Maui | Pick-Me-Up Pearls

“Autumn shows how beautiful it is to let things go.” – Unknown

Full moon

Last night’s full moon showered us with light during our meditation in a park perched over the ocean. We listened to waves roll into shore as our guide gave blessings to Earth wishing peace for all beings.

I joined this full moon meditation a few times before. September was the first night we were outside in the dark. As we walked to the park I wondered, “would the grass be wet, would there be bugs or dog poo?” Last night, a sea lion kept barking. I worried if it was ok since we have a marine mammal rescue center in town. Each time I reminded myself to just let it go.

Earlier this month we enjoyed a blissful vacation in Maui. Hawaii is one of my favorite places to be because it’s the epitome of exhaling and letting go. The literal meaning of Aloha is “the presence of breath” or the “breath of life.” The beautiful scenery, rainbows and spirit of the islands capture your breath. Worries and stress simply melt away.

Maui

These experiences remind me to worry less, meditate more and appreciate autumn’s life lessons.

Click here for the Planetary Meditation for Peace

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”
– Jacques Cousteau

When I’m stressed or struggle to sleep, I take some slow, deep breaths. Then I visualize a relaxing and memorable moment. My vision is always on a beach. It’s where I go to unwind and rejuvenate. The first place I usually picture is a Caribbean island we visited with a long stretch of white sand and warm water the color of robin’s eggs. It’s my go-to prescription for a calming effect.

In a memoir workshop with Roger Housden, he described, “moments of our past that are still alive for us. They shimmer their color – bright or dark. It’s an emotional laden sensation taking you underneath words.” We made lists of “shimmering images” in our lives. One of my most extraordinary experiences was floating in Maui while listening to humpback whales hum in the water below. Although I’m nervous swimming in the ocean, it’s the most peaceful I ever felt.

Another captivating image is watching sunlight sparkle on the water or staring out the window (like I’m doing right now) and watching waves roll in to shore. Years ago during chemo treatments, I would sit for the longest time just gazing at the beautiful blue ocean. It was part of my healing process.