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January/February 2008 Alternative Health
Winter Blues? Warm Up With Aloha

by Ted Surman

Hawaiians often say Ua ola loko i ke aloha, which means love gives life within.

Long gone are the days of casual shorts and t-shirts. As you reach for your woolen sweaters and rain jackets, you may be desperately missing those warmer, brighter summer days gone by.

Unless you live on a tropical island, the days are getting shorter. Bodies may be lacking a good dose of vitamin D. After continuous days of rain and clouds, you may be wondering if the sun has taken a permanent vacation.

The change of seasons can be an adjustment, both physically and emotionally. Many people suffer from depression during the colder months of the year. Some may even experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a commonly diagnosed problem caused by lack of sun exposure.

If seasonal change has you falling into the blues, why not celebrate the winter season by starting new habits and rituals that encourage a healthy mind and body?

Yoga is a great choice for someone who is looking to balance both the physical and emotional well-being of the body. Not only does yoga improve the physical state of the body, it helps bring clarity and strength to the mind. Physical activity has been proven an effective treatment for depression, by calming and relaxing the body, loosening tension and releasing endorphins. Yoga and other physical activities also help raise energy levels.

In Hawaiian culture, the word aloha has great meaning and importance. For those who are fortunate enough to live in Hawaii, the word aloha is commonly heard. Aloha is used for greetings and farewells, and to express love. Aloha is more than just a word, it is a way of life. Aloha spirit involves the coordination of the mind and heart within each individual. It brings each person to the self. To love is to share the happiness of life, here and now.

The true meaning of aloha:

Akahai: kindness expressed with tenderness.

Lokahi: unity expressed with harmony.

Oluolu: agreeable expressed with pleasantness.

Haahaa: humility expressed with modesty.

Ahonui: patience expressed with perseverance.

Imagine living your life in the spirit of aloha. Recognize the beauty around you. Intricate layers of clouds flowing by, crisp cool air filling the lungs after a deep breath. Think positive. Be active. Get outside, go for a walk. Regular activity and routines can help you keep busy and lessen the likelihood of feeling depressed.

Perhaps a holiday vacation is the best solution to your winter blues. Hawaii is calling. Get a quick fix of vitamin D while studying yoga with some of the world's most respected teachers.

If a rejuvenating holiday retreat is not realistic for you this year, create a tropical setting in your own home. Place a bouquet of tropical flowers on your bedside table. Listen to music that makes you happy. Love yourself. Hawaiians stress that love is imperative to one's mental and physical state. Love life, live aloha.

Ted Surman is the founder of Yoga Awareness, a Maui-based yoga center that offers retreats to study Raja yoga in Hawaii. Visit www.yogaawareness.com.