The Big Island (2022)

Last year in July, I had the good fortune to attend the CAVacademy's CE conference on Maui. Almost two hundred therapists showed up to learn, connect, rest and heal on that sacred island in Hawaii. It was educational, restful and magical.  It was also enlightening because I am well aware that as a tourist, I see only one side when I travel.  With that in mind, I tried to stay present to the realities of those who are native to the islands.  I was most grateful for the full view and all the good energy that I was blessed to digest during our time there.  

This year, the conference was held on the Big Island with an even larger group of therapists. Meeting new folks but especially connected with those I met last year was something I was anxiously awaiting for months. Finally, August 3rd arrived and off we went. This time with me was Havana, my sister Kimberly and Amara (who was to arrive a couple of days later, after she finished up Girl Scout Camp as a C.I.T.).  We landed tired, hungry an hot but grateful. I was especially excited because it would be my sister's first time in Hawaii and I could not wait to share that experience with her. She is an island girl, having been born and raised in Key West. Yet, Hawaii is different and I was curious and delighted for this native conch to experience the aloha vibes.

Hawaii did not disappoint.  The conference did not disappointment and the O'hana at the conference for sure did not disappoint. We learned, we laughed,  we joked,  we broke bread,  we hiked, we snorkeling, danced and sang karaoke.  We also spread the word as to why we were there to the locals. There are many local people in Hawaii that are struggling; financially, emotionally/mentally and sometimes spiritually. We are outsiders, fortunate ones with the means to travel. So we brought our hearts and shared what we were doing on the islands to help spread awareness. 

Traveling with family is a good thing. But in all honesty, there are moments of rough patches too. Tempers flare at times, especially when tired, hungry, hot or jet lagged.  Being in new places forces us to learn and grow and that can be challenging as well. Especially when we want to stay rooted in our own ideas and ways. Sometimes we have to push ourselves to do new things, even when painful (physically, emotionally or mentally). For the purpose in this life is to experience this life as well as to learn, grown and evolve as humans and spiritual beings. Traveling is a great classroom for growth. This time on the Big Island forced my family to face both joyful moments and  pushed us to the edges at times as well. I am thankful for both.  For both joy and the shadow can be heard to embrace.  My personal commitment is to face my own shadows more deeply and to have more joy in my life, at the same time. Our beautiful time on the Big Island allowed for both and the process continues, long after we return home. And I have to reflect that Hawaii was formed from intensity and violence. Volcanic eruptions are powerful and destructive. Yet they bring forth life. Hawaii would not exist if not for volcanoes. We humans would not exist and evolve if not for a painful entry and forced challenged, which hopefully usually lead to beautiful things.

We had many great experiences on the Big Island in addition to me attending a great conference. We honored Pele, we saw Honu, we saw the lava flow, we visited several national parks, we snorkeled and had great sunsets. We visited some farmers markets, had some hikes in  breathing taking locations and overall just soaked in all that Hawaii mana.  I normally make several posts of each experience in Hawaii but during this trip I was deep in bargaining with my union.  In order to walk my talk, I have to pace myself and so I am going to do only a few posts versus many. We returned home Saturday night and Sunday morning I was preparing for an unopened strike.  I went from Hawaii to the picket lines of the concrete NorCal jungles but I keep with me that good energy, the took the time to reflect on what I learned and tried to stay pressent in my truth, something that the CAVacademy has been encouraging each conference. 

I am in deep gratitude for all my blessings and I remain deeply committed to serving others along the way. That was my take away this year.  Mahalo Hawaii.