When we think of the word detox, we think of the process of cleansing. There’s a whole industry around detoxing. You have detox teas, juices, diets, and ointments. It’s a buzz word in the wellness world that gets tossed around in hopes to make people feel the need for a savior to restart their journey towards a healthier you. We get it – it’s important.
While we can detox our bodies in a multitude of ways, many times it can be as simple as beginning anew and shifting your mindset. So instead of having to put up with shooting down a daily cup of celery juice which we all know tastes horrible – have you heard of the Native Hawaiian ritual of Hi’uwai?
What is Hi’uwai?
Hi’uwai is a traditional Hawaiian cleansing ceremony that takes place beachside. I prefer to do this at sunrise or sunset. The ceremony begins with a traditional Hawaiian chant while you stand on the shore. For me, my favorite Hawaiian chant or prayer for my personal Hi’uwai is Na ‘Aumakua or Ka La hiki Ku
Now if you don’t know any Hawaiian chants or prayer, that’s okay. You can instead recite your intentions of what you want to accomplish and what brings you to the ocean.
After the chant, you slowly walk into the ocean immersing yourself in the water. As you begin your walk, you think about your life and the people who came before you and those who are around you. You think of the problems you want to let go of and the goodness you want to bring into your life. The more you immerse yourself into the water, the deeper you must go within yourself and bring up whatever is needed to let go. Many times, this can be an intense experience which brings up a lot of emotions, both good and bad.
Fully immersing yourself into the ocean symbolizes a re-entrance into the womb with the surrounding saltwater like the amniotic fluid, and as you arise from beneath the waters you are reborn and shed away all the pilikia, or trouble. This is when you have cleansed the body, mind, and spirit for a greater future of vitality, strength, and happiness.
When you are ready, you make your way back to the shore while never turning your back to the ocean as you exit.
As you stand on the shore, you connect with your breath and feel the weight fall off your shoulders. You stare out into the horizon and think of what lies ahead of you and the possibilities. When you are ready, you will leave the area feeling a new source of energy and beginnings.
The Strength Starts Within
Many detoxes or cleanses out there are catered towards people who are looking to kickstart or reset their wellness. Many times, what we truly need to detox and cleanse are our own negative mindset and a mindset of strength, empowerment, and calmness.
For me, Hi’uwai is much more meaningful and lasting than the usual detox and cleansing tea or diet. You cleanse and revive your spirit.
