The True Meaning of Aloha

In the Hawaiian language, aloha stands for much more than just "hello" or "goodbye."

To understand the deeper meaning of Aloha you must understand that the word incorporates two separate words.

Alo - meaning to share

and

Ha- the breath or energy of life.

When you greet someone with aloha you are sharing your breath of life with them. You are giving a part of yourself, freely. And as you share this energy you become attuned to the power that Hawaiians call mana. A 'power' that is the secret to happiness, success and prosperity.

When you combine the greeting and the deeper meaning and it can all be summed up as the "Aloha Spirit," a universal concept all Hawaiians share and spread.

While I was travelling across Oahu, one thing that stood out and stuck with me, was this spirit. The aloha spirit manifested itself in so many places and in so many small, seemly insignificant, moments.

The locals and Hawaiians would always let others pass in front of them, they'll let cars in on the highways, they'll let pedestrians cross the road without a second thought. They don't get impatient, don't get angry and definitely don't yell at you. They don't sweat the small things or let worries get in the way of them feeling the love and happiness that is life.

Hawaiians expect absolutely nothing from their kind gestures and do it only for gratification of sharing the aloha spirit.

It was refreshing to see and experience the Aloha Spirit and it's something I would like to continue to incorporate into my everyday life. Whether it be letting someone go first, or simply smiling at every person I see, I hope this spirit stays with me.

Aloha and Mahalo Nui Loa 😘