interested in building Intentional Community. Like treasure hunters, we have explored the I.C. Network website for years looking for clues to a place and a community that would love and support values that complement ours. In our life together (fifteen years) Pete and I have research and explored dozens of places both as separate havens for ourselves only, or as a community sharing space and work with others. Our venture to Guemes was our latest exploration into intentional community.

To fully appreciate this leg of the treasure hunt it's important to set the climatic scene. At eight-thirty when we left the Kitchenette in White Center, the fog and moisture levels were thick. Ka La (the sun) hid behind dense gray. Our route north toward Anacortes and Whidbey Island was a slow nearly two hour drive. By the time we stopped for a pee and stretch break just before the Stillaguamish River near Stanwood, blue sky and fresh, fresh air fills our senses. It was divine.
Our trek north took us on secondary roads rather than the Interstate/Freeway. We were experimenting with trail routes that could accomodate VARDOFORTWO at speeds less intense. Pete had mapped those routes and with the country settings north of Everett, we ambled along side the freeway on old Hiway 99 and Pioneer Hiway until we were on Fir Island and the crossing roads into LaConner. This was all new ground, a new way to get to the county (Skagit) so familiar.

Checking in with "B" at the rest stop shifted our attention. I knew there was that old goal-setter me muttering and stumbling on the plans ... I felt the old pattern rising like well-worn ruts in an old gravel road. Pete appeared to simply drive on. We spent time in La Conner, munched on sweet treats from a favorite bakery and watched kayakers race about in the Slough. After hot tea and sweets we still had time to browse one of our favorite thrift shops. Somehow the fragrances and scents from the clothes were more tolerable that day ... i smelled them, went without a mask and yet the smells did not sicken me. What was that about? Small and real improvement is one answer. Choosing to believe that it is possible to be in recovery from environmental illness, another answer.

Shortly after noon we were at the tiny ferry waiting room in Anacortes. The small county ferry crosses the short distance between Anacortes and Guemes every half hour or is it every hour in the winter. Unlike the big state ferries, this one holds three short lanes of vehicles and is the foot traffic connection for many Guemes residents everyday. We were on foot, with jackets, my walking stick and a small cooler with food and a dozen organic eggs for our new-to-be-met friends who homestead on Guemes ... we proceeded with our treasure hunt.

Two people who have been together for many years, and in close quarters day and night, can still be on different wave-lengths. I left the fear in me creep in as Pete headed right after we left the ferry. "I think it's up the hill," I said. "No, the map looked like we walked along the beach," Pete said. His conviction was mild, I listened for the alpha-leader voice. It wasn't there. I let it be. The day as I said was beautiful by now. The skies were clear, the air was cleaner than most breathes we take in White Center. We were supposed to find Madrona Center and a separate homestead where our new internet friends lived year round. Within minutes blue smoke from a fire, a big fire rose into the sky. The AVOID AND RUN sensors turned on. "THAT way?!!" I think I said that as Pete continued. With my scarf I was able to mask most of the smoke, keeping to the beach edge of the trail. "I can do this, I am magnificent," I repeated affirming beliefs as we continued to search. The smoke rose with very little breeze to blow it out or in a definite direction.

We walked that road at least three times, and climbed a sloping hill looking for Madrona Center and the homestead getting more exercise and outside air than we'd had in months. After perhaps an hour we found the center at the top of the sloping hill. We found the beautiful stone circle with granite entrance stones and the tilled and electric fenced 2 acres of plantable garden space we'd read about. A cellphone call to connect with our Guemes friends went unanswered. Instead we took to that beach road with the now amber-glowing (still smoking) fire and found the road on which the homestead is probably sitting right this minute. By this time, the chill of afternoon had brought more wood burning in fireplaces or inside burners, my scarf was inadequate and my sensory bells within knew it was time to turn around. Over head the jets that take off and land from the near-by base on Whidbey Island had shaken the peace out of us and reminded us that those jets are part of this landscape. Along with the oil refineries that churn out thick plumes while turning crude into fuel for cars and trucks, these treasure hunters had gathered a parcel of very valuable clues.

Within an hour of sunset we walked the length of beach road asphalt once again, sat to wait for the ferry on the drift wood giants and munched the last of the barley shortbread and turkey sausages. The sun was still pleasant, welcomed because the air was turning cooler. Treasure hunters need to rest and reconnoiter. Pete sifted through the small flat stones of all colors and delighted in his finds. I smiled at him and inwardly smiled at me ... I had just walked miles with my tentative knees and the support from my loyal stick.

The day was not yet over, we had yet to meet our young friends. They were having trouble finding their way to us. It took them a while, and then there they were. "We're at the bowling alley," we told them to look for the big bowling pin on Commercial Avenue in Anacortes. We thought it would be an easy landmark. Just after sunset we four come together in the parking lot of the bowling alley. Hugs and cooing sounds made the reunion such a satisfying experience. HUGS AND COOING SOUNDS: that is a treasure I have been without for too long. The fear of stinky hugs has been a limiting and confining belief ... truth or fiction? ... what mattered is that I was GIVING and GETTING them at sunset on a Saturday.

We ended that Saturday treasure hunt playing a full game of bowling without any chemically offending scents or smells. The bowling shoes are too cute ... slippery and a little tight on my wide Hawaiian feet ... but, oh well...still, a miracle. In the company of precious young people who had the effort to be with us scent free and filled with joy, Pete bowled an incredibly hot game, I BOWLED period, and we spent time with friends who love and support us. We set up asking for a day to be part of the solution. Our decisions were changeable, our choices turned up-side down. The miracle of the bowling alley? Simply magnificent.

Monday ... comments link are hidden until Saturday

Just a reminder: for our new readers, Makua O`o is a silent meditative, spiritual space Monday through Friday with no link to comments during the week. Come Saturday and share from your heart, leaving comments as you choose.

Mahalo, Mokihana

Comments are enabled

Aloha,

We've enabled all comment links to posts here on Makua O`o. Pete and I are off on a fun adventure early Saturday morning.

Take care and have some fun today!

Cheers, Mokihana

Keep a keen sense of observation … NOTICE

Two young friends from Hawaii are here in Washington. We are planning to drive north to Whidbey Island where they are staying, and visit. Pete and I enjoy being with young people. When I spoke with Becky this morning she sounded fresh and excited to be here. "Cold?" Yes, and it's the pine trees that are getting to her ... in a very good way. Like my young friend, the trees were the folk that totally overwhelmed me when I arrived in Washington as a young woman fresh from the valley of Kuli`ou`ou. Christmas Land! So her excitement is familiar and I notice how the feeling grows in me, too.

This morning as we enjoyed a slow and delicious wake-up Pete and I consciously noticed how different it is to be present for Spring. The bulbs are poking their tips through the ground, tree limbs are sending feelers out and the days are lengthening. Living on the Islands in the Pacific, the seasons change in a more subtle, though nontheless real, way. The sun rises at 7 am and sets at 6:30 pm this month. There's a fifty-fifty exposure to both light and dark. The body rises and sets with that same rhythm as well ... that is if you're not on the clock, the alarm clock. In tropical climates like Hawaii, plants grow all the time or at least it seems that way. Until you notice the plumeria looses all its leaves in the fall and comes back in the spring. I love how I noticed that for the first time when we lived on our family land again, more than twenty-five years later. It takes what it takes doesn't it?

One of the luxuries of this life we are living, and the one for which I give many thanks for on this sweatshirt and socks day, is the luxury of waking when my body is rested. The tiny kitchenette that is our living and sleeping space is easily shaded from the lights of the city in the distance. The heavy glass door seals most of the air and auto traffic, and the Austin Healthmate Jr. creates a white noise as it filters the air. When the nights pass disruptedly, I know I am blessed with sleeping-in until my body can make the move.

I notice the changes that take place in me here in Washington because my eyes and skin aren't getting much sunlight. My skin pales to a shade not much browner than Pete's and I don't look for sunglasses when the clouds clear. After living with sunshine and salt air, we Island transplants need to pay attention to the body in transition. Spring promises the uncoverings. Wherever we are on The Earth, the seasons affect us and if we notice, the seasons will embrace us more than shock. Thank you for wool and the wooly lambs who give us their fleece. I have never appreciated you more than I do now ... between winter and spring, wool is wonderful. I notice this.

Know that wisdom is found in many places … SOFTEN THE GROUND OF YOUR BEING

ClipArt Credit: www.designedtoat.com

I am introducing my infant soul to the MAGNIFICENT. At sixty-one in the body, my choices are as fresh and wide-spreading as those available to a baby because my soul has everything to experience. Perhaps, this elder in the making is getting a chance to raise a divine one ... right here, right now. WHY NOT!

Over on VARDOFORTWO two posts on MAGNIFICENCE give my soul delightful food:

First, the scrapbook of progress on our home-in-the-making says, "We love creating beautiful homes of comfort ... in all ways."

Second, another blogging sister, Liberty, has posted an article and link to one of my favorite Light Workers and Joy-Makers, a former clown (as am I) E F T Tapper Extraordinaire BRAD TAYLOR. Using the energy work of E F T, Brad's newest free TAP is "You are magnificent." It is perfectly fun and experiential ... you can listen, watch and do what Brad does. For some technical reason, which I have been unable to untangle so far, I cannot embed or open YOU TUBE posts ... If you're interested in adding to the inventory of collective magnificence you can link and go to Liberty's blog and be inspired there, too.


There are indeed many places to find wisdom and today I feel the benefit of having softened the ground of physical being. Gentled and appreciative of small and grand changes here in White Center, Washington I am experiencing the season of an up-coming Spring, again. I know that in Ke Akua's generous parenting memory the Creator has brought me back to a place I once thought "I'm pau with this ... been here, done that, out of here." That was a thought I had when I was a very hurt and discombuerated woman. The healing has taken place, the puka (holes) have filled in, nicely, hmmm... magnificently.

So many seeds to sow in a life-time of gardening. Start with that o`o (the digging tool) and loosen up the dirt.

Cheers, Mokihana

Feel the heartbeat of the culture … MAKE TIME FOR LOVE

What a beautiful sunny day. The coming of more LIGHT is here. The `Ole Days just past (Saturday through Tuesday) have been powerful and important ones for me. My spiritual journey has escalated and I'm not sure how it happened ... I just know it has. I have a brand-new soul, free from any past incarnations on Papa Honua (The Planet) and this baby has a heart over-flowing with A L O H A ... the heart beat of the culture, love. What a wonderful time to incarnate. Over the past several weeks I have written and shared the process of healing/health opportunities that shifted in my body. I have taken extra time and inward reflection to listen with my whole self. My spiritual mentor and friend Akemi Gaines offers her experience and insight into the spiritual quickening that is happening for some folks on The Planet. Here is an excerpt from her recent post over at Yes-To-Me, "No more life lessons in the School of Life.

What it is like once you reach this point of spiritual development...

We have completed the life lessons and graduated from the school of life. From here, we are completely free and our life purpose is simply to be who we are. No pre-determined life lessons. Life is not a school any more, but more like a playground...

Since there is no more learning needs, there is no point in trying. Many people talk about the importance of doing rather than trying, but they only try really hard not to try. Too complicated. Once the life lessons drop, however, there is indeed no trying. We just are. And we do whatever comes to us naturally and joyously, and this is how we grow even further spiritually.

Link for the article in its entirety.

So, my brand new soul and I are greeting the sunrise with joy, and appreciation! I have been awake at sunrise to chant a simple and beautiful Hawaiian sun greeting called "E a La E". Over and over again I simply chant this welcome to the sun as La wakens the night sky. I chant facing the east and watch the sky change from dark to light. I witness a miracle and become part of it.

The lessons of learning to live within a body that is challenged to be at peace regardless of the physical limitations and confinements is a big one. Perhaps this is all human challenge. I know that peace was my life purpose before my old soul was released and sent to prospect with another being. This season of in between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox is a wonderful time to give thanks for the Light, for new Life. I found a new friend on the internet. Just last night I found Rainbow Tree, a kindred spirit, and eclectric blogger of the finest kind. I have included her on my links "LIGHT WORKERS' here on Makua O`o. What follows is an excerpt from her blog, posted yesterday. The light is spreading, thank you for spending time here at Makua O`o. Enjoy my new friend, Rainbow Tree.

February 1 was known as Imbolc or Oimelc, two names which refer to the lactation of the ewes, the flow of milk that heralds the return of the life-giving forces of spring. Later, the Catholic Church replaced this festival with Candlemas Day on February 2, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and features candlelight processions. The powerful figure of Brigid the Light-Bringer overlights both pagan and Christian celebrations. Many people of different faiths celebrate a variety of styles and ways yesterday and today...

This time of year the trees begin to show a sign of life once more. We may not see it on the outside but their sap begins to move slowly once more. The darkness of night that began on Samhain, now yields the returning sun. Ewes give birth at this time to produce milk to feed their lambs. We too as humans go through a form of growth or renewal during this time. We are urged to allow the cycle to shed our skin/allowing a new smooth and beautiful layer to develop. Please see one of my previous posts 'Cleansing of the Spirit & Soul' for multiple and highly affective blessings & rituals to cleanse ones emotional and spiritual self.

Link to read the article in full.