Running

Head: DEFINING ILIMA

Clinical Training & Internship 1

Fall 2015

World Medicine Institute

Dr. G. Todoki

Ho-Lastimosa, Heidi Ilima Ho-Lastimosa

December 2015

Defining Me as Self and Healer

Two critical questions are asked for this assignment what best defines you

as a person? and what do you want to define you as a healer?. Though both
questions seem quite simple to answer, for me these questions, and more so
answers, are rather complex.

First off, as a person I have numerous definitions. In my first semester of the

masters of social work program at the University of Hawai`i at Mnoa Dr. Peter
Mataira, a Maori from Aotearoa, posed these questions in our indigenous studies
class from an indigenous perspective. He first asked, Who are you?. Most of my
classmates had a very difficult time answering, not me, I know who I am, I know my
genealogy, I am Hawaiian. My list also included daughter, sister, mother, wife, aunty,
cousin, friend, mentor, activist, adviser, advocate, Aloha `ina Warrior! His follow up
question was who are you really?. My answer still, I am Hawaiian.

All of these describing words define me, my walk in life, on this journey to

heaven as a person. Professionally, I would say I am a community advocate, youth

counselor, social justice activist, horticultural therapist, and coordinator on various
levels, including my current employment. This may not be the best definition for
this paper, but I am more than satisfied with the words I share. Furthermore, I am
here at World Medicine Institute (WMI) to get a closer look at my Chinese heritage,
in order to define myself as such.

As a healer, I have a good foundation in Hawaiian medicinal practices (l`au

lapa`au), and plant propagation. I am here to deepen my knowledge of Chinese

medicine, as I believe my journey at WMI will strengthen my healing abilities,

Defining Me as Self and Healer

especially in connecting with Ke Akua, because He is the source and the way to true
health and healing.
I appreciate all that I have learned thus far and look forward to the day when
I know and understand the body from the Chinese perspective. This has been a
fascinating adventure, but very overwhelming. I am excited at the challenge to
recognize and comprehend anatomy and physiology from both western and eastern
framework, especially since this is my first attempt at this biology, this hard science,
because I am a social scientist.
My healing abilities continue to grow and expand. I learn most in Chi Gong on
Saturdays with Dr. Ono, Sandy and Elizabeth, and at clinic where all the magic
happens. I am a hands-on learner and grasp information when it is action oriented. I
must also share that I am learning so much more in herbs class because we are
seeing, feeling, smelling and tasting the medicines, not just reading about them in a
book or handout.
This first semester has really opened my eyes to the expectations of western
medicine. I know I need to put more effort into the academic side of this learning
process in order to retain what is being disseminated. I intend to do just that going
forward. Daily, after I go home from school, I tell myself Whew! I made it through
another day! That is how I feel, relieved! Uncertain if I am able to make it all the way
through! For sure, I will die trying!
I value this query, this assignment, because it forces me to evaluate thoughts
and ideas I may be taking for granted. Assessing myself is a good practice, one that
should be dealt with more often than I am applying currently. Defining myself as a

Defining Me as Self and Healer

person and a healer regularly may intensify my personal abilities in both areas, and
force me to persevere in the academic arena.
Mahalo for the expertise and guidance shared thus far. I am honored to be a
part of this school and this journey. Mahalo Ke Akua! Ke Akua P!