From the front lines of Pele

My journey home on Sunday, May 7th, Puna, Big Island of Hawai'i

Yesterday, I drove home for the first time since the eruptions in Leilani.  While I was up in our Himalayan mountain top monastery yoga retreat in Honoka’a, aka Kalopa Reserve, a native forest, we felt each of the bigger quakes shake us up well. The moment I saw molten lava rise up through a crack in the pavement via social media, tears began running, no story, no sadness, just flow, knowing change, knowing impact. Feeling calm, knowing that I would fulfill my time in this safe, sacred space with fellow yoga warriors of love. 

I was beat and my head was banging, feeling nauseous and konking out the moment I would lay my head on a pillow.  I slept and slept.  Right before every major quake I thought I was going to throw up, then the earth would shake and I would feel relieved. 

As I headed down from the 3,000 ft altitude of mist, rain interspersed with sun, I arrived in a glorious climate with the ocean still, electric blue and clear skies with beautiful green palm trees lining my view.  I was mesmerized.  I made calls and continued on my journey home, using google maps to guide me in alternative routes. It was a half hour longer than normal.  As I first laid eyes on the view of the plume from Pahoa, it was impressive and poignant. I turned down the scenic Red Road and started to have cars come my way, tractors, pick up trucks with mattresses and furniture and beds strapped to the top of sedans….major exodus from the area. 

I felt calm, still and magnetized by the beauty of the jungle, road and the coast. I was filled with gratitude.  That this was my drive home.  That I get to call this place home.  I was absolutely IN LOVE with Hawai’i. I drove down the road, enjoying every stretch of the way, documenting scenic passages and lava plumes from new view points as I cruised. I was ecstatic.  It was a picture perfect day and absolute paradise.  As I came to the end of the road to our neighborhood, it was absolutely peaceful and heaven on earth.  It was still, with some discoloration in the clouds from the smoke. 

I arrived at Grace with all mostly in tact after the 6.9 quake.  It even knocked the lava lamp off of the window sill into a box of papers, so nothing happened to it.  Lamps were tipped over, one glass tupperware was shattered on the floor - an absolute miracle! I gathered things in a relaxed state while being in awe that I lived there.  It was like going on a set that I was now only discovering was the ideal set. It felt like a place I wanted to live in and I wanted to stick around.

  Yet an hour into it, as I was loading the car, the house jolted and shook briefly as I walked in, and the house started to fill with smoke.  My eyes started feeling it, then a headache came on.  It was time to boogie.  On my way out, I saw a light brown haze over our area, just a film, but potent, I could taste the burn in my mouth. 

As I made my way back to Pahoa, song after song came on, sharing Pele’s messages:  'Don’t worry, be happy’ and ‘All you need is a little patience’ from Axl Rose.  Tears of joy and gratitude streamed down my face.  I felt I lived in the best kept secret, safe from harm and in good hands.  At a lava-flow panoramic view spot, I ran into a lovely Hawaiian elder, who shared ‘Be the light’.  We giggled and felt in awe and trust. While we knew what was happening was no joke for many, we paused in reverence to be a guest and witness at this time. 

 I don’t think I have ever felt more grateful to be me and all that has transpired to bring me to that very moment.  In a way that being at a birth will excite and thrill you and blow your mind at the sight of it, plus the special energy of that new soul emerging and breathing life, your soul gets very quiet and still.  That kind.  Da kine.  Da kine where you feel safe and know that life is perfect the way it is and that it is a miracle in itself.  

I saw my life easily translated to drive this road and hang out in my paradise in this dramatic presence.  A hide out, a sanctuary.  Yet, the air quality for now poses a threat against that being a wise choice and there are so many mixed theories out there and nobody can predict Pele’s next move and for how long.  She sent out a message to be pono - to take right action, take responsibility and get your affairs in order. Where have you not stood up for yourself?  Where do you require justice?  Where are you short changing yourself? Where can you act more gracefully and show up? How are you caring for what is best for you? 

I knew in that moment that it was a precious state and zone I was in, I wished I could encapsulate it and take it every day.  That deep trust and total appreciation for the aina, our land and mother. Our knowing of right place, right time. Knowing our place in the world and a feeling of belonging, against all odds. I am grateful I was called here.  There is no energy comparable than that of earth birthing itself out of darkness and that life is light. 

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DISCLAIMER: this is one perspective from a moment in time, not to discredit anyone else's loss and displacement. Prayers for all