Mana Ha: Awakening the Kī (Life Force) One Sacred Power Breath at a Time

Mana Ha: Grounding Your Power Breath with Hawaiian Wisdom

In today's fast-paced world, finding moments of calm and connection can feel like a luxury. Yet, ancient wisdom traditions have long understood the profound impact of breath on our well-being. Today, we're exploring a powerful practice that beautifully combines deep breathing with meditative principles: Mana Ha, or "power breath," an original technique developed by Lynette Haunani (Greenstein). Let's do this!

But first, let's learn more about Lynette Haunani, shall we?

"My identity and lineage are of mixed cultures, which includes Native Hawaiian ancestry, of which signifies a direct lineal descent from the Kanaka Maoli on my father's side. My family has lived in Hawai'i for generations. Sometimes people talk about 'blood quantum' for things like land programs, but for me, it's really about my direct family line and staying connected to our culture. So, as a local Native Hawaiian islander, Hawaiʻi isn't just where I was born; it's who I am. I grew up on the West Side of Oʻahu, graduated from Wai'anae High School, and pursued a nursing education at the University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa Campus. My connection to my Hawaiian culture is strong, grounded by my parents, ohana (family), and community. Part of my culture was honed through years of learning hula under the guidance of Master Kumu Hula Mililani Allen, for whom I hold a deep and fond respect. Hula is a profoundly rich and complex Hawaiian art form that transcends mere dance. It is a living storytelling tradition. I'm also intricately connected to the ocean; it's where my soul feels most at home. Being raised as a Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddler meant countless hours on the water, solidifying an unbreakable bond with the sea. I grew up on the beautiful shores of Po'Kai Bay. I'm a long-standing and proud member of Nā Kaiki O Ka Moʻi (The children of The King)Canoe Club. Imua Ka Mo'i!  Today, I am also a certified Hatha Yoga & Meditation teacher, a certified Usui System Reiki Master and the visionary founder of Hawaiian Aura. And although I currently reside on the West Coast of North America, the spirit of the Hawaiian Islands continues to bind me, strong and unwavering."

Mana Ha: More Than Just a Breath

The Hawaiian word "Mana" embodies spiritual power, an essence that flows through all things. When combined with "Ha," meaning breath or life force, Mana Ha becomes more than just a physical act of breathing; it's an invocation of your innate strength and vitality. Lynette Haunani has harnessed this concept to create a practice that empowers individuals to tap into their deepest reserves of energy and peace.

To experience the feeling of 'Mana Ha', while in your meditation practice, allow yourself to physically touch part of the earth, preferably seated or standing with bare feet grounded on the natural ground, but seated or lying down somewhere safe and comfortable for you will do. Be mindful and purposeful with your position to the sun's location, always facing the sun, regardless of whether you're outside and it's veiled by clouds during the day or indoors. If your meditation practice is done during the night, visualize an image of the sun and its location. Imagine the warm, life-giving energy shining down on you. Take a powerful, long deep inhale filling your lungs completely, hold there for 3-5 seconds or as long as comfortable for your physical level and with a single slow exhale, allowed or in your mind begin to chant the Hawaiian word "Ea"(ay-ah) – signifying your life's breath, your existence – followed by "Eo" (ay-oh) – a powerful affirmation of fact, a resounding "yes, I am here" to the moment. Repeat with eyes open or closed a minimum of 3 times; more repetitions will bring more mental comfort and clarity. This profound connection to the 'āina (land) and the cosmos amplifies the power of each inhale and exhale. You are breathing and thinking anew in this moment.

The Power of Deep Breathing and Meditative Practices

We often take our breath for granted, yet it's a direct link to our nervous system and overall health. Shallow, hurried breathing, a common symptom of stress, can exacerbate anxiety and fatigue. Conversely, deep, conscious breathing, as practised in Mana Ha, offers a multitude of benefits:

• Calms the Nervous System: Deep breaths activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing the fight-or-flight response.
• Increases Oxygen Flow: More oxygen to the brain and body leads to improved focus, energy, and cellular function.
• Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Focusing on the breath anchors you in the present moment, releasing worries about the past or future.
• Enhances Mental Clarity: A calm mind is a clear mind, allowing for better decision-making and problem-solving.
• Boosts Emotional Well-being: Deep breathing can help process emotions, leading to a greater sense of peace and emotional resilience.

When this deep breathing technique is woven into meditative practices, the effects are amplified. Meditation encourages mindfulness, self-awareness, and a deeper connection to one's inner self. Mana Ha, with its intentional focus on powerful, life-affirming breath, becomes a gateway to these profound states.

Lynette Haunani's Vision

Lynette Haunani, through Hawaiian Aura, has created Mana Ha as a gift – a practical, accessible way for anyone to experience the transformative power of their breath. Her approach emphasizes not just the mechanics of breathing, but the intention behind each inhale and exhale, along with the intentional Hawaiian chanting, known as oli (pronounced: oh-lee), which is a traditional form of oral expression. Integrating oli, or Hawaiian chanting, into breathwork allows practitioners to breathe in power, healing, and peace, as the chants themselves are powerful vessels for intention and spiritual connection.

Whether you're new to breathwork or a seasoned meditator, exploring Mana Ha can unlock a new level of well-being. It's an invitation to pause, to breathe deeply, and to remember the incredible power of connection that resides within you.

Ready to explore your own "power breath"? Look for resources from Hawaiian Aura and Lynette Haunani to begin your journey with Mana Ha. Your inner strength awaits! 

Ea! Eo!

Namaste sweet ones & Malama Pono (take care) always~

Lynette Haunani