In the past little while, I have adopted a simple practice: asking myself a question as many times a day as I remember. It is a question that brings immediate depth to my experience of the work of Ke Ala Hōkū. The question is:
“What is this conceptual moment, and what is this embodied moment?”
The conceptual moment is easily accessed. I notice the external trappings of where I am, what I am doing, and perhaps the reasons for my actions. This is the kaona—the level—at which we most often operate: the face value of life.
Shifting attention into the embodied moment opens a multidimensional experience of being here now. The embodied moment arises at the interface between our Body Consciousness and our surroundings. Within each unique task and environment, our system responds physically, mentally, emotionally, and energetically. As I arrive more fully in my sensations, rhythms, movement, and breath, I find myself inhabiting a more whole and integrated experience of being. Often, this brings a wider perspective and a greater sense of choice within the situation.
This subtle shift of attention brings me back home—to where I truly live—where Life itself is living through me and continually speaking. It gently breaks the “spell” of conceptual reality, the place where we can become caught. When we remain solely within that kaona of the world, we may feel limited, contracted, or afraid.
I find this question, and the shift in awareness it invites, especially supportive in these unprecedented times. It reminds me, moment by moment, that Life itself is more spacious, more resilient, and more powerful than any external event.
As I enter each embodied moment, I return to Source within my cells, discovering dimensions and inner resources I didn’t know were available to me.
If you feel drawn to explore this practice in your daily life, I would love to hear about your experience.
Happy navigating!
