Mahalo!

When looking up the Hawaiian word "mahalo" I was intrigued to read that the greeting aloha and mahalo have far deeper meanings in Hawaiian indigenous culture. While not terribly surprising, we westerners have a great way of generalizing, diluting, homogenizing and eventually denuding most beautiful places and cultures. Polynesians, as many indigenous cultures, believe that things can carry great power, even words. While we don't often focus on it we know even today how powerful words are. We as modern westerners take it for granted, even forget it at times! But we know words can create, change and even harm. Try using them to heal. Say something kind to yourself. You deserve it.

Aloha:
[Alo = presence, front, face] + [hâ = breath]
"The presence of (Divine) Breath."

Mahalo:
[Ma = In] + [hâ = breath] + [alo = presence, front, face]
"(May you be) in (Divine) Breath."