I have been interested in alternative healing methods for the past twenty years.  I took a variety of workshops and classes in the 1990's including Reflexology, Aromatherapy, yoga, meditation, Facial Massage, Lymphatic Massage, Nutrition, Crystal Healing and Herbal Studies.  I received my first Reiki attunement in 1995.  I also received massage therapy from many practitioners which helped me with issues related to tense and sore muscles and occassional insomnia. 

I first learned about Lomi Lomi through a Massage Therapy Magazine article in 2000.  I knew I needed to learn more about it and eventually visited the islands and took my first workshops with Papa K. Kepelino and Maka'ala Yates in Eugene, Oregon.  Papa's workshop focused on Lomi Lomi massage and Maka'ala's workshop focused on something Ho'oponopono which is a Hawaiian system of 'making things right' within families and communities.  I learned about the Ha breath, being Hawaiian and prayer...Hawaiians always include prayer when they begin any activity whether it is giving a massage, preparing a meal, building a house or celebrating a birthday.  Being aligned with Ke Akua, God, gives us the humility to do our best - knowing we are a channel for God's work.  Papa says, 'I'm not a healer - I'm just God's Helper'.

Eventually, I found a school on the Big Island in 2007.  The Aloha Massage Academy was a wonderful school.  After the required academic course of 150 hours, we apprenticed with our teacher, Angela Leslee.  In addition to clinic hours (approximately 300), we also had weekly advanced classes on Saturdays.  Some of advanced training included myofacial release, pregnancy massage and lymphatic massage.   We also had a wonderful opportunity to participate in a Hawaiian ceremony with one of our classmates and her family as they closed the Heiau they are responsible for during a celebration called 'Makahiki'.  We were with 3 generations of women and learned some of the chants and protocols of a sacred ceremony.  

I was lucky to be exposed to many beautiful cultural experiences while on the island - while taking hula, chant and ukulele, attending lectures and conferences or just spending time with local people listening to their stories and wisdom.  I also learned about Hawaiian people's love of the land and the sense of responsibility they feel about taking care of the 'aina' (the land) and the water and all of the animals and plants that we share our planet with.   Papa would tell me stories about calling out to the whales when he visited his land on Maui...and their answer back to him...he told me, "they are my family" with a sweet smile on his face...  This is such a beautiful part of the Hawaiian culture...their loving care for all.  It is we humans who bear the responsbility for their continued health... If we watch the way our Hawaiian brothers and sisters carry this out...with grace and ease and joy...we can follow their lead and save our planet for future generations...

There were also many moments of laughter and fun...more stories to come:)