Hawaiian Thought of the Week: Hanu June 16, 2014

Hanu: to breathe in, inhale

Honi ihu (the touching of nose to nose) is a traditional form of greeting one another. It is the practice of hanu, taking in the essence of another, and respectfully acknowledging the presence of his/her ancestors.

Hanu can also be used as a technique to calm one self. Inhale and take in the “great breath,” then exhale. Practicing this can help us to become grounded and to center ourselves in times of adversity, aggravation, impatience and intolerance; especially those times when things just aren’t going your way.