MOVING TO MAUI (2)

Two weeks in my new place in Maui and simply loving it. Have met new friends and have received all kinds of help from ones I’ve known a long while and any problem seems to disappear with the breeze that enters in, lifts and takes it away. 

The ocean calls and invitations are open to any and all adventures. In the wake of exploration, may I continue to find ways to share my love of tea and Zen in Hawaii. I’m also learning beautiful Hawaiian phrases that express the aloha spirit beginning with learning that the word “aloha” means more than hello and goodbye but has a deeper and wider meaning that encompasses the cultural spirit of the people. One of their phrases that I particularly like is: "Mohala I ka wai ka maka o ka pua – which means “unfolded by the water are the faces of the flowers” – I like to think that each of us is a flower –unfolding in the waters of life ...

Hawaiian Golden Trumpet

Hawaiian Orchid (Housewarming gift)

MOVING TO MAUI

moving, transitioning

the ultimate test -

letting go

It’s now official – I’ve moved to Kahului, Maui, as some of you may already know. It happened rather suddenly in late February when the apartment complex I was waitlisted on called about a vacancy. The place is smaller than the apartment I had in Portland which of course calls for more “letting go.” One thing about moving – it challenges us to be flexible and creative no matter the size or flavor of the place, where we can design an atmosphere that is welcoming and peaceful. The training of Wa/Kei/Sei/Jaku (harmony, respect, purity and tranquility) – principles of Chado, relate to everyday life and guide in this move. So “lohi , lohi,” or slowly, slowly, in regards to the countless errands of settling in. Slowing down to enjoy the sunshine, the warmth, the breezes, the beauty of sea and mountain, not to mention the wondrous scent of the blossoms at about every turn that greet me in this lovely little oasis in the middle of Kahului.

Of course this gift of Hawaii could never have happened without the help of many friends who made it possible - for the packing, shipping, moving furniture out of my Portland place, donations, etc., the list is endless and all I can say is that my heart is filled with gratitude for your help and for the greater gift of knowing you and having you in my life. I can only promise that your aloha will be doubly returned should you visit the island and come and see me.

Below are photos from the airplane on my way to Kahului Airport, Maui.

 

At a beach in Wailea