Sunday, June 30, 2013

The Sacred Honu

I love the importance of the honu, or turtle, in the Hawaiian culture.  Everywhere you go, you see honu symbols.  The honu literally permeates all aspects of life on the islands.  People seek out beaches and coves so they can see the honu swimming, and even swim with the honus.  The image is used on every imaginable item you can think of.  You will always remember the first time you saw a honu while swimming in the ocean.  It is thrilling!!! The honu is simply loved, revered and protected throughout the Hawaiian islands!

Here in the U.S., we simply say turtle.  Everyone has heard of the contest between the turtle and the rabbit.  The rabbit is fast out of the gate but, in the end, the turtle wins the race.  Slow and steady wins the race. 

Some people think of the turtle as slow and plodding.  Not me!  I relate to the honu/turtle.  I see my healthy journey as an ongoing journey, not a sprint to the finish line.  I know so many people who sign up for a "weight loss" program.  They drop a lot of weight, only to gain it all back.  Heck, I am one of "those people", having done that very thing in the past.  So what?  Just keep going forward, remembering that slow and steady wins the race.  Keep going, do not ever give up.  Like the sacred honu, you are worth it!

Now, instead of sprinting, I am on a life journey.  Sure there will be ups and downs, but in the end I really believe that slow and steady will make me a winner.  A winner of a healthier body, a winner of a healthier outlook, a winner of a stronger spiritual self, a winner.  That is why I relate to the sacred honu.  I am like that turtle...deliberately taking the steps I need to take to move me forward in life.   ...and in the end, if I am valued by others, then that is icing on the cake!

Desire to continue moving forward in life.  Dedication to all that is sacred.  Discipline to keep on swimming. 

2 comments:

  1. Stepping outside of allegory for a moment; I'm swimming laps because you inspired me! Thank you for the 3 D's linking 'moving', 'sacred' and swimming...Lots to meditate on during my next swim!

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    1. I am so happy that you are swimming! I am going to add that one day a week too!

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