What is a moai (模合)?

Not to be confused with the Rapa Nui version, in Japan, it is a social support group that meets for a common purpose, originating in Okinawa. Young children are put into these small groups with other children with whom they share common interests or circumstances.

The kanji characters, or symbols, that make up the two syllables of this word,

模

‘mo’ represents imitation, copy, or mock, while

合

‘ai’ represents fit, suit, or join.

And on a side note, even though it’s a completely different character,

愛

‘ai,’ spoken the same way as above, means love.

During early 2020, our founder noticed a very real need to create our own communities and small social support groups in order to stay connected, inspired and supported, especially during the loneliness and isolation caused by the pandemic. This is where the idea for the Bliss Moai came from. The goal is to help others do the same and share in the strengths of having such a network in place.

These sessions have been really exciting. We’ve shared our sorrows, our successes, our challenges, and celebrated together, both in person or via video calls from afar. We’ve learned from one another, told stories as our lives have changed, and we’ve grown so much over this time. Most importantly, we know that we have one another’s backs, no matter what may be going on in our lives.

We’re so, so grateful for our own moai and the larger community that has grown around us. We’re grateful for all of the inspiration, love, and collaboration that has continued and turned into beautiful relationships, experiences, and lessons.

Now, we’re creating physical locations for our greater moai to gather, grow, and cultivate relationships even more in-depth—and we can’t wait.