New book & multi-media show of Hawaiian secrets to reduce stress

Learn how the ancient Hawaiians reduced stress and lived their lives in balance with the new book, Hawaiian Massage Lomilomi: Sacred Touch of Aloha. Available now here. The 120 stunning photographs by Emmy Award winner John Kalani Zak are part of our new multi-media show for meetings in Hawai'i. Contact us to book your next event.

Meetings Trend - Spirituality

A Vice President from PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association) said in a recent speech that meeting planners are looking for spiritual experiences for their attendees. One hot topic is forgiveness.

The ancient Hawaiians knew a lot about forgiveness and practiced it through the process of ho'oponopono. Today, there are many variations on ho'oponopono. Traditionally, ho'oponopono involved the entire family in prayer, reflection, confession, meditation, forgiveness, reconciliation and letting go. It took hours or days. Today, there are streamlined and updated versions.

During my program on "Hawaiian Secrets of Life Balance" we practice forgiveness. Many people come up later and say that it is so powerful, they already feel better, and they know their relationships will improve.

You can practice it yourself, right now. Think of someone you're angry with - or a little bit annoyed - and silently say to them, "I love you. I forgive you." Keep saying it until you feel your heart soften towards them. Keep saying it silently when you're with them, and see how they treat you. Let me know how it goes!

Lomilomi Your Life

What can we learn from Hawaiian healers about reducing stress and restoring balance in our own lives? Traditional practitioners of lomilomi engage in a way of life that is in balance. They have aloha 'aina, love of the land, so they connect with nature every day. They breathe. They practice forgiveness. And they touch people physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually with the touch of love or aloha. You can bring that touch to your life by simply giving your loved ones heart-felt hugs every day.

Don't Exercise - Play Hard

Every morning when I walk on the beach, I see Henry. In his 70s, Henry is always happy, vibrant and alive. He swims a mile in the ocean and then walks two miles. 3 days a week he works out at the Y. To him it's not exercise, it's fun! My mother is 80 and she walks two miles a day, plays tennis and swims a couple times a week, works out at the gym, and for fun she square dances. She is the happiest person I know.

I asked my mom once how she got herself motivated to do all this. She said it's hardest first thing in the morning. She said, "Get up, put on your exercise clothes, go to the bathroom, and walk out the door. Don't think about it or you won't do it." Thanks mom!

Keiki kane, keiki wahine - the little child inside

Last week I visited Uncle Allen Alapa'i of Hanalei on the island of Kaua'i. He talked about the lessons he learned from his grandmother. She said to look for the keiki kane, keiki wahine - the baby boy, baby girl - inside everyone. When our little child comes out to play, the world is a better place. This is supported in the latest scientific research as reported in Gregg Braden's new book, The Divine Matrix.

How to let out the little child? Uncle Allen says, "Blow bubbles!" Of course it sounds silly - that's the point. But if bubbles don't do it for you, think back to what you loved to do when you were 12. Then do it!

Schedule Your New Year's Resolutions

Do you want to actually keep your New Year's resolutions? Research shows we are more likely to change our habits if we set up support systems. Your calendar is an important tool. It's not enough to say you'll exercise, or to sign up for a class, or to join a gym. Only if you create time in your calendar will you have the time to do it. Want to get organized at work? Organizer systems can support you to do that - and then schedule time in your calendar every day to use those systems. Want to eat right? Set aside time to research new recipes, shop for food, and cook. Block out time right now for the next 3 months, and watch yourself change!

Not the Same Holiday Stress Advice

This time of year, newspapers and magazines run articles counseling us to do less to stress less during the holidays. But sometimes we can't do less. Does that mean we're doomed to stress?

No. Busy people thrive -- IF they love what they do. While you wrap presents, write cards, run errands, bake and shop, remind yourself you're doing this for people you love. Smile! Sing! Give thanks for all the people in your life, from family to fellow shoppers.

Science shows that if you make the conscious decision to enjoy the holidays, you will.

Happy holidays!