Aloha

For the most part- I think everyone knows this is the Hawaiian word for both hello and good-bye.  It's interesting to me that the same word could mean either when they seem such separate events, but Italians (ciao) and French (salut) do the same.  The cool thing here is that 'aloha' runs a lot deeper...and speaking of running, today marks the longest distance I've ever run in my life- 8 miles!  This was for a local and very popular road race- The Great Aloha Run.  Hence, our topic for the day.

So aloha, in addition to it's basic use above, also connotates an expression of love or affection.  Hawaii is called the "aloha state", and it's not uncommon to hear the phrase 'treat someone/something with aloha'.  Exhibit A:

Looking a little deeper, I found this excerpt (copied below) about the 'spirit of aloha'- which is another common phrase here.  It's actually a subsection of law in the state- hoping to promote harmony and good will between those that reside here, and supposedly to remind government officials to make decisions based on care of and respect for their people.  So- rulers of the middle east countries, ripe with strife and riots- check your aloha.

"The spirit of Aloha"

The literal meaning of aloha is “the presence of breath” or “the breath of life.” It comes from “Alo,” meaning presence, front and face, and “ha,” meaning breath. Aloha is a way of living and treating each other with love and respect. Its deep meaning starts by teaching ourselves to love our own beings first and afterwards to spread the love to others.
According to the old kahunas (priests)*, being able to live the Spirit of Aloha was a way of reaching self-perfection and realization for our own body and soul. Aloha is sending and receiving a positive energy. Aloha is living in harmony. When you live the Spirit of Aloha, you create positive feelings and thoughts, which are never gone. They exist in space, multiply and spread over to others.
*topic will be explored at a later date, since I didn't realize it's definition before including it in my blog, but now feel obligated to learn more

The Great Aloha run featured 25,000 runners and walkers that completed the 8 mile course from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium.  It was relatively flat, but with that many people participating- you are almost swept away by the crowd the entire distance!  A very large contingent of military personnel run the race in formation as part of their training- so that was interesting to run alongside of.  In the spirit of aloha- there were several well wishers on the side lines, as well as several local bands to cheer us on.  Most of the bands were marching type bands from high schools and such, although there was a small group of drummer's dressed in very cultural attire and playing large kettle like drums.  I saw a few injured runners along the way as well- all of whom were surrounded or supported by others until medical help could be provided.  In the race with me were Jill, Tony and Jill's mom- who all ran a stellar race!  We were fortunate with good weather and no injuries to our immediate group.  So far afterwards, I can still walk although I'm having a hard time motivating myself to do anything else today...but since aloha starts with taking care of your own being first, I think I'll focus on that for today...=)