As the helicopter lifted off, I felt a thrill of excitement. I was literally inside a small bubble, which lifted me into the air and whisked me across the mountains of Kauai, Hawaii. It was breathtaking to fly into the lush valleys and see the many waterfalls—sometimes with rainbows. At times the pilot would fly up the side of a mountain, and when at the peak a sudden vast expanse opened up with magnificent ocean views in the distance.
In an hour, we flew over two-thirds of the island, darting in and out of the valleys, crevices, canyons and flying over the ocean. It was a wonderful way to get an overview of the whole island.
After the helicopter ride, I enjoyed my first swim at Anini beach. On this particular day the glassy, still ocean was a clear turquoise color where I could see down to the bottom. It was another heavenly moment, as well as the prettiest spot I have seen since coming to Kauai.
I have been here almost three weeks and could easily stay longer, but it is time to leave. I have enjoyed every second. The day after I arrived someone said to me, “Are you captured by the magic of Hawaii?” I wondered what she meant, and it is something I have been thinking about the entire time I have been here. I have felt something that I know is deeper than the sweeping views, the lush vegetation and tropical flowers, the delicious mouth-watering fruits, and the kindness of the people. It is the spirit of Aloha.
Aloha is the traditional greeting for hello and goodbye. However, I have learned that there is a deeper meaning. The lesson of Aloha taught to children is:
“Aloha is being a part of all, and all being a part of me. When there is pain—it is my pain. When there is joy—it is also mine. I respect all that is as part of the Creator and part of me. I will not willfully harm anyone or anything. When food is needed I will take only my need and explain why it is being taken. The earth, the sky, the sea are mine to care for, to cherish and to protect. This is Hawaiian— this is Aloha!”
Aloha is also the joyful sharing of life energy. The life energy is the Universal Power, called Mana. Using this power in a loving way is the secret to attaining health, prosperity, and happiness.
It is this deeper spirit of Aloha that has touched me the most during my visit. You feel it in the land, the people, and even in the air. There is an uplifting spiritual energy that has been seeping into my soul. Now that I am leaving, I feel the greatest blessing of being here is gaining the understanding and experience of Aloha. The magic of the island has captured me for sure.
Aloha, aloha, aloha.
Ann Purcell
Related:
1) Food for Enlightenment
2) Kauai—Paradise Found
3) Papaya and Other Exotic Fruits
