Wairua

Looking after yourself, and each other.

In te ao Māori, wairua doesn't stand alone — it's woven together with taha tinana (the body), taha hinengaro (the mind), and taha whānau (our people), like four walls of the same wharenui. This is Te Whare Tapa Whā, a wellbeing model shared by Tā Mason Durie — if one wall is weak, the whole whare feels it. Everything below sits under that same roof.

These are general, practical practices — not medical advice, and not a substitute for professional support when you need it.

How are you feeling today?

Just for you — nothing here is saved or seen by anyone else.
This check-in is private and resets each time — nothing is stored.

Taha Tinana

The body
Drink plenty of water through the day — it's the simplest thing that helps almost everything else.
Get outside for a bit of fresh air and daylight, even just 10 minutes on the whenua.
Move in a way you actually enjoy — a walk, a swim, the garden, kapa haka. It doesn't need to be a workout.
Eat kai that nourishes you, and share it with others when you can — kai always tastes better together.
Rest and sleep aren't optional extras — they're part of actually looking after yourself.

Taha Hinengaro

The mind and emotions
Try slow breathing when things feel like a lot — in for 4, hold for 4, out for 4. A few rounds is enough.
Write down three things you're grateful for, even small ones. It shifts the day more than it sounds like it would.
Give yourself permission to put the phone down for a while. It'll still be there later.
Name how you're feeling — out loud, or on paper — instead of pushing it down. Naming it takes some of its weight.
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not a lack of it. Everyone needs it sometimes.

Taha Whānau

Our people
Check in on someone in the whānau today — even a short message means more than you'd think.
Share kai and kōrero together whenever you get the chance. Connection is its own kind of medicine.
Come along to wānanga and whānau gatherings when you can — being present matters more than being perfect.
Reach out first, rather than waiting to be reached. Most people are grateful when someone does.
A strong whānau is one where it's normal to ask for support — not one where nobody ever needs it.

Taha Wairua

The spirit
Spend a little time on the whenua — even sitting quietly outside counts.
Take a moment for karakia or quiet reflection, in whatever way feels right for you.
Learn a little more about your tīpuna and your whakapapa — knowing where you come from feeds the spirit.
Notice the maramataka and the natural rhythms around you — the maramataka page is a good place to start.
Give yourself permission to simply be still, without needing to be doing something.