Aloha Santa Cruz

As we enter springtime, the weather (finally) shifting, plans for summer emerge, and a lovely time to gear ourselves up for fun in the sun. Summer is RIGHT around the corner. (Have you registered for Jr Guards or Camp Capitola yet? )

On a recent adventure to Hawaii, for both business and pleasure – I felt so thankful to get away from the cold, wet, winter we have had and enjoy beach bliss with my family:) . It got me thinking of the ways we can embrace the Aloha vibes at home. Aloha means “love, peace, and welcome it is a main word used all over the islands of Hawaii.

I am going to share with you the top 5 ways you can create aloha energy at home. So often we are looking, searching and seeking out ways to feel the joy of life and oftentimes forgetting it is right where we are, if we choose.

The word, “Mana” in Hawaiian means Energy – as my family and I sat making Lei’s together we were taught to focus on the Mana we put into each flower on the Lei and think of who we want to share that energy with. Just taking time to be present together doing a fun activity made us all feel closer and more connected.

The Hawaiian culture is strong and as a visitor you can’t help but feel welcome into the Ohana (family) when you are here. The warmth of the sun radiates throughout the islands wherever you go.

I am a huge advocate for travel, vacation and seeing new places – and it also reminded me of how blessed we are to call such a fabulous place home that many come to vacation, year after year. And in reflection, decided to make this all about some of the ways we can embrace the mana of Santa Cruz.
I encourage you while reading this blog to think about life in Santa Cruz and what it means to you and your family. How do you celebrate living here and what ways are you diving into the Santa Cruz culture. What are some of the fun things you want to experience here this spring and summer? What are some of the ways you want to experience more and share Santa Cruz with people who come to visit.

Sunrise and Sunset bliss

We are blessed to live near the ocean and have opportunities twice per day to catch both sun up and down. Not only is this a beautiful way to start or wrap the day but it can become a ceremonial way to bond with yourself and family.

To wake up fresh and end the day in peace. And best part – it is great for our circadian rhythms, which will help our rest and create awareness to a calmer nervous system. I see the same few people everyday watching sunrise and sunset (definitely more sunset hour) but I invite you to wake up a bit early to check out sunrise in a beautiful location like Depot hill one morning and start your day that way.

Leave the car at home

One of the things I enjoyed most abut staying in a hotel in Hawaii is being able to walk everywhere we needed. Living in Santa Cruz offers many walkable places where you can either walk to get groceries or just take a nice stroll along the shoreline.

Make a conscious choice one day to do everything that is walkable in your area, or drive to an area like 41st and spend a day there just walking everywhere you want to go. You will discover new things and feel like you are on vacation. Check out some of the local small businesses and meet new people.

Live music/Local spots and food

You step foot into a restaurant or hotel in Hawaii, you are greeted by some incredible sounds of the island. There is live music playing everywhere and it sets a scene as if you are walking into a beautiful, joyful movie.

Music is a great form of therapy and in Santa Cruz there are so many options to go and hear some local sounds. Have you seen the Expendables yet? Heard the amazing vocals of Mira Goto? Or gone to play Ukulele on Sunday with friends in the village? Look up some local music and go enjoy sounds of SC.

Feeling like trying something new? Pick local spots to taste some of the best foods like La Marea, Gayles and Home.

Embrace time in nature and the wildlife

Hawaii is filled with beautiful plants, animals and so is Santa Cruz. We are so fortunate to live in oen of the most beautiful places in the world and we can tour the coastline for some of the best beaches, wildlife experiences and more. Take a tour on the Chardonnay cruise for sunset, rent a paddle board at Capitola Beach co, or take a journey down south through Monterey to Big Sur.

Ohana means family

One concept that Hawaii has DIALED in, very similar to my big Greek family is the concept of embracing this life WITH the ones you love. Self-care is my jam and one of the best tips I can share is to connect with your family – this goes for chosen family as well! Take some time this month to plan some fun activities and spend quality time with those in your life that make this experience beautiful. Act as if you are on vacation for a day, or a weekend and notice how much more fun you all have. Be a tourist for a day and enjoy the sights and sounds of Santa Cruz.

What are some of your favorite things about Santa Cruz that you want to share? Send me some of your favorite local spots for a chance to be featured in my next write up. By Jaime McFaden