whenua /
connection to the land & roots
Return to nature: Hono ki te taiao
What is whenua?
Whenua is our connection to the land. It’s soil, plants, animals and people – tangata whenua. It’s the earth through which we are connected to our tupuna/ancestors. Whenua is a place of belonging and it’s comforting that it is never too far away Why is whenua an important way to wellbeing at mahi/work?
In Te Ao Maori, everything has mauri/life force. When our natural resources are not looked after, this life force is weakened and this directly impacts mental health and wellbeing. If your place of mahi is not safe, welcoming and inclusive, it will also have a huge impact on wellbeing.
|
Try starting your day with a karakia (prayer/incantation) that acknowledges the whenua:
Korihi te manu - The bird sings
Takiri mai i te ata - The morning has dawned
Ka ao, ka ao, ka awatea - The day has broken
Tihei mauri ora - Behold there is life
Korihi te manu - The bird sings
Takiri mai i te ata - The morning has dawned
Ka ao, ka ao, ka awatea - The day has broken
Tihei mauri ora - Behold there is life
Source: Mental Health Awareness Week website