Class Guidelines – Live Online Gatherings

Aloha!

  • This course is not a novelty. It is a profound life-changing journey where we grow in respect of everyone present. If you plan on “multi-tasking” or leaving your video off during the weekly course gatherings, this is not the course for you.

  • The trial period (first 21 weeks) of the course is free. Keep in mind the value of the teachings you are receiving during that time. Is what you are receiving making a difference in your life?
    • If it is, it’s traditional to offer Makana Aloha (generosity) to the teacher as often as you feel moved. Makana Aloha is meant as an expression of your heartfelt appreciation for the teacher, the teachings you are receiving, and how your life is improving as a result. Click here to learn about the benefits of being generous.
    • Makana Aloha can be in the form of anything that reflects your heart: fresh or cooked food (fruits or veges from your garden or a special dish or treat you enjoy making); a note about a realization you had; a creative form (a poem, a short story, art you created, a photo, etc.); your help around the hālau (school); dharma texts on Kit’s Amazon Wish List; gift or coffee cards; or money.
    • Monetary forms of generosity can be made by tax-deductible donation to the school (Hoʻi ka Hā) or directly to Kit via Venmo (@kanohoaloha) or PayPal (kit.wynkoop@gmail.com). As a reference, monetary gifts have been between $7 and $50 per week or the monthly equivalent.
  • Gatherings will start promptly as the classes are timed exactly for everyone’s consideration. Please be sure to test the Zoom link and passcode before the first class. Thereafter, please log on to each gathering 5 or more minutes before our start time. The Zoom room is open 15 minutes before start time if you wish to socialize with the teacher or each other. If no one is online at the start time of class, the Zoom room will be closed and the teacher will notify you how that week’s topic will be offered.

  • Please be sure to turn off all devices (airplane mode is fine) during our gatherings other than the one you’re using to connect to Zoom. Be sure to turn off notifications for the device you use to connect to Zoom.

  • Each class gathering will last 1.5 hours except for a handful which will last 2 hours. You will be informed a couple weeks prior when those 2-hour classes will happen. Larger, highly engaged cohorts may last 2 hours on a regular basis. Your very first gathering will last 2 hours.

  • Each class will typically consist of sitting in meditation together, a talk by Kit, and a discussion period. If you have questions or wish to share something, please wait to do so until the discussion period following the Kit’s talk. When it’s time, please use the “Raise Hand” function which can be found at the bottom of the Zoom screen under “React.” In fact, you can pull the “raise hand” icon onto the bottom of the Zoom screen so you don’t have to hunt for it each time. Please keep your questions and sharing related to the day’s topic. There may be time at the end for questions and sharing on other dharma topics related to the Level you are in.

  • If, for some reason, you need to miss a class or two, it is a common courtesy to let Kit know ahead of time. He will make sure he records the gathering you will miss.

  • You may want to bring paper and a writing implement for notes. Devices are highly discouraged for this because they can tempt us into distraction.

  • We will not be meeting on holidays or holiday weekends unless the group decides otherwise.

  • Please leave your video on (including during meditation). If you need to step away for a bio break, turn your video off until you return.

  • Following each gathering, Kit will send an email with links to light reading or a video to watch to help unpack the topics presented in his talks. Consider creating an email folder for these and other emails that Kit will send for quick and easy reference.

  • There are five meditation techniques you will learn – one for each of the first five Levels in the course. The material taught in each level will not make sense if you don’t use the corresponding meditation instruction.

  • It is assumed, by your presence in the course, that you are serious about experiencing a positive life change. Intellectualizing the teachings alone will not get you there. You must participate by practicing what is learned as it is only experience that will bring you to realization. Intellectual debate is not experience. Therefore, one must muster dedication and self-discipline to practice what is learned throughout the course to gain the experiences that will lead to the greatest life advances. You are worth it!

  • Meditation is not a substitute for doctor-prescribed medication. If you are taking doctor-prescribed medications, your presence in the program is your promise to continue taking them as directed by your physician throughout the entire time of the course.

All that we offer at Hoʻi ka Hā is rooted in ALOHA, a living expression born of the Kanaka Maoli, the Indigenous people of Hawaiʻi. We acknowledge that Hawaiʻi is ʻāina ʻōiwi (ancestral land) and that the Hawaiian people continue to carry, protect, and evolve their wisdom despite histories of displacement. We commit to honoring their language, culture, and sovereignty, and to walking our practice with humility, gratitude, and kuleana. © Copyright - Hoʻi ka Hā. Hoʻi ka Hā is a fiscally managed program of Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network (HCAN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID 94-3257650).