Hula in June
Mana
Ceremony of the Soul
I usually spend winter solstice reflecting and once the New Years bell rings I’m refocusing. I’ll ask myself…
- What do I want to create?
- What do I want to be known for?
- How do I want to SHOW UP in this new year?
- How will I improve?
- Why is this important to me?
December in the PNW is a combination of chill and rain, lots of rain. I’ve grown accustomed to the clouds and learned to stick to my plans regardless of the liquid sunshine. On this particular day the sun made it through. Which is perfect because every year during winter solstice we join the Nisqually Tribe to welcome the change. [Scroll down and watch part of the ceremony.]
Solstice
A time just before great change, for example summer solstice is the longest day in the northern hemisphere signifying abundance, harvest and beauty. Meanwhile winter solstice is the catalyst to regeneration, self-reflection and rejuvenation. It’s also the shortest day of the year.
Our inner being understands solstice and change which is why we look at the new year as a chance to regenerate and start over. We’re wired to do this.
Success
Good things come to those who pay attention to their inner voice. If you remove the distractions, blinking lights and phone chimes to focus on…
What do you desire in the new year?
What do you need to make it happen?
When will you start?
Healthy body comes from a healthy mind.
Start by taking time to nurture and listen to the cravings of your soul. Then make a food and fitness plan for the coming year. Don’t spend a dime on workout equipment or nutritional products until you answer the questions I posted above.
Commit to a plan once you’ve
- Completed a self-reflection session. (Basically answer the questions above.)
- Designate time towards intentional movement.
- Assign someone to be your accountability partner.
Above all keep your word! Do not break the promise you make to yourself. Whatever you choose to do in the near future be consistent to show-up for yourself, even when the going gets tough and you want to give up.
Hau’oli Makahiki Hou to all of you beautiful MANA Wahine out there! Just keep moving.
Paddle To Lummi 2019
Having a MANA Mood
Oh so random compared to the regular wellness chat but I’m posting about MANA. You know, that Polynesian word for strength & energy. Three things get me in a MANA MOOD: Planners (because I like to schedule), Crafting (gets the happy-vibes flowing) and Intentional Jewelry like my lava stone bracelets.
What’s your MANA Mood helpers in life?
My daughter slinging out her “shaka.” 🌴🤙🏽
August’s Fitness Challenge
The inspiration behind this challenge came from an info-graphic on my Pinterest board. I tried to find where it originated to give them credit. But every time I found that image and clicked, it lead me to a different blog or website. It was so confusing.
Nevertheless I chose to name my version ✨”ABracadabra” because it sounded cooler than ab-challenge. Imagine melting away flabbiness and embracing a toned tummy. 🙌🏽 I’m down with that.
So my workout crew is waking up at 5:30am to join me on Facebook Livestream to do this together. We just completed ✅ last months 5min Plank challenge below. 👇🏽
So we’re at it again.
I normally don’t post back to back so if you’re reading this and wanted to read my other post: The Fit Side of HULA -or- HULA FITNESS click here. Or the image below.
PS: If you’re wondering here’s this month’s Zumba with Ho’o fitness schedule. 😉 If you were wondering. 💋
Hula Fitness: Old School
There’s no school like old-school! Especially with all the fitness trends that are spinning out of control. When I run into a new dance fit craze I check to see…
- Who’s culture has this evolved from?
- What is their claim to fame?
- How can the average person benefit from it?
However there’s one dance style, that in it’s OG form, you would have to be at the peak of your game. In other words are you physically, mentally and emotionally ready to take on Hula? [OG: slang for original gangster.]
In it’s original form you were expected to devote your life to memorize song genealogy. Talk about fitness for the mind. And practice for hours on the sand in the heat of the day. Truly physical and grueling. Finally, portray the story through facial expressions which connects the viewer to the soul of that particular Hula. Fitness for the mind, body and soul.
A typical practice might be an hour of basic steps followed by learning or perfecting a song. Each step has an origin and each Kumu [teacher] has their preference. Basically it’s similar to martial arts. Each form has a purpose and you can add them together to create fight sequences. But in this case it’s choreography.
Speaking of martial arts there was a time when a student devoted their life to the craft. Yet, today I see 3 year olds with black belts. The practice became diluted with the lure of quick and easy. Form, history and protocol went right out of the window. This is what I see happening to Hula, but it can be so much more.
This past weekend I taught a session during 3 DAYS OF ALOHA in Vancouver, WA. The participants danced their muscles into a tired and happy frenzy. The Na Kumu [teachers] are some of Hawaii’s finest.
If your Kumu tells you to hold a position you don’t ask, “How long?” You just do it. And heaven forbid you have to do the Hula sequence over and over again. But if you do make sure you’re smiling. 😅😃
Why do we torture ourselves? For the Love of Hula and the gift of storytelling. If you truly want to challenge your fitness levels while maintaining grace and finesse learn to Hula. Seek out a Kumu with an amazing history and genealogy.
Hula is fitness when taught by a master and practiced daily. It doesn’t need to be diluted or modernized to techno-beats. Hula is both art and fitness uniting. This is MANA: strength that is generational. PEACE Be the Journey 🙏🏽
July’s Fitness Goals
I'm challenging all MANA WAHINE to plank, yes I said PLANK, during the month of July.
[Why?] There are so many benefits when holding a properly aligned plank. Muscle's, cells, hair follicle are all participating. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating by a hair. Lol, sorry about the weak pun.
[Can beginners participate?] Anyone who wants to, and has medical approval, can participate. Below is the info-pic I created as a guide. Pin-it and use it daily. I hope you have fun with this challenge and join me. Comment below if you are.
I'll be on Facebook Livestreaming daily with my MANA WAHINE. We checkin at 5:30am daily to follow the chart above. Talk about dedication! We're starting off will smaller increments that will increase daily.
I also have a new workout schedule for July. It's going to be a fun month. So have a safe 4th and stay hydrated. PEACE Be the Journey.
I like to swap off fitness styles to give my MANA WAHINE a full body workout. Which is your favorite?
Plans vs Follow-Through, because those are two different subjects.
Anyone can make a plan but following-through is a whole different beast. I’m using beast because taming the massive TO-DO list is like a monster. No worries 😉 we’re in this together.
I was slightly challenged to write about this difficult subject. [WHY is it difficult?] Since we all are surrounded by unique circumstances.
Our lives are as different as our finger print. Yet there are a few principles that don’t change. I wrote the full story on WholelisticFit and wanted share the images I made for that blog post. I’m pinning them to my Pinterest and reposting on Instagram because I need the daily reminder. PEACE Be the Journey ✨🦋
Spent Father’s Day out by a shore along a forest 🌳🌲 listening to my husband and daughter play Ukulele. It’s the simple things in life 🎶
Here’s what we gathered from our hike…
Pine cones to identify.
Rocks, rocks & more rocks…
A gorgeous rose in the middle of dried leaves 🍃
A cypress that I thought was a cedar, until I read the sign. Lol
Gratitude Challenge ✨
I’m revisiting a thread of prompts to motivate my mind into a place where wellness can thrive.
Did you know that Gratitude benefits your body as much as it does your mind. Ever heard the old saying, “Thoughts become things.”
Let’s rededicate our energy into positive thoughts about ourselves and our environment. The timing is perfect because the holidays can bring about mixed emotions which can prevent our physical success. We might miss someone that is no longer here or feel upset about past failures.
There’s a sense of time rushing by and our “To Do” list grows longer by the minute. Then we have to factor in deadlines, holiday related activities and so much more. Which is why we need to stop the insanity and slow down.
I can’t tell you the benefits of joining this challenge you have to feel it.
Will you join me?
- Become a Mermaid.
- Prompts will be delivered into your inbox starting November 1, 2016.
- Print the free PDF that allows you to jot down a reflection. (💌 Emailed with your welcome letter.)
- Post your thoughts in the comment section after the post. (✨ So we can connect.)
- Send this blog post to someone you care about and have them join you.
I’m scheduling time to complete the 21 day assignments because I need this. Being a fitness professional has its own set of ups and downs. Inspiring others while remaining self-motivated. Giving 110 % over and over again without sick days. Wow that sounds like MOTHERHOOD.
I completed this process during the spring but so much has changed. Nothing truly remains the same. So what are you waiting for? Let’s do this together. Stay fit and move for love. 💙
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Beautiful Body – Day 13 & 14
We’re halfway through the BEAUTIFUL BODY challenge and then we’re going to switch things up but before we do let’s complete a checklist. I want to make sure that you have everything in place to succeed. Do you have…
- Containers – separate dishes for main, sides or snacks. I like using Mason jars for my meals and designated fridge & cabinant space for my food.
- Lunch Bags – If paper bags make you feel happy then use them for lunches or find a bag/lunchbox that spark joy each time you use it. (A trick to boost your subconscious into enjoying the process.)
- Schedule Shopping & Meal Prep Days – Treat your body like an athletic powerhouse (even if you’re not there yet) that requires consistent preparation time & quality fuel.
We all appreciate it when our nation wins gold at the Olympics but the unseen preparation is the gold. What you do when no one is watching is more important then your actions in public.
Treat yourself like a Powerhouse of unimaginable greatness.
Foodie Fit: Today I just want to feature some of my creations. I treat my kitchen like a laboratory where I can mix & match flavors. Fusion. 
Below is a soba noodle fusion bowl. It’s part of my eating plan and to learn more about shopping and preparation click here. I’ve also included a video below about the Japanese tradition of soba.
Dance Fit: The sheer joy & energy would motivate me to get up and dance. Movement & good food go hand in hand. This routine is so fun that I literally got up off of my duff to jam out with them. Lol.
Cooking Class: (I have to share this one.) Check out the tutorial that made me feel comfortable enough to cook soba noodles.
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MANA Wahine Fitness 