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Aloha and e komo mai (welcome) to Bones of Words—a space for reclaiming culture, education, and nested sovereignty—rooted in neuroinclusion, indigenous wisdom, and healing.
I am Micki O’Brien (Micki O), daughter of civil rights and social justice advocates, storytellers, and truth keepers. Wahine (woman, partner) of a protector of keiki (children) and ʻĀina (Land). Great-granddaughter of B, who practiced the old ways of fierce mālama (care) with all ʻohana (family, relations who are like family). Sister to a compassionate wisdom keeper and an Aloha leader. Auntie to intelligent, powerful, creative, and kind nieces and nephews. Niece of brilliant, loving, and funny aunties, and a late uncle (who, without a doubt, would reject every single one of these descriptors).
I am haumana (student) of several nā kumu (teachers, sources) in Hawai’i, including studying the written works, compositions, and legacy of Tūtū Mary Kawena Pukui and Queen Liliʻuokalani. I am, also, blessed to study and practice with a Kumu Hula and hula sisters, ʻĀina-based educators, Ahupuaʻa (traditional Hawaiian land and resource stewardship), Mahiʻai (farming) leaders, and so many more.
Why Bones of Words?
This space was born out of a powerful spiritual directive to write.
In 2024, I was working hands-on learning farming with my kāne (man, partner) while also supporting mahiʻai (farmers) across Hawaiʻi through a nonprofit. Then, I got really, really sick—swelling in my hands, feet, and face. But there was no physical explanation for it.
A friend who practices an ancient form of energy healing worked on me. As I lay on her table, she guided me to ask my body what it needed. When I did, I saw my entire body as muscles—every fiber swollen with words, so full that they were ready to burst.
Now, you don’t know me yet, but this was not the first time this had happened. Spirit has been telling me I need to write for decades now, and we’ve had some serious battles over it. So, I got mad. I (internally) yelled at spirit:
"No. I am not doing this again. Give me something else. Go deeper. Give me foundation, strength, and connection!"
And just like that, the vision shifted. My body was no longer made of just muscles—it was made of bones. Every single bone, from the tiniest in my feet to the largest, was made of words.
I, still annoyed, demanded:
"How is my bones being made of words any different from my muscles being made of words?"
In a flash of light, the words that made up my bones shifted—from English to ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language).
In Hawaiʻi, bones of a person are considered kapu (sacred), carrying the mana (spiritual power) of a person and serving as a conduit between the living and ancestors. I heard the message clearly:
"You are Bones of Words."
When I got up off that table, the sickness was gone. And this Substack was born.
Containers for Life and Sovereignty
A concept I use throughout my work is that of an emotional, spiritual, and energetic container—something that holds and channels life force in a healthy, kahena (flowing) way.
I like to describe this “container” as a stream bed, an entire living ecosystem. Wai (water) represents human life force and creativity, and the stream bed is the structure that holds and directs it. In a thriving ecosystem, wai slows down, speeds up, moves through light and shadow, eddies, pools, splashes, and flows down mauna (mountain). It remains vibrant, oxygenated, and full of life.
A strong container allows us to be expressions of life itself, moving with purpose, Aloha, and contribution. It roots us in pono (right) reciprocal relationships—with ourselves, each other, and all of existence.
Nested Sovereignty (Ea)
The Hawaiian word ea means both “sovereignty” and “life.” It is deeply relational.
“Hawaiian National Sovereignty means that Hawaiians, the first people of this land, get to fully be themselves through political, economic, social, and cultural lenses without interference by outside forces, including the current illegal occupation by the State of Hawai‘i and the U.S.” *(Source: Nation of Hawaiʻi)
The English word sovereignty is often used to mean unchecked personal freedom—the idea that individuals can do whatever they want, regardless of the consequences for others. This mindset, rooted in colonialism, falsely assumes that people exist in isolation rather than in relationship.
That is not the sovereignty I speak of.
I use the term nested sovereignty to describe a sovereignty that exists within relationships—a person nested within a family, a family nested within a community, a community nested within an ʻĀina (land) that sustains us all. This is a sovereignty of connection, responsibility, and reciprocity.
Is This Space for You?
Bones of Words is for those ready to reclaim culture and education as containers for thriving, interconnected humanity. It is for those who embrace nested sovereignty as the foundation of pono relationships.
It is for those who identify as neurodivergent (or as I say, neurounique) and want to explore that identity in an empowered, playful, and expansive way.
It is for those walking the path of healing and decolonization, ready to engage with themselves, life, and all our relations with Aloha.
What You’ll Find Here
I will be sharing what I call Love Letters—writings to people I love, exploring deep truths and offering Aloha through words. I will share my authentic struggles and spiritual downloads.
I also plan to interview kūpuna (elders) to document and honor their wisdom.
I will do my best to share material in multiple modalities whenever possible, ensuring accessibility for all neurotypes. My goal is to post 1-2 times a week.
A Note on My Place in This Work
I am not, by genealogy or history, considered Kānaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian). I am haumana (student) of powerful nā kumu (teachers), including ʻĀina (Land). I hold the kuleana (privilege and responsibility) of Bones of Words with deep commitment to Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono—"The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness."
If this resonates, you are welcome here.
Let’s ulana (weave) together, in right relationship.
Mahalo nui (much thanks), and welcome to Bones of Words.
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