Cultural Blog - Introducing Te Whare Tapa Whā

My wellbeing plan using Tā Mason Durie’s Te Whare Tapa Whā model

Wall	Activities
Taha Tinana (Physical Wellbeing)	40 minutes on the treadmill
Taha Whānau (Family Wellbeing)	Having breakfast and having dinner with my family every evening
Taha Hinengaro (Emotional and Mental Wellbeing)	Meditation before class
Taha Wairua (Spiritual Wellbeing)	Praying before sleep
Whenua (Interconnections to the land and environment)	Enjoy the night sky once a week / I drink my coffee while enjoying what is happening around me with the beautiful view from my house.

I created a more up-to-date wellness/organa plan during the bootcamp

Wall	Activities
Taha Tinana (Physical Wellbeing)	I adapted physical activities to daily stretching as it is suitable for my current condition.
Taha Whānau (Family Wellbeing)	Having breakfast and having dinner with my family every evening
Taha Hinengaro (Emotional and Mental Wellbeing)	Meditation before classes, even if it’s just 5 minutes.
Taha Wairua (Spiritual Wellbeing)	Praying before sleep
Whenua (Interconnections to the land and environment)	Enjoy the night sky once a week / I drink my coffee while enjoying what is happening around me with the beautiful view from my house.

Reflection on the Completion of the Wellbeing Plan:

What Was Successfully Achieved:

Taha Whānau (Family Wellbeing): I successfully had breakfast and dinner with my family every day. These moments were meaningful for strengthening family bonds, creating a sense of connection and emotional support essential for my overall wellbeing.
Taha Wairua (Spiritual Wellbeing): Praying before sleep provided me with peace and a sense of purpose. This practice helped me maintain spiritual connection and start each day with more balance and focus.
Whenua (Connection to the Land and Environment): I dedicated time to enjoy the night sky and admire the view from my house while having coffee. These activities allowed me to slow down, connect with my surroundings, and cultivate gratitude for the beauty around me.

What Was Not Achieved and Why:

Taha Tinana (Physical Wellbeing): I was unable to complete 40 minutes on the treadmill due to back pain. Despite my intentions, physical discomfort prevented this activity, emphasizing the importance of respecting my body’s limits and adapting physical activities to avoid discomfort or injuries.
Taha Hinengaro (Emotional and Mental Wellbeing): I did not practice meditation before classes. While this was an important goal, the lack of consistency may have been influenced by a busy morning routine or difficulty establishing the habit.

Lessons Learned:

Adaptation is Essential: In situations like back pain, it’s crucial to adjust goals to meet my physical needs without compromising my wellbeing. Replacing treadmill sessions with light walks or stretching could be a suitable alternative.
Planning is Necessary: Meditation requires dedication and planning. Setting a specific time and organizing my space to minimize distractions could help establish the practice.
The Importance of Balance: Completing the family, spiritual, and environmental connection activities was valuable for maintaining a sense of balance and personal satisfaction, even without fulfilling all aspects of the plan.