Started running this morning on a spiritual quest of sorts. Ran out the door of the house that I am staying in and decided to run down the coast of the isle of Hawaii, knowing that long the way I would find time to meditate, reflect and also challenge myself mentally, spiritually, and physically. I loaded up on a good breakfast of oatmeal and chia seeds and hit the pavement. The following is the spiritual journey that I took and the result. I wanted to follow the way of the kukini, the name used to describe ancient Hawaiian runners that would go from village to village delivering messages for the provincial kings. Legend is that these runners were the ultimate, ultra runners. Making their way across a very diverse landscape, in hot humid weather, and over very technical terrain.
Some doubts and fears surfaces as I started to run. I was reminded the night before, when I visited a few art galleries. One of them was owned by a family of Hawaiian wood carvers. The very calm young man running the store, was pleased to talk about the last four generations of his family sitting around the house and carving a particular piece of wood together. The one I liked, of a sea turtle, took them over 5 months to get it right. His grandfather, father, and him all taking turns slowing bringing a piece of koa wood to life. He took time to tell me the meaning of a giant totem pole on display. One of the figures was sticking a tongue out in a menacing grin. He explained, this is done to chase away bad spirits. The tongue out represents removing fear. Effectively intimidating any bad spirits that might be potentially trying to invade. So this morning, as doubt set in, I stuck my tongue out and yelled at the encroaching thought and kept on going.
I went along the road until I came to an area where an ancient lava flow emptied into the sea. Here I could see evidence of petroglyphs from ancient cultures and the view of the rocks, waves and sand mixed with white coral and gravel from dark lava rocks was striking.
I found a trail and ran along the coast until I could not find a way. I then meandered my way through a few golf courses and ended up in a private residential area. I had to cut through someone’s yard, if that is what you want to call it, and realized that the grass and stone paved walkway I was running along was actually their driveway. I think I found out what I should spend my money on if I ever get any. The community pool was definitely better then the one in my neighborhood.
After climbing a rock wall made out of lava rock, I found a road that let me out of the gated community and eventually found a long stretch of road near the coast line. I could see Mauna Loa in the distance, and I thought. I am going to tackle one of those volcanoes on one of these runs.
After several miles, I began to feel like I was running in a post apocalyptic world. Armageddon has just wrapped up and this is what the battle field looks like.
Continuing down the Kona coast, I made my way through some roads, one trail that really was brutal on the ankles. It was loose lava rock for about a mile, ouch! I finally got back to where I was running along the coast again and here I came to a place where people were stacking white rocks up against the black volcanic rock. Some of them did the typical G+L forever type of thing, others made crude symbols regarding human anatomy, and a few seems to be just creative stacking of rocks. I decided to pitch in and create my own symbolic meaning. 365!
I said a little prayer hoping that my resolve and commitment to keep my 365 commitment would continue and that I would enjoy the same strength that the volcano has, and the same persistence of the ocean. I found a nice spot to sit and watch the ocean, do my meditation routine, and seek for inspiration.
I then ran along, further on my quest to follow the path of the kukini. I started to run into the string of hotels that dot the coast along this area. I ran into the Hilton Grand Vacations resorts and that is when I was dealt the particular quandry? Who or what exactly is my spiritual guide on this journey? Is it a religion leader like this guy?
Seemed happy and fulfilled enough, and I certainly like the garden that he was in, but then I found this woman and I thought that her peaceful presence was certainly worth considering.
However, as my journey continued, I thought that perhaps I needed a spiritual familiar to guide my on my way. I believe this was a concept in ancient Indian tribal practice, so it seemed appropriate. Sure enough, I was presented with many to choose from. I was not to sure about the first one that I encountered.
This creature was certainly promising. Perhaps I should choose this one?
Then I saw this one, he certainly has the tongue sticking out thing down. That was how I started this journey!
However, I liked the rabbit thing the best. Or perhaps it is a hamster? Very regal looking hamster for sure.
However, as my run continued, I thought of something more unique to the island. Perhaps my familiar would be the sea turtle? That seemed really appropriate. I ran past this carving a few times.
At one point as I made my way off the property, I was visited by this little guy. I think he was encouraging me to pick him. He even rolled over a few times to show me how cool he was.
In the end I elected to pick the frog. Frogs are a really important symbol to me, and it seemed appropriate that this was the last animal I saw on my running journey!
Armed with my spiritual familiar, I picked up my pace and found a cool trail along a golf course and started heading out. I tailed another runner for a while, until he gave up and had to stop. I took his soul with me as I stepped up my pace even faster. However, I was lucky to pick the frog, as the trail got really rough. I found myself jumping and hoping over lava rocks in the path. Frog indeed. Along the way I kept coming across beautiful spots where the ocean was pouring into the rocks and creating quite the visual.
I went for a while longer, and eventually got to the point where I would have to run a long stretch of highway to make it any further. So I turned around and meandered my way back to my family. I failed to achieve the greatness of the kukini, but I did gain some insight and inspiration along the way. I finally figured out a model that I can use for my future habit building. The model is based on the numbers 3 – 6 – 5 and I was pleased to have such clarity in purpose. I will probably write on that concept another day. Nonetheless, after several hours of running I was glad to arrive back and spend the rest of the day relaxing at the beach.
Guy Reams
