Wellbeing Programme
Wairuatanga
Self-kindness and wairuatanga (spirituality) is about feeling connected to your spiritual roots, cultural traditions, and the natural world, where you may experience greater peace and self-acceptance. This sense of clarity encourages you to care for yourself because you understand the significance within the larger framework of life and the universe.
Manaakitanga
Self-kindness and manaakitanga (care and respect) is caring for yourself with the same level of thoughtfulness and nurturing as you would offer to others. It encourages practices like self-care, resting when needed, and attending to your physical and emotional needs.
Whenua
Self-kindness and whenua (connection to land and nature) is about the importance of connection to the environment, and yourself. It includes nurturing this relationship, as a strong connection to nature can promote healing and wellbeing. Spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness outdoors, and caring for the environment are ways to nurture your wellbeing.
Tapu (and Noa)
Self-kindness and tapu (sacredness) is about recognising the sacredness of all living things. Tapu encourages you to recognise your own inherent worth and sacredness, treating yourself with respect and care. Noa (balance) represents balance and wellbeing, reminding you to release self-judgement and allow yourself to experience peace and relaxation.
Whakawhanaungatanga
Self-kindness and whakawhanaungatanga (connection and relationships) involves fostering relationships and building connections. It reminds individuals that wellbeing is often connected to healthy relationships, including the relationship with Self. It is about recognising worth, and acknowledging the importance of self-reflection and personal growth.
*Holistic wellbeing - Te Whare Tapa Whā: a wellbeing model developed by leading Māori health advocate Sir Mason Durie in 1984. It includes taha wairua for spiritual wellbeing, taha hinengaro for mental and emotional wellbeing, taha tinana for physical wellbeing and taha whānau, family for social wellbeing and connection with the whenua, the land and nature. When all these things are in balance, we thrive. When one or more of these wellbeing aspects is out of balance wellbeing is impacted.
Aroha
Self-kindness and aroha (love) are the foundation of self-kindness. It emphasises love, compassion, and empathy, starting with yourself. Aroha encourages individuals to be gentle, understanding, and patient with themselves, acknowledging personal challenges and showing care for their emotional and mental wellbeing.
Pono
Self-kindness and pono (truth and integrity) involves being truthful and acting with integrity. This involves being honest with yourself about your needs, emotions, and boundaries. It also includes the importance of self-acceptance, recognising and honouring your feelings without judgment.
Tikanga
Self-kindness and tikanga (cultural practices and respect) involves following personal cultural practices that align with your wellbeing, such as maintaining spiritual practices, engaging in ancestral practices, or following cultural protocols that promote emotional balance.
Cultivate self-kindness and holistic wellbeing*. Hauora is a Maori perspective on wellbeing where the physical, emotional, social, spiritual and environmental areas of life depend on a state of balance. Practice staying calm, clear and connected to maintain wellbeing.