ONE MALAMA PAU: What the body knows and how that changes

How much of what the contemporary naturalist claims to know about animals and the ecosystems they share with humans derives from what he has read, what he has heard, what he has seen televised? What part of what the naturalist has sworn his or her life to comes from firsthand experience, from what the body knows?


One of the reasons native people still living in some sort of close, daily association with their ancestral lands are so fascinating to those who arrive from the rural, urban, and suburban districts of civilization is because they are so possessed of authority. They radiate the authority of firsthand encounters. They are storehouses of it. They have not read about it, they have not compiled notebooks and assembled documentary photographs. It is so important that they remember it. When you ask them for specifics, the depth of what they can offer is scary. It’s scary because it’s not tidy, it doesn’t lend itself to summation. By the very way that they say that they know, they suggest they are still learning something that cannot, in the end, be known

... Barry Lopez, "The Naturalist"  from Orion Magazine

By which ever calendar you choose to keep time/track the moon, time has passed.  We have learned so much in this Malama closing.  The lines I've embolded above, Barry Lopez' words "... they suggest they are still learning something that cannot, in the end, be known" are a wonderful way to plop this dear old body down.  There is so much to learn, and maybe, even more to unlearn.  Perhaps, in this lifetime I will know something more.

Through the infusion of Aries energy in April, new beginnings and activity began here.  In your life, the new beginnings have taken you somewhere.  Pete and I have loved the discoveries and new relationship with Mahina.  What began because we were felt with a'ole (nothing) has filled with plenty. 

Reexamining the history and traditions of Kanaka and especially the Kaulana Mahina shows me I am indeed challenged or asked to tune to the water within:  the intuitive nature of my self.  "Go with the flow" is the talisman.  Today/tonight is Mauli, where barely an illumination appears in the night sky.  Tomorrow, Sunday, May 1st we begin a new workshop "Malama I Ka `Aina".  THIS ONE will remain accessible for all of you.  So, know this workshop "Count On The Moon" is a place where you can sit and be with mahina and the thoughts expressed:  once you have 'bought your ticket ' (paid for the workshop)  it's yours.  Mahalo!

COUNT ON THE MOON:  "The Blessings of the 'Ole Moons" is a foundational workshop that paved a way, and will be adjusted and honed with time and new discoveries.  We don't know what those adjustments are, the future is not my kuleana in some respects.  We love that you have jumped in the play and learn along with us.  There is great love here, and room for asking questions that may or may not have clear answers. 

Enjoy this final 'oli with beautiful children COUNTING THE MOON.

Mahalo nui loa kakou,
Mokihana and Pete