Humans Of The Islands - Rachel Laulu

Rachel Laulu

Yoga Instructor

Samoa

I grew up in Wellington in NZ, the youngest of 3 kids to a Samoan dad and Palagi mum - I identify as a TCK'er (Third culture kid) or afakasi rather than a kiwi or Samoan  - I kinda fit but don't, and have always felt a sense of non-belonging and questioning of culture and myself. It’s been totally beneficial on this amazing path... being the youngest of 3 kids was great. I got all the cuddles and love so I grew up quite tactile, and affectionate, that kinda love at home as a kid was a great foundation for my yogic path.

 

What were the greatest challenges for you growing up?

I was bullied a lot a school. Kids always weed out the weird ones and I was definitely weird! I felt bamboozled by the education system and hated classrooms. The idea of four walls and hours of 'yes sir, no sir' did me in by the time I was about 7 years old and that's when my school truancy began. Rather than "wagging" down town I'd find myself at the beach collecting driftwood, searching rock pools and finding treasures - I'd hike for hours along the coast and through farmlands it was perfect... I read a lot (still do) and would hide out in museums or libraries so as not to get picked up by police! I cultivated a passion for mythology and would steal books from the library. I didn't realise it then but I was thirsty for information and school just wasn't the place for me to learn. My parents tried (forced) me into extra curricular activities but I never fit in. Years later I figured out I'm a complete introvert and need to be alone most of the time, this realisation along with yoga have been my saving grace.

What do you love most about your culture(s)?

I love that I've come to Samoa and am where my ancestral blood comes from. I see so much of myself in this landscape, the self-sufficiency, and the outdoors lifestyle. It’s such an organic way of living and community here is quick to embrace. I am connected to the sea and the peaky blade like mountains. I spend a lot of time alone reading, writing and doing yoga on deserted beaches and swimming in icy cold waterfalls... it’s really quite heavenly. There are many movers and shakers with health and wellbeing on the island and the culture seems to be waking up from a bit of a slumber in regards to health. I'm happy that many locals are learning yoga or at least hearing about it…

How did you come about teaching Yoga in Samoa?

It was always my intention to come here to live, ever since I was little I knew I'd come.  There was something so grounded and earthy about my Samoan aunts and uncles, the way they would garden and climb and move, they'd sit on the floor and eat with their hands and we'd share plates of food - there was always laughing. I felt so stuffy in enclosed indoors with clothes on, using knives and forks in the cold suburbs of wellington. I had the yearning (and almost a memory) for the tropics. So I came, I was running away from love because I find love too confining (lol, this is like a self counseling session! ) ... but yeah, yoga... Its what I do, I'll always teach it, its my dhamma (my life path) - I didn't know how long I would stay, it’s only been 18 months. But I was home recently in Australia and i realised that I didn't want to be there and that I was actually 'homesick' for Samoa, so I cut my holiday short. I don't know how long I'll stay, I still have stuff in Spain, in Wales, Thailand and Australia - things in storage here there and everywhere. For now, I'm here and I'm loving it... I teach at some pretty fancy hotels and resorts so life is a bit of a dream holiday.

My business name is 'Yoga Juice Samoa', and I also offer yoga hiking tours and deliver yoga and lomi lomi massage to businesses, resorts and offer in studio classes. I also offer workshops in how to prepare fermented foods and how to eat healthy.

What has been the best experience you’ve had so far while living in Samoa?

I won the regional prize (second prize) for a short story though the Samoa Observer short story competition last year, it was judged by NZ/Samoan poet laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh (amazing woman!). I've been writing stories my whole life, but here in Samoa there is something ignited within me.  Winning that prize has inspired me to write a whole lot more... I sometimes lose whole days practicing yoga and writing...

I also hosted the UN's International Yoga Day at Tanoa hotel and had a HUGE turnout and the Tongan rugby team joined in too!... that was pretty cool, they were awesome lads... this year I'm hoping the Manu boys join in!  Go the Manu!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?

I like to think I'll still be transient and exploring, maybe I'll be emerging from a year long meditation retreat in a cave in the Himalayas with a contract for a multi million dollar book deal or maybe I'll be in Iceland married to a viking role playing dude named Olaf - who knows?! As long as I'm still on this path to self realistion I'm down for wotevs. Life is like a movie.

After winning the Short story prize - From left to right: Lani Wendt Young, Selina Tusitala Marsh, Rachel Laulu and Marj Moore

 

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