Aloha is a beautiful Hawaiian word that is translated as both hello and goodbye. It is also an expression of showing love. I am finding out that this word is actually considered a way of life by Hawaiians. While researching the word, I found that there is an actual Hawaiian law called “The Aloha Spirit” which was officially adopted by the state of Hawai’i in 1986.

The law states…

”(a) The Aloha spirit is the coordination of mind and heart within each person.  It brings each person to the Self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others. In the contemplation and prescence of the life force, Aloha.”

Below this section of the law, there is an acrostic using each letter of Aloha.

*Akahai, meaning kindness to be expressed with tenderness.

*Lokahi, meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony.

*Olu olu, meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness.

*Ha’aha’a, meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty.

*Ahonui, meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.

The law goes on to state that, “These are traits of character that express the charm, warmth and sincerity of Hawaii’s people. It was the working philosophy of native Hawaiians and was presented as a gift to the people of Hawaii.”

*Aloha is more than a word of greeting or farewell or a salutation.

*Aloha means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return.

* Aloha is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence.

*Aloha means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be send and know the unknowable.

WOW! I love this law! The powerful words can be applied to everyone, not just Hawaiians!

Thinking about the schools where I teach, wouldn’t it be great if we could utilize the basics of this law in our classrooms? I already teach my students many character trait songs, so why not start this school year with a school version of “The Aloha Spirit”?

A – Always be kind

L – Look for ways to work together

O – Only you can choose to smile and be pleasant

H – Humbleness-think of others before yourself

A – A patient person never gives up

An Hawaiian proverb is,

LOKAHI:
“The value of teamwork: Collaboration and cooperation. Harmony and unity. People who work together can achieve more! The LOKAHI, is inherent oneness, connectedness to the Heaven, to the Earth and all life and all relations!”

This year, when my students come into my classroom, we will start spreading the Aloha Spirit from day one!

ALOHA!