by Kahu Brian Vatcher
After our seminar on Oahu I am inspired by the word “Laulima.” Laulima is working together through the community and through the family. It is acknowledging that we receive from many sources. Laulima acknowledges all the hands that bring the food to the store for us to buy and eat. Or appreciating my husband who took take care of our home and family while I was teaching a workshop in Hawaii, that is laulima. Or it can be the person on the other side of the cubicle wall. It speaks to knowing that we each 
know what we are working towards and our part in the process is just right for everyone – whatever that role is. Working together makes life and work more enjoyable for everyone, especially when the work is hard.
As one, we all stepped together on the magical journey on Oahu, in to the sacred spaces for which I am Kahu (caretaker) and along with my kahu ohana. I am blessed to laulima with Bill as my business partner on the journey. Our two different perspectives bring together a great vibration; my Kahu training and responsibility together with his universal perspective and love of Hawaii. Together we offer the vibration of aloha from the heart.
We all had an amazing week. I am so grateful to the one who helped create the foundation by opening my heart and eyes to Hawaii: Kumu Karen Leialoha Carroll. She and our kahu ohana opened the sacred places, hearts and homes to me over the years and the group this past week. We were truly blessed to be gathered to share the experience of “halau” and “ohana” with aloha.
We were blessed with the perfect site and supportive staff at the camp. The place and especially the food was amazing, too. Their hard work and support all along the way was laulima.
Also, the participants who were present and open to receive the magical effects of Oahu, my home and source for Pu’uwai, the ancient Hawaiian spiritual values and practices. I am honored to call you ohana.
Each moment and person was watched over by Pele (Volcano Goddess and my teacher) and Haumea (Mother Earth and mother to Pele) along the way. They had chairs at each teaching, meal and event along the way. That was their way to work together with each and every one of us along the way.
Mahalo nui keakua, na aumakua e na kupuna o Hawai’i for your wisdom, guidance and support on the journey of a lifetime.
All that laulima also tells you how abundant our experience was, too. Abundance is “waiwai”, but more on my gratitude on abundance later.
Me ke aloha pumehana.
