I recently watched a documentary about Duke Kahanamoku called Waterman. First off, the documentary is killer! I highly recommend it.
I’ll drop a link to the trailer lower in this post
I’ll drop a link to the trailer lower in this post
Secondly, in the documentary, they really dove into the meaning behind the word Aloha.
Like most folks, I just assumed that it was a way of saying hello and goodbye.
Turns out, the meaning of aloha is way deeper than I realized.
Like most folks, I just assumed that it was a way of saying hello and goodbye.
Turns out, the meaning of aloha is way deeper than I realized.
Here’s the true definition:
The term aloha derives from Proto-Polynesia and dates back to the early 1800’s. When broken down, the literal translation of the phrase translates to [Alo] meaning ‘presence’ and [Hā] meaning ‘breath. ‘ Together the word aloha translates to ‘The presence of breath’ or ‘breath of life.
Aloha isn’t just a simple greeting. It’s a spirit. A way of life. It’s a way of giving your whole self to the present conversation and interaction.
Aloha is giving yourself to the world and shining love for yourself, others, and the world through your actions.
Aloha is peace.
There was a great Duke quote from the movie that really made me want to start using this phrase more:
In Hawaii, we greet friends, loved ones or strangers with Aloha, which means love. Aloha is the key word to the universal spirit of real hospitality, which makes Hawaii renowned as the world’s center of understanding and fellowship. Try meeting or leaving people with Aloha. You’ll be surprised by their reaction
- Duke Kahanamoku
So in the spirit of Duke….