Liberation Breathing® School

The Big Island Experience:

Hawaii of Forgiveness and Gratitude

Tammy Rouleau, invoking joy as our organizer for the events.

As the point person for the Liberation Breathing® School on the Big Island of Hawaii in December 0f 2009, our organizer for the events, Tammy Rouleau, lives and breathes the Hawaiian experience. Having lived on the Big Island for more than a decade, Tammy has taken the time to seriously delve into Hawaiian lore and spiritual practices, as well as continue her path as a breathworker near the small hamlet of Captain Cook, where she lives on the slope of a beautiful lava field. As well as conducting her duties as an organizer of the School, she masterminded two very high ceremonies at the two most spiritually charged places on the Island.

At the Place Of Refuge, Pu'uhonau o Honaunau, which was a temple complex and royal residence, the group gathered at sunset on the second day to participate in a ceremony of release and forgiveness. This was in the spirit of this holy place, which provided the ancient Hawaiians with the option of Atonement. Whatever the infraction in the community, the transgressor could come here for repentance and forgiveness. The people could stay here to cleanse themselves, and take responsibility for their mistakes in order to be absolved from them. We gathered here in the early evening and Tammy performed an appropriate Hawaiian chant that invokes forgiveness, and we all sang this chant to the setting sun, before walking through the portal to this ancient Place of Refuge. All of us felt the strong vibration of the place, and quietly took in the power of forgiveness that was present. We meditated by the water and threw our "problems" into the sea.

During the five and one-half day school, we immersed ourselves in the Liberation Breathing® process, and got down to the issues that are blocking us from accepting our true identity in a state of peace and joy. From 10AM to 6PM the school provided one on one opportunities for the students to learn the form of Libeation Breathing® Sessions, and to give and receive, both as rebirther and rebirthee. Jules Shakira from Australia and Sondra pair up in this session to breath out old thoughts and be in the happiness of the moment.

The Divine Mother energy, integral to Liberation Breathing®, was very present on a daily basis, as we all did the Divine Mother Puja together before the start of each day. Collecting the various flowers for the puja from the local trees and shrubs was an added asset of being in such a plush environment. The daily offering set the tone of gratitude for the day, and the students loved being in the energy of the Divine Mother, who was well represented in her various forms of Amachi, Sophia, Durga, Kali, Quan Yin, and of course Pele, the resident goddess of the volcano, who was the subject for Mark's Painting.

"Madame Kali/Pele of Hawaii"

The ceremonial highlight of our trip was conducted at Kilauea Crater on the south shore. We were super blessed by the teacher, Kumu Leilehua Yuen, one of Tammy's close friends, who is an expert on hula and the proper protocol of offerings made to the goddess Pele at her home in the crater. Leilehua gave us the blessing of this offering, as she taught us the sacred lore of the plants. She formed the most remarkable offering made up of the indigenous plants, all having special meaning in the production. She spoke of the myths of Pele coming to Kilauea, who created her pit by digging it with her o'o (digging stick) named Pa'oa, and the significance of making our promise to care for her creation.

When we arrived at the edge of the crater, Leilehua had the group mesmerized with her wonderful hula dance to the goddess Pele, and we all made offerings that were given in reverence to this form of the Divine Mother's daughter in Hawaii. All were grateful to receive this blessing. Even others, not in our group, were drawn to the occasion and graciously included in the ceremony. Hawaii is a place of spiritual wonder. As breathworkers we hold this place very special. Into the great expanse of the crater, we made our offerings and spent time in silent contemplation. One of the most sacred spots on the planet, Kilauea Crater, received our gifts and accepted our moments of gratitude. Praise to the Divine Mother, Her daughter Pele, Hawaii, and the wonderful people who made the sacredness and success of this Liberation Breathing® School possible.

Jai Maha Maya Ki Jai!! Praise to the Divine Mother. Love, SONDRA & MARK

Leilehua and Sondra with the offering to Pele Honua Mea