Today I went to SF and took a spin class that Alex was subbing. He just returned from a very special trip to New Zealand, the origin and home of Les Mills, where he spent a couple of weeks taking classes from the masters, sightseeing beautiful country and most excitingly, being a part of the filmings of all the upcoming Les Mills releases.
After class, he and I went for coffee (Peets, oh my, and I was the only one drinking!!) and caught up on things. He gave me a necklace he brought back from NZ that has special meaning to Les Mills folks, as the Maori tribe is an integral part of the LM culture and that of New Zealand. He gave me a necklace like the one at the top of this blog and gave it to me since I am now part of the LM culture. He said it represented continuous and infinite growth and long standing relationships. I was very touched at the gesture.
Well tonight I decided to do a bit more research on the Maori symbols since I am completely ignorant on the subject and here is what I found:
"The Koru holds many symbolic meanings. Firstly, it is a representation of new life. This seems obvious, as it is a stylized graphic meant to represent the new shoots of the fern. It is a symbol of beginnings, the undeveloped potential for all of life's endeavors. Further, it is a symbol of renewal, brining to mind the lush growth of New Zealand's wet forests. I believe that the Koru carries within the idea of transformation, much as birth represents the transformation from one state of being into another. More than just literal birth though, the Koru represents creation in all it's forms, the unfurling of new ideas and opportunities all throughout life. It brings with it hope and endless possibility. The Koru represents growth and vitality, which is clearly visible in the hearty and vigorous growth of new shoots. It symbolizes health and is used in decorative works to embody the magic of life, growth and well-being. Much like a new fern shoot, arising from the ground to reach towards the light, the Koru represents the search for enlightenment, a striving for the divine. It is a symbol of deep spirituality, carrying the secrets of the universe in it's Golden Spiral. Because it contains the Golden Spiral the Koru is a symbol of cycles and change. It is a reminder that all things live,die and are reborn, that life continues endlessly. As in all things, the blueprint of the universe found within. It represents the sacred geometry of life, renewal and eternity.
To the Maori of New Zealand, the Koru is also a symbol of interconnectedness from one life to another, linking generation to generation. The roots a symbol of whence one came, the deep genetic and cultural histories that are the basis of each of us, while the leaves reach skyward, shaping generations to come.
The Koru holds many secrets and meanings, and perhaps the most important of all, is the beauty of simplicity. A symbol can be unwrapped, exposing infinite layers of meaning, but sometimes what is most important is that it's pure design brings a feeling a great happiness and rejuvenation. Scientific reasons aside, some times a symbol is valuable simply because one likes it."
WOW. To say that this little piece of jade I am currently wearing around my neck means a great deal is putting it lightly. I am extremely touched and LOVE what this symbolizes for me personally. my life unfurling, continuing endlessly, like my journey.
I also cannot think of a better person to receive this from. Thanks, Alex.
Xoxoxo
No comments:
Post a Comment