Root & Rise Hawaiʻi May 2023 Newsletter |
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Check out our latest updates and let's celebrate some BIG NEWS -- We're OFFICIALLY a 501(c)(3) non-profit! Scroll to learn more. |
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“The emotion is marvelous.”— Kona resident, Richard, after dipping into the ocean for the first time after 35 years. We’re honored to have created this opportunity for people like Richard! |
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Pāhoehoe Beach Park clean-up |
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Kōkua Hands, Kōkua Minds Pt. I |
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Our pilot project, Kōkua Hands, Kōkua Minds links ʻāina (land) stewardship and mindfulness practices to the betterment of mental health.
Each Kōkua Hands event begins with a grounding, guided meditation – an allowance of time and space to notice the flow of breath, set intentions for the day, and physically relax with feet rooted in the earth. |
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During the first lunar eclipse of 2023 on May 5th, we planted pineapple and pōhinahina (an indigenous, coastal-loving plant) at Priscilla Basque’s (of Wannabee Pono) family land next to Hoʻokena Beach in South Kona. |
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Just three straggly plants with a few sage-colored leaves, the pōhinahina will eventually show clusters of small purple blossoms and fill out as a fragrant, sprawling shrub. Pineapples are, of course, a classic and tasty reminder of the tropics. Edible and native plants like these are a part of the greater vision for the land as a space for the experiential learning, regenerative tourism, community engagement, and perpetuation of Hawaiian cultural practices. |
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Later in the month at our Pāhoehoe Beach Park event in Kona, we had the honor of including Emily Radisich, Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT) and Reiki practitioner, to guide our group of fourteen in a collective channeling of healing and receptivity. |
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Afterward, we scattered across the park and collected rubbish. Standing around our small but telling pile of trash, people shared insights about the impact of litter locally and globally, and how we can each make a small but significant difference in caring for the earth. |
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A special mahalo to Priscilla, Emily, Wayne, Mona, Maggie, Aliza, and Vibrant Hawaiʻi for the success of these events. For more on the connection between mindfulness, environmental stewardship, and wellness, check out these studies: |
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Journal-making at Wāhine Wellness Fair |
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Among the backdrop of local business vendors, non-profits, and live music, keiki (children) to kupuna (elders) rummaged through a selection of fabrics, paper, buttons, and string to create personalized, bound journals and books with Root & Rise staff. | | |
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Mahalo to: Mona, Aliza, Susan B., and Deirdre for in-person workshop guidance, and for enabling access to this workshop for under-resourced folks with mental health challenges Sylvie of Big Island Upholstery and Chris of Paladin Stitchworks for fabulous fabric donations Ed of Colors of Hawaiʻi for generous paper donations JR & Lester for folding and prepping journal paper Ana of Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center for organizing this beautiful, celebratory event honoring women and community
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| | Self-portraits at Kona Paradise Club. |
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| | ʻOpihi (local limpet) sculpting and painting at ʻEhunui. |
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| | Free expression at CARE Hawaiʻi’s crisis shelter. |
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We’re OFFICIALLY a 501(c)(3) non-profit! |
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This means we are now a federally-recognized non-profit organization created for charitable purposes, and you can earn a tax deduction when donating to Root & Rise!!! Thank you Vibrant Hawaiʻi and our treasurer Meg Lim for supporting our 501(c)(3) application! Please consider making a one-time donation via PayPal, or becoming a sustaining donor through The Seed Circle, our monthly giving option. Contributions are deeply appreciated and support our ability to offer programming to underserved communities. |
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Please note, we can provide a written acknowledgement of your donation so that you can claim a tax deduction upon request. Want to DOUBLE your impact? Check to see if your employer will match your donation HERE. Contact your HR and use our EIN 92-1524161 to make a matched gift! |
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Māmaki Tea = Product with Purpose |
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Want a taste of the forest in Hawaiʻi AND support our cause? Visit our online store and purchase māmaki tea. Don’t forget to use the code RISE for a discount! | | |
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Mahalo nui loa – deepest gratitude – for partaking in the Root & Rise journey. |
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