“If you’re going through any difficult moment, I guess you just have to have the mindset that it’s only temporary. And if it gets too hard, just speak to anyone - could be your whānau, your friends, your teachers - just speak up.
In this episode of Mānawa Maiea te Atawhai, Destiny (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Awa) takes us through the seven mindfulness pillars and shares how they’ve helped her navigate some tough times.
Ngā Pou e whitu o Tuamatuatanga/Seven Pillars of Mindfulness
1. Whakawā kore: “Whakaringahia” ahakoa te aha ka rewaina te mākoha, te ngākau aroha. Non-judging: “Being with” whatever arises requires gentleness, kindness.
2. Manawanuitanga: whakahokia ki uta kia ngā ai, waihoki me pāuaua ngā rongomau o te tinana. Patience: bringing the mind back to the breath, and sensation of body requires perseverance.
3. Tā Ākonga tuamatua: Whakatata atu ki a ia aronga, anō nei, ko tō wā tuatahi. Beginner’s Mind: Approach each meditation as if it were your first time.
4. Whakaponotanga: Me ū ki ō whēako, rongomau waihoki te ihumānea. Trust: trust your own experience, feelings and intuition.
5. Ngāwaritanga: tanuku kore, tōpana ana rānei hei whakaotinga. Non-Striving: not straining or forcing for a result.
6. Whakaaetanga: whakaaetia tō momo katoa. Acceptance: accept yourself as you are.
7. Āiotanga: Whakaauahahia he waiaro tuku, he whakapiringa kore rānei. Letting Go: Cultivate the attitude of letting go, or non-attachment.
The 7 Mindfulness Pillars were Created by Jon Kabat Zinn and translated by Matua Paraone.
Mānawa Maiea te Atawhai is a 10-part series of practical mental wellbeing tools told through a Te Ao Māori worldview with honest kōrero, humour and shared stories.
Watch the whole series here.
Mānawa Maiea te Atawhai is created by The Kindness Institute, with funding support from Te Māngai Pāho.
Where to get help:
- 1737: The nationwide, 24/7 mental health support line. Call or text 1737 to speak to a trained counsellor.
- Suicide Crisis Line: Free call 0508 TAUTOKO or 0508 828 865. Nationwide 24/7 support line operated by experienced counsellors with advanced suicide prevention training.
- Youthline: Free call 0800 376 633, free text 234. Nationwide service focused on supporting young people.