The Story of Hā

To have a conversation with breath is to have a conversation with life, to be present with what is alive within you.

From the storytellers of the Journal of Indigenous Social Development…

In Native Hawaiian traditions and spirituality, there are practices that resonate with mindfulness in emphasizing the importance of breath, silence, and deep listening. Support for mindfulness practices can be found in the word Aloha (presence in the breath) and even in the word Hawai’i. In fact, the Hawaiian word for breath is an essential part of the word Hawai‘i: Hā meaning, breath or breath of life. Wai meaning water, but also the root word for wealth and ‘i meaning supreme. Hā (breath) exercises are commonly emphasized as a way to tap one’s energy source and to connect deeply, to one’s essential nature and to others. There are however several variations of Hā (breath) exercises each with a specific purpose.

Ha exercises are marked by deep inhalation through the nose until one’s lungs are full, followed by exhaling through the mouth whispering the word ‘Ha--’ until one has fully exhaled.

Hā has been a strong summoner of presence in the Hawaiian islands and has risen through the language, residing in more forms than I am able to adequately collect and share here in this space.

With that in mind - I aspire to share the love and prosperity I experience through Kanaka Maoli* mindfulness teachings. It is in hopes these teachings are heard as they were summoned to be heard. In light of this - the landscape here is continuously being shaped and transformed by the continued learning of these teachings.

This is the story of Hā - the breath of life - shared through the breath of Kanaka Maoli.

Let’s listen closely to the Journal of Indigenous Social Development…

“Aloha also contains the meaning of presence in the breath (alo = presence in; ha = breath), highlighting the importance of the breath to anchor in the present. It is also a reminder that the breath as with everything only exists in the present moment, and one cannot have presence unless one is in the present moment”

“In the right moment of emptiness, we engage to connect. That is the Hawaiian thought translation of Aloha –“as we go to the moment of emptiness we connect. It is through connections that there is reverence and trust. And it is in reverence and trust that we are able to experience true relevance and honor for each other’s presence and being.”

“An intrinsic part of Polynesian culture is the idea that now is the moment of power, or, in Hawaiian (‘Ōlelo Hawai’i): Noho ka mana i keia manawa - Power resides in the present moment.”

These words gift insights that recognize a curiosity and consideration of what it means to be present as expressed through Kanaka Maoli wisdom.

Telling the story of Hā is a loving endeavor to support the Hawaiian spirit as it has supported me.