Spiritual ecology and Hawaiian aloha ‘aina
Spiritual ecology is a no-brainer for everyone from conservationists to nature lovers, farmers to indigenous people.
The deep awareness of the sacred connection between all living things requiring a balance is understood.
With spiritual ecology combining a preservation of nature for perpetuity with fixing today’s ecological crisis, some organisations are taking great pride in examining the intention behind their work and its purpose for future generations. In a nutshell, some businesses are taking stewardship more seriously than profit statements.
In Hawaii, where aloha ‘aina means love of the land, a large percentage of the population have great reverence for nature and the role humans play. The Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative (HLRI) on the Big Island of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean has been working toward sustainable koa and hardwood forests.
The Hawaiian Islands were once blanketed in koa forests, endemic to Hawaii, with each tree reaching heights of 100 feet with a four-foot girth. The wood was so valuable it was used for virtually everything in contact with the ali’i (Hawaiian royalty).
Koa was also perfect for making dugout canoes and prized surfboards. In recent decades, however, these trees declined in number from the lower elevations across the Hawaiian Islands.
At HLRI the whole world can get involved in ensuring the reforestation of koa trees is carried out in a mindful and sustainable way. People can sponsor the planting of trees or volunteer. Tourists can visit, learn, enjoy and take away inspiration for doing similar work back home.
While the lush rains and volcanic soils makes it easy for new seedlings to thrive, a lot of work is first completed to remove invasive species and ensure care is taken to plant with endemic species. As with all ecosystems, planting a new forest of trees creates a domino effect of all kinds of wildlife returning to these lands.
Staff member Betsy Maler says witnessing the emergence of nature returning to balance is divine. “It is amazing to see the transformation of this endemic forest and knowing we are living through the change is just breathtaking.”
She says bird species which used to live in the area are coming home. “What used to be rare to see the I’o and Pueo in flight (endangered native birds) is now more visible. This is a grand change.”
“The ‘aina (land) is where we go to get grounded. That is what we base our aloha ‘aina on. We manifest ourselves into everything that is physical and from that we get back in tune with the spiritual.”
Nature is intrinsic to Hawaiian wellbeing. It is believed humans are not superior to the earth but stewards to protect the land and oceans. As told to me, once people learn reverence for the environment the resulting effect is pure air, pure food and pure health.
Playing in the ocean, tending crops, drinking water from the taro leaves after a tropical shower ~ all these are acts of aloha ‘aina.
More so, designing one’s life to have the least negative impact on the earth is considered an alignment of the soul with the earth.
“Aloha ‘aina is total balance,” says Maui cultural practitioner Clifford Nae’ole. “You must care for the provider and the land is the provider.”
“It gives you health, food, clothes, shelter, and medicine. If you don’t take care of the ‘aina, you’re shooting yourself in the foot.”’
At HLRI seeds for future plantings are sacredly gathered by hand. And in the nursery every tree is tracked throughout its lifespan from seedling to tree and then how it ends up being used.
Koa is so variable it can be red to brown or golden and even ivory.
The grain can be straight, but the most valuable koa wood has a curly figure creating an illusion you are looking right through the surface.
It finishes to a rich luster and depth making it a treasured resource for Hawaiian heirloom furniture.
Koa is used to design fine furniture in Hawaii, but its value as a tone wood has brought it to the attention of musical instrument makers worldwide.
Beautiful wooden instruments such as the popular Hawaiian ukulele are hand-carved with the koa wood.
What can you do in your own back yard, community or beyond to create a legacy of spiritual ecology?
Warmest Renee
Disclaimer: this blog post is intended as a beautiful and thought-provoking article for entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and cannot substitute for medical care. No representations are made as to the completeness of any information and the author is not liable for any losses, injuries or damages from the use of this information.
