Kikaha ka 'iwa . . .

Aloha kakahiaka. Pehea mai nei 'oukou e nā hoa aloha? Many of us have been franticly preparing, bracing even for Tropical Storm Felicia. If you are like me, you've been searching the internet for the latest updates, receiving Twits from KGMB 9 and checking the County on call line for the latest news. As I was busy doing all of this, I stopped for a moment and turned to the mana'o of our kūpuna to bring me perspective. How did they know a storm was coming? How did they prepare? As Hawaiians, they recognized the hō'ailona that were present in the natural world around them. One of which would be the 'iwa bird, gliding in the sky. The 'iwa bird is associated with changes in weather, pending storms, high winds and rain. They would retreat ma uka prior to a storm. When the 'iwa gathered together and flew inland to the uplands, this was a hō'ailona or sign. Now, even rain itself was not looked at as a hinderence. Instead, our ancestors said, Uē ka lani, ola ka honua - when the heavens cry the earth lives. This wise saying helps to give me perspective. The ua provides much needed nourishment to the earth. I see the elements as hō'ailona or signs, reminders that we are but mere mortals and that only a divine creator could have the power, might and wisdom to create such beauty and natural wonders. Ah, lucky live Hawai'i, I am so laki (lucky) to live here and to witness nature in her glory each day. For those of you far from home, I hope that I am able to bring you some of Hawai'i through Morning Mana'o and you can feel the aloha that I am blessed to breath in each day. Aloha no, a hui hou. CLICK HERE to listen to and download the Morning Mana'o Podcast.