Na'au pono literally translated means "right-minded", but the mana'o behind it is much deeper. In Hawaiian, this is what describes the sense of balance we feel when all aspects of our lives are in harmony.
Last night I had my first papa hula (hula class) with Halau Hula Ka Pa Hula o Ka Ulu Koa. It is a unique halau in that it teaches the class through the 'olelo Hawai'i (the Hawaiian language). Throughout class I thought about the goals I had set for myself this new semester (on a side note--being that I've been in school for a long time, I usually do new semester resolutions, similar to what people do at new years)... It included being more diligent with my time and focusing on school, but also included finding a sense of balance within my life... meaning, creating sometime for myself--doing the things I enjoy. More specifically, I wanted to be more active and start dancing hula again.
Starting hula and CrossFit in the same week has been very fulfilling. It have learned that it is possible to remain committed to my 'ohana and still reconnect with the things I'm passionate about. Although I miss my keiki dearly when I'm not with them, I notice that I value and appreciate my time with them a lot more.
What do you do to achieve na'au pono? What type of lifestyle changes, if any, have you had to make?
Friday, September 2, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
No More Excuses
Ever feel like nothing in your closet fits? Or your favorite pair of jeans are too snug? Yeah, that's been the feeling I've had for the past couple of months. I've changed my diet to include more fruits & veggies and less starch. I've also tried to go for walks/runs around the neighborhood and been looking for gyms that I could work out at. But nothing has come of it... the reality is, I just need to work out more in order to see results.
Soccer has started, which has been fun and has me being a lot more active. It also has me wanting to do more. Today, I finally decided to give CrossFit Upcountry Maui a try. They have free intro classes on Saturday mornings. I've heard lots of stories about CrossFit and the high intensity work out it provides. A friend of mine has also been doing CrossFit for the past 3months and has experienced amazing results. She's already lost 20lbs, notices her body shape transforming, and feels the strength she has gained (without feeling like she's "bulking up"). In fact, she's the one who recommend I try it out.
So yes, a bit apprehensive and excited... I decided that it was time for me to stop making excuses and make the time to work out, even if my schedules leaves little room for it--at least is something. No joke, it's intense. Today's WOD (workout of the day) included a 1mile run, then 3reps each: 20 pull ups, 15 kettle balls, & 10 box jumps, and then another 1mile run. Seriously?!? Was I expected to do ALL of that?!? Haha, no... the good thing about CrossFit is that the coaches will "scale" you or allow you to do less of each, but still expect high intensity... the goal is to complete the WOD in 20minutes.
Here's what I completed: 400m run/walk, 1rep: 20 pull ups, 15 kettle balls, 10 box jumps, and 10 pull ups, then 400m walk. After my first rep, I began feeling extremely nauseous... but pushed through another 10 pull ups (ohh, these were modified to... it was jumping pull ups, which still required strength). After that, dizziness started kicking in... after gaining composure, coach had me do a 400m walk. I didn't expect to finish, but did give it my all and felt great after. In fact, I still feel it!
My new motto: no more excuses. No time? Create time. Too costly? Create room in your budget (less shopping = extra $$, less eating out = extra $$, etc). Too hard? Nothing is easy. I am finally committed to being healthy and getting into shape. My goal is to lose 25lbs, gain muscle strength, and tone my body. Looking forward to this journey...
Soccer has started, which has been fun and has me being a lot more active. It also has me wanting to do more. Today, I finally decided to give CrossFit Upcountry Maui a try. They have free intro classes on Saturday mornings. I've heard lots of stories about CrossFit and the high intensity work out it provides. A friend of mine has also been doing CrossFit for the past 3months and has experienced amazing results. She's already lost 20lbs, notices her body shape transforming, and feels the strength she has gained (without feeling like she's "bulking up"). In fact, she's the one who recommend I try it out.
So yes, a bit apprehensive and excited... I decided that it was time for me to stop making excuses and make the time to work out, even if my schedules leaves little room for it--at least is something. No joke, it's intense. Today's WOD (workout of the day) included a 1mile run, then 3reps each: 20 pull ups, 15 kettle balls, & 10 box jumps, and then another 1mile run. Seriously?!? Was I expected to do ALL of that?!? Haha, no... the good thing about CrossFit is that the coaches will "scale" you or allow you to do less of each, but still expect high intensity... the goal is to complete the WOD in 20minutes.
Here's what I completed: 400m run/walk, 1rep: 20 pull ups, 15 kettle balls, 10 box jumps, and 10 pull ups, then 400m walk. After my first rep, I began feeling extremely nauseous... but pushed through another 10 pull ups (ohh, these were modified to... it was jumping pull ups, which still required strength). After that, dizziness started kicking in... after gaining composure, coach had me do a 400m walk. I didn't expect to finish, but did give it my all and felt great after. In fact, I still feel it!
My new motto: no more excuses. No time? Create time. Too costly? Create room in your budget (less shopping = extra $$, less eating out = extra $$, etc). Too hard? Nothing is easy. I am finally committed to being healthy and getting into shape. My goal is to lose 25lbs, gain muscle strength, and tone my body. Looking forward to this journey...
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
A Refreshing Start
So I initially started blogging because I thought it'd be a good way for me to vent and share my mana'o (thoughts). But after reading through other bloggers post, I realized that blogging can be so much more than that. Not only could it be a mental escape, but it can also be used to share valuable tips & tools, as well as a means to connect with others. I'm in no way "technically savvy", so seeing blogs from some "well seasoned" bloggers is quite intimidating.
Here's my mana'o: there's so many times in live that if we at first don't succeed at something; all we need to do is simply ho'omau (or try again). How many times do we achieve perfection on the first try? In my life... never!! But that's what makes life worth living. Through trials, failed expectations, and challenges all we need to do is take a break, re-evaluate, and try again.
Here's my mana'o: there's so many times in live that if we at first don't succeed at something; all we need to do is simply ho'omau (or try again). How many times do we achieve perfection on the first try? In my life... never!! But that's what makes life worth living. Through trials, failed expectations, and challenges all we need to do is take a break, re-evaluate, and try again.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Inspiration
I have been inspired. Yes, inspired to blog. Over the last month or so I have been bumping into a dear friend of mine--we hardly plan our occurrences, but lately we've been seeing each other quite often. I know it's beyond our doing & perhaps all more than just coincidence :) Our lives are similar in many ways--we both are child care providers, our husbands are in the automotive trade, and we're always looking for creative ways to support our 'ohana. Anyway, she's been telling me about how she's been blogging & enjoying it--so I've been reading her posts every now and then at Adventures of a Maui Mom...
I've been toying with the idea for a few weeks... should I start blogging? Would it just add to another one of the daily "have-to-do's"? Will it be something I continue with? Or just something I start and do on occasion?
So I've decided--just do it and we'll see what becomes of it, no pressure! As a work from home mommy there is little adult interaction aside from the morning and afternoon visits I have from parents and my mom's daily visit at my hale. The point is that it's sometimes nice to have conversations that don't involve stinky diapers, preparing meals, or sharing with friends. I guess this will be my outlet--my rantings & ravings about my life in and around my home.
I've been toying with the idea for a few weeks... should I start blogging? Would it just add to another one of the daily "have-to-do's"? Will it be something I continue with? Or just something I start and do on occasion?
So I've decided--just do it and we'll see what becomes of it, no pressure! As a work from home mommy there is little adult interaction aside from the morning and afternoon visits I have from parents and my mom's daily visit at my hale. The point is that it's sometimes nice to have conversations that don't involve stinky diapers, preparing meals, or sharing with friends. I guess this will be my outlet--my rantings & ravings about my life in and around my home.
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