Lomi Lomi Lokahi
The Lomi of Unity
by Fern Merle-Jones
We have been told of ancient times when
massage, called lomi lomi, was used as a means for deep relaxation,
transformation and inspiration for the Ali'i (noble class) of old Hawaii Nei. It
is said that in those times a session might take up to four days or longer. The
lineage and skill of the performer was of utmost importance as the lomi was
recognized as sacred ritual. Since those times past, massage has continued to
play an important role in Hawaii.
The different cultures of peoples who
have come to live on the Islands have brought their own forms and styles of
bodywork. As the cultures have blended so have the different forms of massage
practice. Today we have added things like special tables and pre-recorded music
to enhance the experience. Despite the changes, the reverence for lomi lomi
continues and people still derive great benefit from receiving as well as
performing this ritual.
Lomi Lomi Lokahi was born from the
beautiful and spiritual temple style of Lomi Nui massage taught to me by my
friend, colleague and mentor Susan Pa'iniu Floyd in her Kino Mana course. I
cannot say why I added to that form as it is quite complete in itself. However,
several years ago, I became aware in my inner being of a healing ministry that
was reaching out to me from the realm of spirit. I was not sure how this would
manifest but I knew that it was about transformation and that it would bring
body work, which had been my occupation for many years, back into my life. My
work as an Alaka`i and teacher with Aloha International involves the use of
symbols for manifestation and this came to me as a natural extension of the Lomi
Nui bodywork. I started practicing this form of Lomi as a single therapist but
soon moved to offering double sessions as well with my dear friend and soul
sister Janet who had studied massage with me 17 years ago and has developed her
own practice since that time.
The most difficult thing about
describing Lomi Lomi Lokahi is deciding on what to call the "client" or
"recipient" of the work. Those terms seem very clinical and cold for a session
which involves so much caring interaction. Susan uses the term, "being" quite
often which I like a lot since it implies a person as well as the verb "to be"
and by extension, in this case, "to become". Part of that becoming is a melding
and intermingling of soul energies and intentions that occur spontaneously in
the session. When I perform Lomi Lomi Lokahi, I become transported; I become the
nurturing energies of the Goddesses, of Gaia, of the higher self that has
directed this being into my care.
The session starts with a sharing that
leads the "client" to make a conscious decision toward where to direct the
energy of the session. A symbol appears to them as a manifestation of this
decision and is shared so that all present may participate in bringing this idea
to life.
We move to the table and begin with a
prayer that calls forth and acknowledges the presence of the higher self, the
gods and goddesses, the teachers and community that lives within and around us
all. We ask that this person be blessed with love, with freedom, with peace,
inner strength and harmony.
The music begins along with sacred
movements that start with the anointing of special oils. The dance commences as
the movements of the lomi blend with the rhythm of the music, the feel of the
body beneath our arms and hands. Movements of the frigate bird soar over the
curved landscape of back beginning the journey.
The ancient rhythm of Hula settles into
my body as I connect with messages coming from the body as well as from the
music. An arc of silent communication and understanding emerges, rainbow light
connecting us in ritual. The symbol appears to me as cloaked in images and
scenes which are softly described to the client, shared as an offering and a
reminder of the greater intention.
Bodies grow softer and softer as
distinctions begin to melt between the being who is receiving and the being who
is giving. Everything grows fluid. The energies intertwine, play together and
move deeply into the realm of dreams where all time is now and where we are all
connected and share the same dream together. Softer and softer- we go deeper and
deeper.
We become the symbol working on the
being- The being becomes the symbol interacting with us. The symbol envelops all
present and spreads out to encompass the whole universe which is then absorbed
within each of us once again. Long connected circular strokes bring this
awareness into the cellular memory of the body as well as into the mental
consciousness of the being. Soothing sounds of the stream and the birds calling
to us from outside our temple sanctuary gently bring us back.
Using love as the strength and support,
we gently turn the body over and experience a new landscape and a new
perspective on the intention. We see from a space of greater openness with more
confidence and willingness to accept the possibility of actually manifesting the
intention.
We gently approach delicate areas- the
face, the neck, the chest and the belly. Becoming ever more soft, we make deeper
contact with the essence. Once again the symbol appears reminding us again of
the intentions that have been set deep within the Ku (the subconscious
body-mind). Sometimes, the symbols change form or evolve into an even greater
design. All is accepted, all is perfect.
Slow circular movements of arms and
legs brings the awareness into the joints where connections are made in the
physical as well as the inner world. I call these, "Harmonic Lomi circles." The
music has become softer now and slower to reflect the deep inner movement that
is taking place.
Time stands still as we experience the
power of Now and the desire to stay in the moment. Only, the rhythm moves us on
as once again we integrate all that we have experienced and learned through
long, loving strokes that envelope the entire body. Over, under, around and
within - the energy of transformation is everywhere.
Gently we bring the awareness back into
the physical reality through balancing energy points - head, throat, heart,
navel, jaws, shoulders, elbows, hands, hips, knees, feet. Words are gently
spoken, "Come back into the body, come back into this life experience, come back
with gratefulness and love." And they do.
We complete the bodywork with a steamed
towel and aromatherapy, which brings the relaxation deep, deep into the core of
being.
We offer the water of life and as the
being sits up to drink there is a most remarkable moment. This magical moment
that is exactly the same with each session and with each person is a moment of
perfect stillness, of perfect remembrance and oneness with all that is. Each
time, I stand in awe as an honored witness to this oneness and I am eternally
grateful to have the opportunity to facilitate the bringing of this moment into
being.
We meet again in a closing ritual where
we share impressions of manifestation and expressions of loving connection. A
parting gift of a "candle for peace" which goes along with the story of a young
man in London who was diagnosed with incurable leukemia but got so busy making
candles for peace that he "forgot to die". A candle of his was blessed and lit
by the Dalai Lama and each candle lit from a candle that originated from that
candle shares in the lineage of peace. It has been our great pleasure to send
peace candles around the world to Australia, England, France, Germany, Austria,
Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Holland, as well as numerous states throughout the
USA.
Finally, in looking at what we have
achieved and at the people from all parts of the world whom we have served,
perhaps the most significant Lomis have been with our own parents who have
lovingly accepted this gift of renewed life from the children who were given
life by them.
Ultimately the gratitude that we have
for this precious life brings us back to the recognition of our families as a
reflection of our source. As we extend the Aloha Spirit outward, recognizing and
strengthening the Aloha family here and abroad, we feel deep respect and
appreciation all that has brought us to this moment in our lives.
And so we end with "Mahalo a nui loa no
ke ola nei, me ka 'ike o ke aloha-wai-ola."
We give great thanks for this life and
the awareness that love is the water of life
