Practicing Aloha for a Better Living

There’s a Hawaiian proverb- He kehau ho`oma`ema`e ke aloha – which means, “Love is like a cleansing dew.”

If you feel a presence of dirt in your mind, love can surely clean that up. Love, affection, kindness towards other people will give you a good feeling. Aloha is a custom of love. Hawaii, the most isolated population centre of the world, is called The Aloha State.

The word Aloha is used by Hawaiians to bide hello or goodbye. It sometimes replaces good morning, good evening etc too. The literal meaning of Alo is presence and ha is breathe. It was once a ritual in Hawaii to greet one another with breathe when two Hawaiians meet. It is a sign of love and respect towards each other. The word Aloha has a deeper meaning-

Akahai,” meaning kindness, to be expressed with tenderness;

“Lokahi,” meaning unity,to be expressed with harmony;

“Oluolu,” meaning agreeable,to be expressed with pleasantness;

“Haahaa,” meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty;

“Ahonui,” meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.

You see Aloha is not just a word. It is a feeling that tell you to live in harmony. Be kind to whoever you meet, put a smile on your face when talk to someone. Work with love because love works the best. If you go to Hawaii you migth see posters beside the driveways saying Drive with Aloha!

Aloha Friday is maintained in many offices in Hawaii. It’s almost like a national tradition. People come to offices wearing Aloha Attire every Friday. Kimo Kahoano and Paul Natto used “Aloha Friday” in their 1982 song, “It’s Aloha Friday, No Work ’til Monday,” which is still heard every Friday on Hawaii radio stations across the state.

Hawaii produces Aloha shirts since 1930. With floral motifs Aloha shirt represents the beautiful nature of Hawaii. Both men and women can wear Aloha shirt.

When you work with love, it gives you a better result. Similarly when you are more loving towards other people, you feel happier. When everyone around the world will feel the spirit of Aloha, no wonder this earth will be a better place.