Both Ends of the Rainbow

CHAPTER ONE
~ Lomilomi Finds Me ~
“Dreaming of a life that is fulfilling and balanced where peace and love co–exist in harmony with nature and our creator” my definition of lomilomi.

Imagine sitting at a small smoothie stand, colorfully painted with yellows, pinks and greens on the island of Kaua’i. The wooden porch creaks on this bright sunny day with skies of vibrant blues as you sip a fresh fruit smoothie made with coconut, papaya, pineapple and passion fruit. Breathing the scents of the newly blossomed plumeria, it was here that lomilomi found me at Mango Mama’s. I shall never forget this moment.
As I sat cherishing this peaceful moment I noticed a brochure on the bar top counter. There was something familiar about one of the photos. I recognized a woman from New Jersey, Ku’uipo Patricia Latanio. Many people had told me I must meet her and here she was, on the brochure. I picked it up and began to read the content. It was all about Hawaiian massage aka Lomilomi. This came at a time when I had no desire to take another class. I actually had told my staff I was never going to do massage or teach again when I left my massage school in New Jersey. I was not in a position to financially take a class at this time. I did have the time,
30 days required for this intensive training. Without hesitation, I put the one brochure back on the counter and continued to appreciate the sensations and flavors of my fresh fruit smoothie. Life was healing!
The next morning in my tiny studio apartment I awoke to another beautiful day. I was taking my shower when a voice spoke to me loudly and clearly. I was directed to take this Lomilomi course. I could not doubt another message from a higher source was guiding me. Off I went to Mango Mama’s.
I must admit, as I was driving there, I prayed the brochure was gone.

CHAPTER TWO
~ What is lomilomi? ~
The most familiar and common description of Lomilomi is compassionate touch. However, I have learned that it is more, it is a lifestyle.
Lomilomi goes far beyond massage as I previously mentioned. It is a method of Hawaiian healing that is all encompassing to create lōkahi (balance, harmony and unity) in our life. Lomi reflects the connection with the ‘āina (nature) and the spirit of the ancestors (‘Aumakua) as well as the breath (hā) and essence of our creator, ke Akua.
We learn in lomi how to live in balance and build our mana (spiritual energy). It is this mana that a lomi practitioner will use to nurture, to bless the cells and to bring balance to the client receiving this healing work.

TRAININGS
If you ever take or have taken a lomilomi training, please know this book is only a guide. You will learn lomi involves more than technique. It is a true healing art. When embarking upon the studies of this healing art, one must know that it is a journey of self discovery. A path of transformation. A life of service. It will take you a lifetime to implement it all.
All traditional lomilomi begins with pule, the power of prayer. Every practitioner learns how to create sacred space within oneself and their environment. There is gratitude given upon completion of a session not only to the client, but to the ‘Aumakua and ke Akua. Nothing is ever taken for granted and the healing messages are always received through the lomi practitioner as a blessing.