I’Lana

By Elaine Chan-Scherer

I took a year long class called the Way of the Doll. Eight of us met every week for several hours in a deep psychological, Jungian, expressive arts process. We each created a doll. My doll, I'Lana, is a crone. I‘Lana, in Hawaiian, means “to anchor”. Here is her message:

I am the phoenix that rises out of the ashes.
You know of death, of loss, of grief.
You know that one day you, too, will die.

Listen, then, so that you may live fully.
Listen, then, so that you may drink deeply from the river of life.

All you need, I hold for you in my open hand.
It is the knowledge that you are the beloved.
You are whole.
You are full.
You are enough.

All you need do is make space to emerge.
It is simple.
Do what brings harmony to your soul.
Listen to your yearning.
Dare to have desire.
Do what pleases you.

You are blessed.
Don’t you know that?
Don’t you feel it?

Feel the blessings, my child.
Feel all of your feelings.

You are in your body to feel and to
Act and to love those you love and to
Feel tears on your cheeks and to
Dance and
Breathe and
Sing and
Touch.

You are a blessed child, born of the
Goddess’ breath. You are loved
Just as you are. I am pleased
With you.

Make space for yourself
To walk..
To take solid steps on the earth.

Go now. Live.
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​And here are Lucia Rosaria Tarallo, our generous Native Hawaiian (maoli) scholar’s thoughts:

In the Maoli culture, the crone is Luahine, differentiating her from the elderly...respected as a Puna...Kupuna...a "well," of knowledge...her wisdom the foundation of their philosophy. For me, the look in this Ki'i's eyes tell it all..."I'm here...lived my life...gathered knowledge...come take from me!"