Over 1000 volunteers came together in Maui, Hawaii when a female yoga teacher went missing in the Makawao forest in 2019. This made world news when 35 of the volunteers never gave up — finding her alive 17 days later. As a direct result of that divine alignment, experts from around the country gathered in Oahu, marking the third year anniversary by creating Hawaii’s first Wilderness Safety Event — Hawaii SAR CON.

Beachfront, amidst the gorgeous scenery of the lush green Kualoa Ranch (Kualoa, Hakipu’u, and Ka’a’awa Valleys) where Jurassic Park was filmed, was the setting for the first Hawaii SAR CON. Above the mountainous valley range was a thick, puffy cloud that resembled a dragon. Hawaiians say the gods live above the clouds and that the warm, moist wind blowing off the ocean feels like the dragon’s breath. Though the area is breathtaking and magical, it is not a landscape anyone would want to get lost in.

Tourists are drawn from all around the world to experience the local traditions, beautiful beaches, and the lush tropical paradise. However, the islands also pose a severe threat to adventurers and wanderers — both local and tourist — who brave its thick forests and deep blue oceans full of hidden dangers, such as treacherous terrain, flash floods, sharks, and rip tides. The number of missing persons in Hawaii is shocking. Based on population, Hawaii is second in the nation for missing persons. Children and adults, men and women often disappear and are never found.

Rosemarie Johnson, who is a wilderness enthusiast, safety advocate, avid hiker, and yoga teacher of 20 years was a search volunteer. She previously had an arm in the production of the yoga festival boom around the country from 2005-2015. Nicknamed Number Five during the 2019 Maui incident, she stated that “Being involved in a search for a missing person who was found alive and rescued after 17 days was a deeply life changing and profound experience — a miracle.” Subsequently, based on all of her professional experience and knowledge she identified the need for a Wilderness Safety Event and co-produced the Hawaii SAR CON.

Number Five was one of the many yogis from around the islands and the world who were called to contribute and provide support toward this unprecedented search.

John Eller, the father of the rescued yoga teacher, stated that “On May 8th, 2019, my daughter went for a hike in the Makawao forest on Maui. She stopped to meditate then got turned around and lost her way. While lost, she fractured her leg and was stuck for the next 17 days.”

Eller continued, stating that, “Fortunately, we had good media coverage which brought in many volunteers; some days as many as 150.” He went on to describe that there were struggles “but the community pulled together, had faith, didn’t give up, and we found my daughter.” A month later, Mr. Eller  founded Search Technology Advisory Team (STAT Hawaii) as a way to pay it forward to the community.  STAT provides technical tools and support to help other families find their loved ones who may be lost in the wilderness.

World renowned wilderness survival expert, Les Stroud — Survivorman (also an avid yoga practitioner) was the featured guest at Hawaii SAR CON. Stroud has practiced yoga, breathwork, and meditation for years which have all enhanced his ability to master the art of survival.  He stated that, “Having a connection with Mother Earth, each other, and our communities is why we are here. When we are in touch and connected, we become one with nature and each other — our likelihood of survival in the wilderness is much greater.” Both meditation and yoga allow the connection with self and nature to occur. Stroud continued stating that, “As a human being and a part of society, participating in search and rescue is one of the most selfless and meaningful things you can do. It is ‘pono’ — doing what’s right because it is the right thing to do — serving your community and being of service to others.”

Compementing what Stroud said, Number Five noted that, “Mana is your life force, will to survive, and the essence of power. It is the energy within all of us. Hawaiians believe that a person’s ‘mana’ remains in their bones after their death and can be accessed to make gardens grow or to heal people.” She feels that mana was a reason her fellow yogi survived and was found alive.

When asked to elaborate, Five stated “It was mana! Mana is everything. Also as yogis, we are taught to control our breath.  I imagine she was able to control her breath and find her center. We don’t have control over much in life, but we do have control over our breath and when we have control over our breath then we will have control over our minds. It’s all mind over matter — If we don’t mind then it doesn’t matter, right? And she clearly has a strong mind to brave the wilderness for 17 days.

When we feel weak, meditation and breath is always a place where peace and strength can be found. I believe her breath-work, the mana and connection across the globe, with the relentless and tenacious will by the search team were multiple pieces of the puzzle which ultimately resulted in a rescue versus a recovery. I also strongly believe she was chosen as a catalyst to raise the collective consciousness and bring together many different walks of life, showing a restored faith in humanity, and proof that selfless volunteerism and service does benefit the better good.”

Number Five continued, “It’s been an incredible journey. Who would have thought that searching for a lost hiker three years ago would have resulted in what we accomplished this weekend — bringing all of the Hawaiian state agencies together for the first time? This just goes to show that when you have a clear vision, are balanced, and in alignment with your soul’s purpose, the universe conspires with you and miracles happen!”

Speaking through tears from the overwhelming feelings of relief by accomplishing this historic event, Five said, “It was all very personal to me. When I participated in the 2019 search, I thought to myself, ‘What if that were me? Who would find me? Who would even look?’ That ignited the passion inside me not to give up until we created a solution.

Hawaii SAR CON is now the only platform in the state, which has built a foundation of relationships and communications — where agencies can work together more effectively and efficiently to save lives. I am simply grateful and humbled to be a part of it.”

As the event weekend was coming to a close, on the beach overlooking the famous Chinaman’s Hat beneath the mountains — between the dragon’s breath and the energy of the mana — there was a feeling of Ohana. It was clear that this unlikely group of strangers, while searching for the “lost,” had joined forces and rescued each other.

Relephant: 

Why Mother Nature is the Ultimate Goddess of Love.

Stay Pono – a Hawaiian philosophy we all should live by.

Sometimes We Need to Get Lost to Be Found.

~

~

~

Author: Danyi Deats w/ SJ Gold
Image: Hawaii SAR CON