Living Huna - ancient wisdom for everyday life

By Jodie Mehrtens, The Healing Bower.

As a Lomi Lomi practitioner and Reiki master, I endeavour to live a life devoted to principles which bring peace and harmony into my life. Though the art and practice of Lomi Lomi, I have learned these Huna principles. Huna means secret, and things are often secret because they are sacred. As I enter my wisdom years, I share my wisdom with my beautiful clients. Within each principle is a simple practice to assist you in finding aloha.

Huna is a spiritual practice from Hawaii that offers timeless insights that encourage harmony with ourselves and the world. The seven principles of Huna cultivate balance, healing, and mindful awareness. Whether you’re on a journey of personal growth, seeking deeper spiritual connections, or simply curious about ancient wisdom, the principles of Huna can bring you more joy, deeper peace, and purpose in daily life. This ancient philosophy has been simplified here, to begin you on your journey. These days there are many brilliant books and audiobooks on Huna history, practice and shamanism to deepen your practice, this blog is meant as a simple starting place to develop more peace in your life.

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IKE – The World Is What You Think It Is

Our thoughts shape our reality, you are what you think you are. By shifting your mindset, you can transform how you experience the world. If your core belief about the world is that - in general, it is an unkind place and everyone is against you - you will inevitably find evidence for this time and time again. Every time someone wrongs you - instead of an opportunity for growth and deeper understanding, you become a victim of the circumstance, surrendering your responsibility and opportunity for growth and confirming your negative belief. Ike encourages us to bring a little makia and aloha to every thought - to allow the world to be full of grace, love and opportunity. Affirmations are nice, affirmations with the power of the heart behind them become reality.

Try this Reiki practice: “Just for Today, I choose to approach challenges calmly." See how anger shows up throughout your day and feel where it is in your body. Anger is a natural emotion - but holding onto anger is deeply damaging to our energy systems. Journal the cause of your emotional discomfort, and the stories (and beliefs) that you are telling yourself about the situation. Is there a core belief driving that emotion? Is that belief true? What would life feel like if you let go of that belief?

KALA – There Are No Limits

We are only limited by our own beliefs. Our potential as human beings is boundless, and we are incredibly powerful manifesters. Do you feel this to be true? If you answered no, then there may be some limiting thoughts you need to address.

Journal the reasons that you are not a limitless and powerful manifester. What would a person who is look like, feel like? what decisions would they make? How can you be a little bit more like that person who experiences abundance?

When faced with a daunting task, remind yourself that you are capable of learning and growing and your potential is as vast as you allow it to be.

MAKIA – Energy Flows Where Attention Goes

Our focus directs our energy. Whatever we concentrate on grows and affects our experiences. Can you see how this works so intimately with Ike - the world is what you think it is?

Consciously direct your attention to things that nurture you. If you are feeling scattered, take a moment to ground, breath in and exhale with a HA breath to center yourself. Focus on the projects, relationships and moments in life that bring you joy, send out gratitude for them, knowing that your focus will amplify these things in your life.

MANAWA – Now Is the Moment of Power

The present moment is where we have the most control. Past regrets and future worries don’t hold power over us here and now.

Try this mindfulness practice: bring attention to your breath and surroundings, and turn your eyes inward to notice how your shoulders feel your chest, and your belly. Do you need to adjust your posture to find more ease? Set the attention to bring yourself back to this self-awareness throughout the day. Notice where your mind was - was it in the past or in the future? Does it go to the same place or situation? Is there a theme to your absent thoughts? Find a reminder (like a poster or a beautiful object in your home or office) to be the thing that prods you to ask - where is my mind at right now? Can I call myself back from the past and present and other places to be wholly present in this moment?

ALOHA – To Love Is to Be Happy

Love is the fuel of the universe. It is the most powerful emotion and it is intertwined with gratitude and happiness. True love is about acceptance and joy in connection.

Try this Reiki practice: Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing. Cultivate an attitude of loving-kindness and compassion toward yourself and others.

Journal prompt - Does this feel easy to you? If not then what is standing in the way? Explore what kind of person you would be if you could exist in a constant flow of love and kindness, compassion and gratitude. Really explore what that looks like?

What are some small ways that you can bring joy in connections, whether through a simple smile, a word of encouragement, or an act of kindness?

MANA – All Power Comes from Within

Power lives within you, it is not external. We each hold a source of strength, wisdom, and influence.

A Daily Practice: nurture your self confidence. Whenever you're in doubt, recall a time when you felt capable and empowered. Practice self care and set aside time for meditation and reflection. We hold all of the wisdom within us, we have deep connections to spirit, ancestors and our higher wisdom - all we have to do is acknowledge it, get out of our own way, and allow the wisdom to flow. Find a spiritual practice that feels good to you and make it a sacred, non-negotiable time in your day to explore your mana.

PONO – Effectiveness Is the Measure of Truth

Truth is defined by results. If something works and brings harmony, it’s considered true or right for you. The right thing, will bring you a sense of peace and knowing.

If a situation in your life isn’t working, reflect on what may need to change. Experiment with different approaches until you find what resonates. Trust your intuition and be willing to adapt, knowing that the “right” path is the one that brings you peace and fulfilment.

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Applying the principles of Huna doesn’t require grand gestures; it’s often the subtle shifts that have the most profound impact. Start small, adopting one principle each week and notice how it influences your thoughts, actions, and feelings. Over time, you may find that these principles begin to blend seamlessly into your daily routines, bringing greater harmony and insight.

Huna offers us the gift of transformation and healing, revealing that we have the power to shape our lives. Embrace this wisdom with patience and compassion for yourself, and witness how your life evolves in beautiful, unexpected ways.

Need guidance on your journey? I'm here to support your physical, emotional and spiritual journey through one of the many offerings at The Healing Bower.