Today we volunteered at the Maui Earth Day Festival. We were super excited! The festival was filled with many great speakers such as Doreen Virtue and many booths representing sustainability. In the keiki (children's) section we created a project where the children could create their own flower of peace. On the flower they wrote their message to the world. As the children wrote their message my mind focused in on sending peace to the world. I mentally did Amma's white flower meditation. The meditation includes chanting for world peace as one imagines white flowers of peace touching every creature on earth. One of our sweet friend's Melissa stop by, she was adored with a white flower.  I felt it was symbolic of my intention for creating peace flowers. I was delighted and we added her flower right next to our peace sign for a short time. I had the children close their eyes and go into their hearts. The children came up with great ideas such "taking care of the bees" and  "not polluting". They magical highlight of the days was as I was explaining to the children the different continents and to imagine sending love and peace to every person, animal, tree and plant, a small white flower fell on to their flowers. Through out the day various  white flowers fell  and appeared from the tree above us. These tiny flowers showered and accompanied us as we sent out the intention for peace on this earth.

Then it was time to go, as we were leaving in front of us a car's back door  said "GIVE THANKS" and so we did. We thanked the day, everyone involved and the opportunity to have served, grown with and facilitate the child's love towards the earth and one another.  When I looked further it read " ALOHA 'AINA"  which means to love and respect the land below it it reads "Malama Pono" --Malama means to take care of. Pono translates to righteousness or being in inner-harmony/inner-balance with not only the self but with that which is around us. So together it all translates - "Take care of yourself/to take proper care of" What a perfect message to receive while celebrating earth day.

Thought of the day: May your thoughts, words and action be filled with the fragrance of peace may you take in, absorb and be saturated with your infinite essence of Love...

Today the ocean was calling to my spirit. The water was chilly and a sweet turtle peaked its little head out beckoning me to come in. Then another one popped its little head out of the water. They were so playful. I watch from a far tapping into and appreciating their beauty.   I looked up, one bird was soaring with the support of the air, lifting itself high up.  The bird also utilized the air and dropped down as well. How beautiful that these creatures are one with the elements.  We too are one with the elements of earth. Mother nature definitely supports all her children we must take care of her...

Thought of the day: May we allow ourselves to feel the support of the universe and expand into our greatness...

"The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness." - John Muir

Birds chirping echoed in the forest as the gentle breeze whispered through the leaves. I take a deep breath into the silence of the self. Soft grass and leaves support the feet as we walk. Mother nature has creating a carpet to show us her forest. We continue to walk, the sun light peaks into crevices as birds sing their songs. I pause and a take a deep breathe as the smell of eucalyptus and pine arises. I am silent in this space... 
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Thought of the day: May you enter into the depth of your inner being, may you feel the immensity of your love and in your silence may you greet your inner temple.

​My heart is filled with deep gratitude, as I breathe in I feel Love surging into my lungs. As I breathe out I feel strength and vulnerability. It is a vulnerability of being held by the universe of faith and knowing that source is within and all around.

I share these words with you so that you 150% follow your heart, 150% follow your intuition and 150% believe when you feel you can't, for there is a great plan for you.

Live authentically and feel your emotions. Your feelings are strong clues as to what is present and what to do next.

For a couple of weeks spirit told me to wait until March 24 to post our blog out and so today is the day. I just listen and I don't know why for this day but I just follow the clues...

Now a few days ago Edith found a flyer for an author workshop and we called to rsvp. Then today we went to his  workshop. His name is Patrick Snow he is a best selling author and marketing coach. I feel so humbled for all the free information he provided. He is definitely sent as a gift. I am looking forward to continuously working on publishing more books.

After the workshop I found this next clue a sign that said "Next level" . Where in your life can you take it to the next level?

When I turned around I found paradise, literally the sign said "Paradise Found". I took it as when you go within in to new levels of the self you discover paradise.

Thought of the day: May you continue to follow your heart, which is the biggest clue, may you take action towards your next level and may you continue to give, give, give

Today Edith and I volunteered at Mother's Kitchen at the Ka Hale A Ke Ola Resource center. Maui has as many of 107 organizations helping to feed the hungry, “Mother’s Kitchen” is one project that helps to serves the hungry. Cutting, washing, preparing and serving the food with awareness and love is something that I have learned through previous Mother's Kitchens and continue to transfer over to Maui's Mother's Kitchen. As we cut, prepare, and serve with awareness and love this helps to reduce waste. Approxiametely 1/3 of all food produced is wasted(1.3 billion tons).

In addition,  working with awareness and love also infuses the food with positive vibrations. When we work like this people will feel the love . I really enjoy of being part and serving others in times of need and lessening their load.

I'm always learning something new and today was my first time working with Chayote. I took a picture of it because the inside looked like a little baby wrapped in a little blanket. I love how nature has a way of created art through its colors, patterns and designs.

Thought of the day: May Human connection strengthen our hearts to live graciously authentic..

Reference

​Facing the Future, Think Quest, Hunger Relief Organizations. (2013)World Hunger Statistics. Retrieved May 17, 2013 from http://www.statisticbrain.com/world-hunger-statistics/

Today I was having a discussion as after I finished saying a hawaiian chant a spanish self publishing company contacted me. I had contacted them several months before but this was just a little reminder to get my books going in Spanish. I was sharing my experience when all of the sudden a baby dragonfly climbed on our window. It stayed there for some time. Dragon flies represent having the ability to move any where in life forwards, around, up, down. Just as the dragonfly is not full size it reminded me that I am at the beginning stages of this idea.

Thought of the day: I stop and take notice of the present moment and all of its gifts.

Here in Maui it is currently winter season and although it really doesn't snow here it can get chilly. Up in Haleakala it can get to 20 to 30 degrees. It doesn't get to those low temperature on all parts of the island, but it has been getting chilly so I have been wearing sweaters. Then the last couple of days my body was not feeling 100%. 

Although I had some plans, the plans shifted to meaningful rest and recuperation. My spirit was feeling in good shape and I felt each day I was going into a deeper silence,  as I went deeper into the silence I felt I was receiving messages into my soul some translatable about writing more books, some still downloading.This winter I feel many things are shifting in the world, a worldly and cosmic purification. The world is awakening to more of that which binds us.

During this meaningful rest period all I can do is take it  step by step and day by day. I have been looking at what I would like to release while staying in gratitude.

What are some things you would like to release? 

What are some things your feeling grateful at the present moment?

Here Edith has gifted me with nourishing soups. One was filled with celery, carrots beets, potato, mung dahl, split pea, french green lentils, coconut oil, turmeric, salt and pepper. potato 

I chewed the veggies slowly and drank the broth, making a nourishing meal like this becomes medicine.

Food is a blessing, preparing a meal with love becomes a double blessing. As all the ingredients and elements come together it makes me think how in life we have the opportunity to experience divine support with and for one another. ​What ingredients support you in feeling nourished? which foods, relationships, thoughts, feelings, actions nourish you?  

Source, angels, relationships, family and friends, and Mother nature holds a divine space to remind us of our inter-connectness.

​In my silences I see mirrors of Love all around. I give gratitude for the time to rest, the time to work together to accomplish goals, The body will go through changes and although the weather changes, the light of the sun and moon is always there. Our lives will go through many different times but the love of God, source, universe what you may call is always there.

​"Pray for a contented mind in all circumstances" - Amma ( Awaken children, 1995)
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Thought of the day: May contentment fill the mind, may gratitude fill each nano second of life with love and may we feel nourished during this cosmic purification.

Awaken, children! (Vol. 6). (1995). Vallickavu: Mata Amritanandamayi Mission Trust. pp 149.

​Today I collaborated with ArchiSmart, we created a workshop in nature.  The children created architectural structures while learning about the earth's resources. Then I read my book "Mamma's Planet Earth" . This not only ties in literacy it also helps them to better connect them to their sense of place. Afterwards the children and adults laid down as I sang songs of the earth and brought them through a guiding meditation. Being in nature helps children to better connect with all things. Here is a quote that reminds me of this:

Later we had the children reflect their experience through art.  I feel taping into ones creative sources is vital as it teaches children to better listen to their intuition and ideas. I really enjoy working with children in nature I look forward to creating and co-creating more events to allow children the space  to honor, take care of and protect mother earth.
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Thought of day: May all creatures learn and remember that we are all part of creation.


Reference:
Gottlieb, R. S. (2003). Tradition: ethical roots of spiritual social activism. In Liberating faith: Religious voices for justice, peace, and ecological wisdom (p. 30). Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.

Today we visited Kauai Aadheenam, or the Kauai's Hindu Monastery, it was lovely. First went  to mediate by the banyan, I said the "Om Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu" chant praying for peace in my life and peace for society. As I meditated by the banyan tree I grounded my energy into the deep roots.

Before arriving to the airport we were greeting by our last little friend. Until we meet next time.. A hui hou...



​Thought of the day: May we discover the little and grand things in life with awe and reverence

Aloha every moment and every day is a blessing. Taking the time to breathe and in being in nature is not only part of my spiritual path yet rather an extension of my anatomy, a part of who I am. Kauai has been on our list to visit. We have both felt a deep connection and Edith so amazingly surprised me with a trip to Kauai for my birthday. When we arrived the green palm leaves moved in the wind as if welcoming us to the land. 

​It was so wonderful to learn that Kauai is 5 million years old! How sacred to be on this land. After being on land for some time it was time to be in the air.

We took a spectacular helicopter ride. Being in the air really provides a greater perspective. We were both in awe and went  into silence for the majority of the trip. We were taken to places that are not accessible through walking but accessible through the birds eyes view. I felt a part of my soul had been here before, as we flew over, through and in between places the beauty and knowledge held in the land moved my heart, tears streamed down from my eyes.

​After the ride we went on a tour to visit the National Tropical Botanical Garden.
The garden's mission is to "enrich life through discovery, scientific research, conservation, and education by perpetuating the survival of plants, ecosystems, and cultural knowledge of tropical regions". One of there programs is the Breadfruit Institute  they use it to " promote the conservation and use of breadfruit for food and reforestation". The Breadfruit Institute has  provided more than 60,000 plus trees to 30 countries.  As conservation is one of there main work you can see a breadfruit on there logo. I got reacquainted with bread fruit on the islands here, growing up in and visiting South America I would eat fried breadfruit with coconut rice.

After going to the visitor center we headed out to the Allerton Garden (Lāwa`i Kai). In the bus we passed by Bougainvillea flowers these flowers remind me of Colombia and going to the farm as a young child. Running in the fields with my extended cousin also called Vanessa we would mash Bougainvillea leaves on a rock and make a paste. Then my little cousins would come and bring other children. Some children would make pretend we were doctors, then we would apply it on their hands, other children would buy the salve with money made of rocks and sticks. Young children are often very connected to their inner truth, the source with in. They intuitively and instinctively gravitate towards what makes them happy. Often if left children will create mud pies or different concoction with leaves, twigs and sticks.

The pressing of leaves to make salves is common in most culture. In Hawaii, La'au Lapa'au is tradition in which the element of the earth are used for healing. The herbal remedies are made with  roots, leaves, stems of the plants other elements of nature are utilized as well.

Walking through the garden we passed by a tamarind tree. Tamarind is used in indian cuisine I haven't tried cooking with tamarind yet.  We also saw a Kiave tree both were planted by Queen Emma.

​We passed through the Diana Fountain, it was interesting to find out that the owner specifically did not want the statues to be washed as he wanted the statues to grow with the garden naturally.

Walking through the forest, I turned- looked up and saw the sun peaking through the trees. I  found a beautiful spiderweb, the light peaking through different areas made it reflect different colors and sparkle. The spiral seemed to makes me think of how we can incorporate and join all aspects of ourselves and spiritual values into all aspects of life. In Native American culture the spider symbolism represents how we are weaving our lives.
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I felt so humbled to touch the ancient Cyacad plant.  We learned this plant has been found to be up to 300 million years old. It was alive at the time dinosaur were alive. Here I am connecting to the vibrations of this ancient plant.

Next we went to the reflection pond. As you can see nature is reflecting in the water, we are nature itself. Like this, I am working towards the practice of feeling, experiencing and learning to see each person as a reflection of the divine. What do you see when you look at the pond? what energies and emotions are emerging/reflecting for you at the moment?

Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens is located at the entrance of Iao Valley State Park. The Heritage Garden represents the multicultural contributions that have made up and continue to make up Hawaii's rich culture such as Japan, China, Korea,  Philippines, Portugal and Puerto Rico. It is beautiful that a space has being created to represent a coming together of these cultures. Many visitors from all over the world and local families frequently visit to relax and have picnics. Picnic-ing here reminds me of how hawaii's cuisine is also a mix and merge of ethnic backgrounds.

The Heritage Gardens are made up of structures and gardens. Each culture has a way of entering a temple. Each culture has purification rituals that enhances the clarity of their spirit. For example, while entering a temple calming and respectfully one may take of shoes, burn incense, or wash certain body parts. 

Many of the structures have a gate. The gates represent stepping in from one world to another. For example, passing through a torii gate signifies walking into sacred space. These arquitectual structures are gateways of heaven for many cultures, a way to connect to the other side or find rest within one's soul. These labyrinths thus become a tool for finding our inner self, reaching our center, feeling united.

As Iao Valley cool stream runs through these harmonious​ gardens, waterfalls and ponds, as the  colorful flowers, and trees silently meditate in their self. I feel a sense of serenity and peace. 

Thought of the day: May we enjoy our journeys into our hearts, may we walk into the entrances of the source within us. May we embrace all the colors that life gives as we remember, we are all one family in this small garden of earth. 

Several weeks ago I had a dream I was standing in a circle with several women dressed in native-made clothing. We were standing on the land, snow was around us and behind us was the ocean. It seemed like I was in Alaska, although I have not  been there yet. As we held hands we rocked back and forth chanting and praying a language unknown to me but in my dream it felt familiar and I sang in the language as well. The women continued to chant and pray as they sang these sacred songs, I felt energy in the depth of the water like a signal being picked up from the unlimited source.

I did not want to stop the chant, but I felt I had to let the women know something was coming. I felt the wind spiral and move around and across us. I asked the women to stop for a minute, to listen and then simultaneously several whales emerged their bodies out of the surface of the water, the water around them surged upwards creating a wave.

These cetaceans standing in all their strength, all their wisdom emitted mysteries of the universe. Their emergence seemed to unlock mysteries deep within us.  I felt the breeze pass through my face again and then I woke up. 

As I woke up, I went into a prayer for peace...

This deep connection to the whales continued and continue. It is as if they are subconsciously, and consciously communicating with me.  Just as the whales call out and sing to one another the whales can call out and sing to the human race. 

Although this was a dream, it felt very vivid and so I take this as a clue or a sign. Perhaps on some level when we dream we not only sleep but tap into other parallel existences unknown to man. Several weeks past and I kept thinking about Little Hawk he was a Cherokee Elder, he was like a grandfather to us and taught us many things. I feel his presence often.

Last Sunday, I felt Hawk again, I felt guided to go to the Temple of Peace's Psychic and Healthy Fair. While at the fair we met and reunited with beautiful souls. I found out some of these women had Cherokee ancestry. We enjoyed our time and knew we would see each other at some point. The next day Edith texted me saying we received an invitation to a drum circle for the children. We graciously accepted the invitation.

Drum circle day, there we were: Alaskan, Canadian, South American, and Hawaiian Light Keepers standing in a circle holding hands. Immediately I felt we were meant to be there. As we all interlocked hands I felt a surge of energy move around the room simultaneously,  I felt the same sensation I did in my whale dream. 

In the silence, I could feel the whales singing out and then it was time for the drumming to begin. The drum became a sacred conscious tool it became alive. Her beat resounded in the room, her heartbeat beating with us all. Then several woman began to chant and sing songs in a language unknown to me, Edith and I sat with the drum pounded and chanted and learned new songs as well. I sang songs that was previous taught to me and shared with the group. What an honor to meet and create ceremony with these magical open-hearted individuals. It was time to go we gave of farewells and hugs before they left back north, with a grin on my face we walked on the grass a slight wind pass through us,  I look up to the stars and thought how mysterious and vast the universe truly is...
Thought of the day: Let us hold each other in the warmth of our love as our our hearts bea, in the name of Love and Peace for Mother earth and her creatures. May all of our dreams, and voices of love and unity be heard, may out thoughts, words and deeds be for the betterment of the world and so it is….

 Today we volunteered at Mother’s Kitchen. Here is some background information. In 1996, individuals inspired by Amma’s (Mata Amritanandamayi) love, compassion, and seva (selfless service) towards humanity started the first soup kitchen. In the U.S, Canada and Costa Rica there are over 42 “Mother’s Kitchen projects. It is run by a group of volunteers from all walks of life whom are dedicated to making a difference at the local community level. Here in Maui, “Mother’s Kitchen” is a sponsor group at Ka Hale A Ke Ola (KHAKO) Homeless Resource Centers, Inc. KHAKO began sheltering the homeless in 1986. They work in conjunctions with 50 human service agencies to provide for the clients’ needs, such as medical, mental health, vocational rehabilitation, and financial services. The client enters 6 weeks program, if qualified they can transition into long term. The program is made up of:

• Courses- “Money Magic” for basic financing, Life Skills, Family and Parenting classes, Computer and GED classes.
• Chores- everyone is required to do chores: cleaning, taking out trash, laundry
• Food- sponsor night anyone in the program can eat. On a non-sponsor night emerging/transitionary clients can eat.
• Mother’s Kitchen serves food to around 35-60 individuals, men, women and children.
• Each meal cost around $35-$150 depending on donations received.

 
Mother’s Kitchen does feedings 2-3 times a month. The volunteers do everything from gathering the food, preparing, cooking, set-up and clean up. They takes different shifts for example; some take the morning shifts in going to the local markets and gather the food, some just the afternoon prep, and some the evening serving. Volunteers are welcome to participate in all or some of “Mother’s Kitchen” project.
 
One of the most important things we practice is being present. We work towards preparing the food with Love and care. Food preparation and serving is done in awareness to also reduce waste.

​Many of the people coming have many stressors in their life. It is nice to lesson the load with home-cook meal made with love.

Thought of the day: May we support one another, move away from coping and help one another thrive in the light of our beings. May the minds stressors subside, may we hand over our fears to our angels, the master, and divine light. The grace of God may we tap into our power and remain optimistic.

Today we walked down Thompson road. Nature is definitely our home and walking down this beautiful path fills me with gratitude. How is your relationship to mother earth? Do you have time with mother do you see, feel, taste and experience her many blessings. There is myriad of colors in her expression.

Thought of the day: May the light of the sun shine so brightly in all of our hearts expanding us to deeper love.

Edith:
Aloha everyone! Vanessa and I decided to make a website about our life. Specially the clues we see and follow (or at least try to follow). We will start off with our moving to Hawaii. We were living in NY and ready to move out for many reasons. We were thinking California or somewhere beautiful like Hawaii. We thought "why don't we enter sweepstakes to win a trip to Hawaii and see if we would like to live there?" and so we did. We entered all the sweepstake we could find about Hawaii. We started eating Hawaiian red salt, we started this little mantra "HAWAII, HAWAII!" We have read many books about manifesting so we said the mantra as if we were actually going and feeling excited that we actually won. We did this for many months until BAM one day Vanessa gets a call from Honolulu Publishing saying she won the sweepstakes. She called me right away and couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe myself I was sooo happy and excited!

Vanessa:
Om and Aloha yes it was very magical we had been researching and saying our little hawaiian mantra and learned about Ho'oponopono. We felt guided to purchase hawaiian salt and we started to put it in all our food. We took a trip to florida prayed under the full moon we prayed that if it was meant for our highest good to be in Hawaii that that would be the next beach we would be at

I kept having dreams of people from the island of Hawai'i. One night I had a dream we were on a beach I saw two hawaiians standing next to Edith. I didn't get to share with her that morning but I went to work with the kiddos and thought I would share with her afterwork.

Edith:
So I got off the bus I was walking late a night going back home and I felt two hawaiian body guardians then I gave Vanessa a call: 
"Hi Love! I feel like theres two hawaiian guardian men right next to me as I'm walking home"

Vanessa: "Oh my gosh! Yes! there are! This is incredible" "Guess what?! I proceeded and shared my dream. The dreams continued. I saw these hawaiian warriors and very clearly I heard "This is my land, This is my people" I awoke sitting up my heart beat racing. This happened for several nights. These words became like a gateway a code for returning. 

Then one day when I was taking care of some preschoolers one little girl  said she didn't want to nap. She had tried for some time. I had her sit next to me and I said let's  send  love to the dolphins and all the waters in the ocean. So we imagined sending our love and then she said to me but Ms. Vanessa don't forget the baby whales. When I got off from work I received a message that I had won a trip for to to Maui! I couldn't believe it and then I did! it all worked out. This is a shorter version of all what happened...