Having landed in Los Angeles from Hawaii - born and raised for twelve years - the mainland would now become the new soil from which to grow. The year is 1980, and a few weeks prior, my parents took us all out to Shakey's pizza in the Kamehameha strip mall in Kalihi Valley to give us the "good news" that we were moving to the mainland. Our family never ate out. Ever. Therefore, having heard we were going to Shakey's pizza, I felt the heaviness of impending change - inevitable, uncomfortable, necessary. Nonetheless, every one of us five (for now) children were thrilled to be going out and eating pizza - both options programmed into us as only available to the elite. Sitting at the table in the restaurant, we listened as our father asked us if we would like to move to the mainland. "No," was the reply from all of us; but I remember thinking the absurdity behind the question given our lack of power in determining the outcome of a decision already finalized. I was eleven.
Born in with planets in all three houses of psychic intuition energy and the sun in the ninth house of philosophy, education, the higher mind, global perspectives, and travel - moving (physically, mentally, spiritually) - is in my dna. Having lived on both Oahu and Maui and in several cities on both islands, traversing to the mainland would present opportunities to use the gifts of diverse cultural rearing in Ohana (every thing, every one, every entity is family) in the real world. Tolerance is my mantra. I know no boundaries, hold no grudges, and am open to all forms of experience that grace my path. Swimming in and taking refuge in foreign lands, language, and cultures: mutability - my greatest strength. The idea of family has always presented as a 360 degree all-encompassing knowing of oneness. Every one belongs.
But the mainland would open a new understanding of family, and upon arriving in Arkansas, the familial designation was strictly enforced to include only those biologically born to or from the individuals within that house. This Puritan (religious) perspective was further practiced by differentiating from those of other religions, race, physical appearance, cultures, beliefs, and general everyday human habits. I quickly found these distinctions were practiced globally and not restricted to the southern United States or even America.
Four plus decades have passed since that pivotal move, and family continues to expand. I discard the use of my in front of family as the designation chokes off the oxygen of an other's perspective - the nutrition of spice and color only attainable in the empty space of acceptance. Today, as in all days, the myriad forms of family feed and feritilize my understanding - sister Pines, Hemlock aunts, Fir mothers, Maple brothers, Spruce uncles, grandbaby grasses, and great grand rocks. Phytoncide scented cousins of air and ocean scented water blow and flow at leisure through this house. Mammalian relatives grace the gravel roads in their contemplative walks by this property, some even dropping in to share their gift of life.
You, dear reader family, have also dropped by, lending an energy specific to your path yet relative to all. I am much appreciative of your sharing the preciousness of your time here with me and the rest of your family. Know you belong here, there, every where. Fingers poised on the keypad, I look out as family forms of every thing and no thing come and go through this household - a sanctuary of infinite change - no one turned away, every one accepted. I remain, for you and for all - always and in all ways open.
Namaste, Karen
