Introduction
Mindfulness and meditation are both ways to be more present and find balance and focus in your life. You may have tried meditation and already know that it is usually done with your eyes closed and in an isolated, quiet and peaceful location, free from interruptions.
I recently learned about a powerful meditation called Hakalau Meditation which originated in Ancient Hawaii. It puts you into a very resourceful state and exists throughout Hawaiian life, most people from the islands spend every waking hour in this state. It is said that when the first visitors arrived in Hawaii they found that the native people were free of emotional, mental and physical illnesses. You could identify, it is said, those who practiced this ancient art due to the fact that they were constantly in a calm and balanced state in body and mind, that their awareness operated at a higher level.
Hakalau is also known as:
'Heightened Awareness' by police
'The Zone' for athletes and martial artists
'Uptime' by hypnotists and NLP practitioners
This meditation can be taught to children, and especially those with ADD/ADHD, and can generally raise their GPA 1-1.5 points.
Imagine it as opening a door in your mind which can allow all your learnings to enter your mind easily and effortlessly and being able to access them on demand.
What is Hakalau?
This Hawaiian word 'haka' means "to see" or "to focus". But it's so much more than that. It's about staring at something with such intense concentration that it feels like you're seeing it for the first time. And that something can be anything - a beautiful sunset, a loved one's face, or even your own thoughts. By focusing on it so completely, you allow yourself to truly experience it.
But that's not all. The second part 'lau' means "to spread out" or "become expansive". It's about letting your mind expand beyond its usual confines, allowing yourself to think in new and different ways.
So when you combine the two meanings, you get a really powerful concept: "to stare at as in meditation and to allow to spread out." It's like you're staring at the world with fresh eyes, seeing things you never noticed before, and allowing your mind to expand beyond its usual borders. How cool is that?
So there you have it - the real meaning of Hakalau. It's not just a couple of words; it's a way of seeing the world and allowing yourself to become something greater than you ever thought possible.
History of Hakalau
The history of Hakalau is a tapestry of lush greenery and tranquil surroundings. It is a place where the melody of the birds is the only sound to be heard, and where the sun dances on the leaves of the trees. Hakalau is a haven for meditation, a place where one can tap into their innermost self and become more aware of their surroundings. The serene surroundings of Hakalau provide the perfect backdrop for learning, a place where one can expand their mind and gain knowledge. The state of Hawaii has a rich cultural heritage, and Hakalau is no exception. The history of Hakalau is intertwined with the history of Hawaii, and its roots run deep into the soil of this beautiful place. It originates from the ancient Hawaiian Kahunas, who can be compared to the sage’s in the east(India & China) or shamans in North and South Native American culture. Kahuna literally means “sorcerer, wizard, priest.”
Hakalau is a place where one can connect with their soul and learn to be present in the moment. The practice of meditation is an integral part of the history of Hakalau, and it is a place where one can find peace and tranquility. The awareness that one gains from spending time in Hakalau is invaluable, and it is something that stays with you long after you leave. The learning opportunities in Hakalau are endless, and it is a place where one can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. The state of Hawaii has a unique and fascinating history, and the history of Hakalau is just one chapter in this story. It is a place where the past and present meet, and where one can experience the beauty and serenity of this incredible place. Hakalau Meditation is a technique, often considered part of the 'Huna System' as the mystical and spiritual practices of the Hawaiian mystics are called in the west. You may notice that many of the techniques employed by the Kahunas are quite similar to Yoga's principles and philosophies.
Benefits of Hakalau
Unlike most meditation practices, which involve closing your eyes to eliminate vision as a distraction in order to reach a higher state of relaxation, awareness and consciousness. Hakalau like other open-eye meditation methods uses your vision processes to achieve similar states.
How to Practice Hakalau or The Peripheral Vision Meditation
Find a comfortable spot and position and notice your breathing.
Then take four deep breaths. Inhale slowly and deeply through the nose and exhale slowly and deeply while making a soft sound like 'ha'. By lengthening your exhale and doubling its time compared to your inhale you will bring focus and attention to the practice.
Find a point on the wall or an object to focus on. You want it to be above your eye-line about 40 %.
Put all your attention and focus into your gaze at the spot and relax your mind.
After a few moments you should notice that your vision and awareness widens to where you can see more and more of the scene in front and in your periphery.
At this point you want to give your focus to what is in your peripheral vision field.
Now your goal is to remain in this state as long as possible. Don't worry if you lose it and your view closes again. Just focus on the spot and start again.
As you practice this more and more you will be able to hold it longer and quickly return to the 'hakalau' state quickly and easily.
Tips for Hakalau Practice
It's ok to blink if you need to.
You can also put your hands at your eye level while practicing the process of widening from foveal to peripheral view by moving your hands closer or further from center and following with your visual awareness.
Take note how it feels as you expand or contract your view and awareness.
You are likely to notice that your awareness continues to expand.
It is even possible that your awareness expands so much that you enter a deep trance state which is highly effective for self-hypnosis and self-suggestion.
You should be able to find a perfect spot as you shrink your field of view, this is where you will feel relaxed, centered, calm and focused. This is what is called the Learning State, it is the most useful state to be in as you learn new things or presenting and performing.
If you are familiar with NLP Anchoring you can set an anchor to achieve this state on demand. (Watch for a future post on Anchoring.)
Hakalau is primarily a visual exercise but can also be done with auditory or kinesthetic awareness.
Common Misconceptions About Hakalau
There are many misconceptions about Hakalau, a Hawaiian meditation practice that focuses on increasing awareness and learning. Some people believe that Hakalau is simply a state of mind that can be achieved through meditation, while others think that it is a mystical experience that only a select few can attain. In reality, Hakalau is a state of heightened awareness that can be cultivated through practice and discipline. It involves learning to focus on the present moment and to become more attuned to one's surroundings. This heightened state of awareness can be used to improve one's performance in a variety of areas, from athletics to business to personal relationships.
Another common misconception about Hakalau is that it is a solitary practice that requires one to be completely alone in order to be effective. While it is true that Hakalau can be done alone, it is also true that it is often practiced in groups or with a teacher. This allows for a greater depth of learning and understanding, as well as the opportunity to receive feedback and guidance. Additionally, Hakalau is not just about achieving a certain state of mind or awareness, but about using that awareness to improve one's life and the lives of others. By cultivating a state of Hakalau, individuals can become more compassionate, understanding, and effective in their interactions with others.
Conclusion
Have you ever felt so consumed by a negative state of mind that it seemed impossible to escape? Anxiety, stress, and lack of focus can be overwhelming, but what if we told you there's a way to break free from these emotions?
Welcome to Hakalau, a magical place where peripheral vision can transform your perspective. As you spend more time in this serene oasis, you'll discover that negative thoughts and feelings simply can't keep up with the natural beauty around you.
Imagine yourself walking along the lush greenery, breathing in the fresh air, and feeling the gentle breeze on your skin. Suddenly, you notice a shimmering stream flowing through the forest. You stop for a moment, and as you take in the breathtaking scenery, you realize that your worries have disappeared.
It's not just your imagination; studies have shown that practicing peripheral vision can help reduce stress and increase relaxation. By expanding your field of view, you activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming your body and mind.
Peripheral vision helps you stay present in the moment
It improves your ability to focus and be productive
It enhances your creativity and intuition
So the next time you're feeling anxious or distracted, take a deep breath and remember the power of peripheral vision in Hakalau. You can't control everything in life, but you can control how you perceive it. Choose to see the beauty around you and let it fill your heart with joy and peace.
Unlock the power of peripheral vision today and transform your life forever.
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