Aloha literally means “the breath of life.” When a person is born into this world, they take their first ha, or their first breath. When a person departs from this world, they breathe their last ha. The word marks the significant and deep moments of reflection, the moments where the only thing that matters is the love and the tenderness of the relationships formed in this life. It’s no wonder, then, that western culture has redefined the word aloha as meaning “hello, goodbye, and ‘I love you.’” 

Aloha marks the life and death of a person, but it means more than just “hello” and “goodbye.” The tenderness of feelings that accompany these two significant life events, birth and death, remind us that this truly is our one life to live. We have one chance to breathe love, to breathe goodness, and to breathe light to others. 

Thus, aloha is the breath of life. It is the kind of unconditional love that surpasses superficial personalities and weak character. No matter what, a person who lives with aloha has integrity and humility. They understand that nobody is perfect, and every person needs to be loved. They love others just as they love themselves. People are attracted to them—not because they are popular, but because they emit beautiful and pure energy. They are like lights in a dark room. They give love and they receive love. 

This way of living aloha is to breathe life, not to just survive life. Those who live aloha appreciate this life. They appreciate the challenges as much as the good times. Aloha becomes them and, in return of their giving aloha, aloha is returned to them. They live a happy life, a peaceful life, and a beautiful aloha life. 

The Aloha Challenge 

Aloha begins at the core of each person. It begins with a raw, but gentle, evaluation of who we are now. Here are some questions to ask yourself to find out where you are in living aloha.  

• Do I listen to others with the intent to respond? 
• Do I seek to be heard before listening? 
• Am I assumptive about the needs of others before asking? 
• Do I build myself up by pointing out the flaws of others? 
• Am I selective with the people I choose to love? 
• Do I compare myself to others? 
• Am I happy for other peoples’ successes? 
• Am I happy for my own accomplishments? 
• Do I talk negatively to and about myself? 
• Do I talk negatively to and about my spouse (if applicable)? 
• Am I usually on my phone when I’m around people? 

If you answered NO to most of these questions, you are off to a great start. If you answered YES to all, most, or some of these questions, you are in the company of many others who struggle to truly LIVE with LOVE.  

In this day and age, we are surrounded by advertising and media falsely marketing that you can be happy if you have this or that. Companies and people make empty promises to hook you in and distract you from the things that matter the most. 

People who live aloha can easily recognize and avoid these traps. They recognize that this life isn’t about owning the latest gadgets and clothes. It isn’t about finding the faults of others and living their lives based off an old hurt. Challenges and pains happen to everyone, but those who live aloha have respect for their own personal lives. They live with love, meaning that they breathe love for themselves, for others, and for God. They learn to overcome these obstacles and allow the obstacles to make them stronger. 

The challenge, therefore, is simple. 

1. List 5 things that are THE MOST important to you. 
2. Share your list with a trusted friend, and discuss with them why you feel this way. If they feel that your priorities are off, listen and evaluate yourself, referring back to the questions listed above. Ask yourself, do I invest enough time and energy to the things that matter most to me? 
3. Challenge yourself for the next three days with this: For every negative thing you say or think—either about yourself or others—say or think of two positive things to replace the negative. See how long you can keep it up until you are free of negative thoughts. 
4. Make a conscious effort to smile more. 
5. Do something kind for yourself (BONUS if you ask your spouse to help!). 

Share Your Story 

Every person has a unique story, and we’d love to hear yours! How have you felt while doing this challenge? Was there anything that was challenging to you? Was there anything that truly inspired you? Be sure to share in our Hawaii Vibe Tribe Facebook group or use the hashtag #HIVibe! Replying and commenting on others is also another wonderful way to keep the vibe HI! 

Much love, 

Lei

Extra: My Story 

Staring at the waves as a little girl, I felt so vulnerable. They crashed and crashed, rolling up against my legs and surrounding my ankles with their cool touch. I felt great energy from the water, and I knew that others who visited Hawaii felt the same. There was something so enlightening, so chaotic—and yet so peaceful—about the ocean. 

I always thought about the ocean as the best metaphor of my life. In my adult years, it is so fascinating to reflect back on all the things I’ve gone through. My life was crazy and calm. There were moments of deep sadness and moments I felt like I had wings to fly. I experienced painful trauma and I experienced sweet peace. 

However, throughout all of it, I remember one thing: I had to live with love. I didn’t adapt the word aloha until my teen years, but I recognized, from an early age, that every person suffers in one way or another. Every person has a story. I also realized that, like the ocean, our stories make us feel vulnerable. They’re unpredictable, beautiful, and ugly all at the same time. But when we truly learn to share our stories and participate in the human experience, giving and receiving love, we learn to live. We learn aloha, to breathe life. 

I hope that this challenge will encourage you to start recognizing the things that matter most, and to start prioritizing your life according to those things. 

And just a quick tip… I know that taking care of yourself first is crucial to loving others. For the longest time I just gave and gave all the love I could away. I’d go home alone, depressed, and I’d cry a lot. The only people I could turn to as a young adult were my older sister and God. I learned that giving love is wonderful, but you need to receive love too—from God, from others, and, importantly, from yourself. It is a process, but don’t forget to take care of yourself too. We need you. 🙂 

Love, 
Lei 

P.S. Want to learn more? Sign up for my 5 Hawaiian Days to Wellness Mini Course and begin your journey towards wellness, Hawaiian style!

Share the aloha!