Lōkahi – Connection, Relationship, Unity
Expression of a profound Hawaiian attitude towards life
The „L“ in ALOHA stands for Lōkahi – the Hawaiian value of connection, relationship and unity. Lōkahi means being in balance – with myself, with my ancestral line, with others and with everything that surrounds me.
This balance is not a static state, but a living, dynamic process – a constant balancing between inside and outside, giving and receiving, doing and being. Commitment, giving and sharing are crucial. What matters is that the balance benefits everyone, not just me. It's about connection rather than separation.
We are invited to create and nurture such spaces of value together. It is up to us to bring connection and genuine relationships into the world – not someday, but now.
For, as Kumu Keala keeps saying:
„It all begins and ends with me/you.“
And in the words of Tūtū Myra:
„We are the architects of our lives.“
So, then - how do we want to shape our lives?
What you can expect in this newsletter:
1. Main topic: Lōkahi (the L in ALOHA)
2. Dates at AlohaSpirit: January to March 2026
3. Special topic: The moment to say thank you!
Two years of House of Lomilomi, Alderstrasse 28, 8008 Zürich
4. Hawaiian proverb – «ALOHA AKU, ALOHA MAI»
«Lōkahi: Connection, Relationship, Unity»
The central question is: How do we want to shape our lives?
Answers can be found in the language of poetry, art, stories and narratives. They open up a space for us in which connection and freedom can be experienced.
This is one of the deepest reasons why the Hawaiian culture and its arts nourish me, and why, even after almost 30 years, they continue to inspire and fascinate me.
Through the stories of hula, through the embodiment of its content and the power of expression, we come closer to our connection to ourselves and others, to the earth and to our origins. We encounter possibilities and dare to imagine utopias.
Our hula sisters are an ʻohana, a family: we share values, passion and the stories of yesterday, today and tomorrow. We stand together in solidarity, we support each other – in dance, in life and in being. This is healing and empowerment, upon this foundation grows hope, a clarity that shows us what is worth fighting for.
We experience something similar in the world of Lomilomi massage: here, too, connection, trust and touch arise – both literally and figuratively: unity in the flow of life. It is no coincidence that our Lomilomi work, developed by Kumu Dane Kaohelani Silva, is called Lōkahi-Lomilomi.
The values of ALOHA form the foundation – they show us the way.
A / Akahai – Kind/Persevering
L / Lōkahi – Connected, in relationship
O / ‘Oia‘i‘o – True to ourselves
H / Ha‘aha‘a – Humble
A / Ahonui – Patient
‘Alula, Hawai‘i, November 2024
Other important voices from our Western world put it this way:
«In the end, at the very end, all that matters are encounters, love, desire, friendships.»
Carolin Emcke
«I am not free as long as a single woman is not free. Even if she wears completely different shackles than I do.»
Audre Lorde
«We are in need of love and the capacity to love so that we may continue to be capable of hope.»
Franziska Schutzbach
Overview of all workshops:
January to March 2026
- 7-10 January, Introduction to Lomilomi-Massage
(Module 1) - 14 January, Zoom Info Evening, free of charge
- 17 January, Hula Day
- 4-7 February, Deepening: Back side Lomilomi-Massage
(Module 2) - 11 February, Zoom Info Evening, free of charge
- 14 February, Hula Day
- 11-14 March, Deepening: Front side Lomilomi-Massage
(Module 3) - 18 March, Zoom Info Evening, free of charge
- 28 March, Hula Day
All workshops in detail:
January to March 2026
HULA
Hula training:
Every Tuesday from 6 pm to 9 pm
All are welcome. No previous experience necessary.
Monthly Hula Dance Day:
Whether beginner or advanced: Come to our Hula Day. We dance hula together in ALOHA, learn more about Hawaiian culture, gain strength and flexibility and immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of Hawaiʻi. Hula is the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people. LET’S HULA!
Overview
- 17 January
- 14 February
- 28 March
All are welcome. No previous experience necessary.
E mau ana ka Hula Festival, Kona, November 2024
ZOOM INFO EVENING
Once a month, from 7 to 8 pm, you can find out everything about AlohaSpirit via Zoom. Do you have questions about Lomilomi massage, our Lomilomi training courses, hula dance, the fascinating Hawaiian philosophy of life Hoʻoponopono and the unique workshops with Kumu Keala in Zurich? Then join us and become part of the AlohaSpirit ʻOhana (AlohaSpirit family).
Overview
- 14 January
- 11 February
- 18 March
Kona Sunset, Hawai‘i November 2024
LOMILOMI
Lomilomi introductory course: 7 – 10 January 2026
Four-day introduction to Lomilomi massage
Have you ever wanted to go to Hawaiʻi? Or have you already been there and would like to go again? Maybe it is too far, too expensive? You no longer fly or simply don't have the time?
Our Lomilomi introductory course is like a journey to Hawaiʻi and back. In just four days, you will experience and learn a lot about Hawaiʻi. You will gain the necessary knowledge to be able to independently apply the basic techniques of traditional Lomilomi massage.
The four-day introductory workshop is the basis for all further courses; it corresponds to module 1 of our Lomilomi therapy training.
All are welcome. No previous experience necessary.
Outlook: Next Lomilomi introductory course in April
Friday/Saturday: 10 - 11 & 17 - 18 April 2026
We look forward to seeing you!
Noëlle and Cornelia, AlohaSpirit management
Special topic: The moment to say thank you!
Two years of House of Lomilomi, Alderstrasse 28, 8008 Zürich
At Alderstrasse 28, we are celebrating our second anniversary this November – and we would like to share our joy with you! The House of Lomilomi is our shared practice for Lomilomi treatments, the traditional Hawaiian massage.
«Lomilomi» means to massage/knead in Hawaiian – yet behind every touch lies a deep tradition. We offer various forms and techniques that bring balance and connection, and renew strength.
Our team consists of three experienced therapists, all of whom have been learning directly from Hawaiian teachers Kumu Dane Kaohelani Silva and Kumu Keala Ching for a very long time – and are constantly deepening their knowledge.
Each of us, in addition to our shared offerings, has specialised in her own exclusive field. This allows us to offer three unique Lomilomi treatments that are available only here with us
Introducing:
- Lomilomi Integrative, combining tradition with modernity, Cornelia Bollier
- Lomilomi Hāpai, Lomilomi for pregnant women, Noëlle Delaquis
- Lomilomi Mo’o, Lomilomi on the floor, Piera Marongiu
Cornelia Bollier
Lomilomi Integrative
Lomilomi Integrative combines various Lomilomi genealogies and blends traditional knowledge with modern approaches. The treatment involves long, flowing strokes. The person is at the centre – with their history and their life journey. The treatment strengthens self-awareness, supports transitions and promotes well-being on all levels. Lomilomi Integrative creates a feeling of inner clarity and strengthens the connection with the environment and one's own source of strength. Compared to our other treatments, more oil is used. The treatment takes place directly on the massage table in a warm, protected space.
Contact:
www.lokahi.ch
cornelia.bollier@lokahi.ch
Noëlle Delaquis
Lomilomi Hāpai
Lomilomi Hāpai is aimed at pregnant women. Pregnancy primarily means happiness and anticipation of new life, but it is often accompanied by physical side effects. Here, we can provide support with a soothing Lomilomi Hāpai therapy. Lomilomi Hāpai cares for both mother and child equally and is pleasant for both. The muscles and ligaments are massaged gently and thoroughly, so that the bones and joints – which, according to Hawaiian belief, are the source of our strength – are also included. Symptoms of fatigue, a common side effect of pregnancy, can be reduced and tissue swelling (edema) can be drained.
With this offering, Noëlle Delaquis provides one of the few opportunities in Switzerland for pregnant women to receive a competent and professional massage right up until shortly before birth.
Contact:
www.AlohaSpirit.ch
info@alohaspirit.ch
Piera Marongiu
Lomilomi Mo‘o
Lomilomi Mo‘o is the name of our floor massage. It is performed with the feet and without oil. Lomilomi Mo‘o is one of the most traditional forms of massage and is practised in many cultures. Our form of Lomilomi Mo‘o was developed by our teacher Kumu Dane Kaohelani Silva according to ancient tradition. Lomilomi Mo‘o allows for an intensive treatment of lower back problems, such as sciatica or issues with the sacroiliac joint. The massage also helps with pain in the hips, legs and feet and provides a gentle yet deep intensity and release of blockages in the back. Particularly suitable for anyone who enjoys deep tissue massage and intensive touch. The experience evokes a feeling of strength, clarity and grounding.
Contact:
www.lomilomi-therapie.ch
piera@lomimassage-zuerich.ch
Come by, treat yourself to a time-out and experience Lomilomi in its most authentic form.
Hawaiian Proverb
«ALOHA AKU, ALOHA MAI»
«give Aloha, receive Aloha»
Flower Lei, Hawai‘i November 2024
This proverb is often confused with our usual understanding of giving and taking – yet in truth a deeper wisdom lies within it. Aku means away from me, Mai means toward me.
In our way of thinking, giving is usually associated with the hope – or even expectation – that something will return to us from the same direction. Sometimes we even wish to receive a little more than we have given.
In Hawaiian thinking, however, giving follows a different law: we give unconditionally to where it is needed. We trust, we know, that everything we send out will find its way back to us – perhaps not from where we expect it, but at the right time and in the right form.
In this way, giving becomes an expression of trust, connection and love. Because in the cycle of life, nothing is lost – everything finds its way.
We hope that you too will find your way to AlohaSpirit and look forward to welcoming you or seeing you again soon – whether at our school, in our practice or at the next information evening via Zoom.
Warm regards,
Noëlle and Team
Noëlle, Mauna Kea Hawai‘i, November 2024
Hawaiʻi very close – since 1996!
You, me, us and more and more of us: Live ALOHA!
