04/07/2023
The definition can be found at Healthify NZ, and it is a model of the 4 dimensions of wellbeing developed by Sir Mason Durie in 1984 to provide a Māori perspective on health. The 4 dimensions are:
With 4 walls, the wharenui (meeting house) is a symbol of these 4 dimensions. The wharenui’s connection with the whenua (land) forms the foundation for the other 4 dimensions.
Image credit: Mental Health Foundation, NZ
| Wall | Activities |
|---|---|
| Taha Tinana (Physical wellbeing) | Going to the gym 3x a week in the evenings (after studying) |
| Taha Whānau (Family wellbeing) | make breakfast for me and my wife every morning having dinner with my wife and watch a movie/series together |
| Taha Hinengaro (Emotional and Mental Wellbeing) |
playing or listening to music during break times - instrumental
songs/albuns preferably. Some links I like: Liquify YT channel and 5 hours of relaxing space rock |
| Taha Wairua (Spiritual Wellbeing) | meditating whenever needed/possible |
| Whenua (Interconnections to the land and environment) | checking on my garden when it is not raining. If it is windy and raining, look at the trees and see the wind blowing, listen to the rain hitting the roof and cars passing by |
There are a lot of new things for me there and I’ll try to make progress and add little things to my routine. Coming from a different cultural background with different beliefs is the main challenge now. How to integrate these findings to who I am? How do I connect with a land that I have been part of for only 5 years? I guess I’ll find out. In time…