Survivor Watch Apr 7, 2020 The word “hula” conjures up a lot of images, but probably not a room full of male inmates at one of the country’s most notorious prisons. But twice a week, a small group of men inside San Quentin State Prison in northern California get together and practice hula.
I think Hula offers men (kāne) a deep sensory physical connection to self and the world, like many forms of dance practices do. Hula builds a connection for men to the natural physical world that is beyond appearance.
Hula is a conscious choice to step out of your present constructed self, and into a space that is a rigorous workout that builds core strength, and endurance, while puting the man in contact with their anima ( the unconscious feminine aspect of a man’s personality) . Culturally, it connects men to past and future in ancient storytelling traditions. While promoting community building, as well as emotional balance and discipline within the man himself.