From Plastic Windows to Wellness Framework: How Lived Experience Shapes Indigenous Health I am breaking from my usual weekly post to introduce you to where Te Poutama o te Ora originated. A kaupapa that must be shared. When you hear about health frameworks and wellness models, they often arrive wrapped in academic language—clean, theoretical, and somehow removed from the messy reality of actual lives. But what if I told you that one of the most comprehensive Māori wellness fr

We look again at why some patterns—like stress, health issues, or even resilience—seem to run in families? Modern science has an answer, and it’s something Indigenous communities have known for centuries: experiences can leave marks that echo across generations. What Is Epigenetics—and Why Does It Matter? Epigenetics is the science of how life experiences—like trauma or nurturing—can change how our genes work without changing the genes themselves. These changes can be passed

We pause from goal setting and activities to let that settle with you and turn back to the topic of Epigenetics. From Understanding to Action: The Nine-Step Path Understanding that we carry epigenetic patterns is profound. But understanding alone doesn't create change. This is where Te Poutama o te Ora moves from insight to transformation—offering a practical pathway for working with what we've inherited. The framework's nine steps weren't designed with epigenetics in mind, y

Te Whare Tapa Whā (Durie, 1984) has been used with great success within health, human resource management and education.   The four Pou’s continue to be relevant Taha Tinana (Physical Health) – as the Ground or Papa; Taha Wairua (Spiritual Health) - as the Compass; Taha Whānau (Family Health) - as Support and, Taha Hinengaro (Mental Health) - as Navigator.   As previously mentioned, areas for extension that can be supported by Te Poutama o te Ora would be in: ·        Digital

Unlocking your full potential is a journey that requires dedication, insight, and the right support. Personal Growth Counselling offers a structured path to help you grow emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually. It is a powerful tool that can transform your life by helping you overcome obstacles, build resilience, and develop a deeper understanding of yourself. You would have seen me discussing this model in previous posts - Te Poutama o te Ora. This model encourages and

Te Whare Tapa Whā – Duries (1984) foundational model of wellness is of a house that shelters and protects. Without a stable house, there can be no safe ascent. The four dimensions of Taha Tinana, Taha Wairua, Taha Whānau and, Taha Hinengaro are discussed further.   Taha Tinana (Physical Health) – as the Ground or Papa. Transformation and change require physical capacity to sustain body performance. Without attention to sleep, nutrition, movement, and bodily rest, transformati

Finding harmony in life is a goal many strive for but often find elusive. Balancing work, personal time, health, and relationships can feel overwhelming. However, with the right strategies, it is possible to create a fulfilling and balanced lifestyle. This article explores practical life harmony tips that can help you manage your time and energy more effectively, leading to greater satisfaction and well-being. Prioritise Your Time with Clear Boundaries One of the most effecti

Personal growth is a journey that many aspire to embark on, yet it can often feel overwhelming without the right guidance. Self-development counselling offers a structured path to help individuals unlock their true potential, overcome obstacles, and achieve meaningful change. This blog post explores how self-development counselling can transform your life, providing practical insights and actionable steps to start your journey today. Understanding Self-Development Counselling

Te Poutama o te Ora: Climbing Toward Wholeness There's a moment many of us experience when we realize that self-help advice, productivity hacks, and wellness trends aren't quite cutting it anymore. We've tried the morning routines, the goal-setting frameworks, the apps that promise to organize our lives. We've read the books about habits, listened to the podcasts about purpose, followed the influencers who seem to have it all figured out. And yet, something still feels fragme

An opportunity to discuss this fascinating topic again and how it can relate to our wellness and wellbeing. Looking backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on the past " Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua" What Epigenetics Means for Inheritance: The Science Behind Whakapapa Our tūpuna (ancestors) have always known something that Western science is only now beginning to confirm, that we carry our lineage within us in ways far deeper than physical resemblance. The concept

The number 9 is often associated with spiritual growth, compassion, and universal love. In the realm of wellness, integrating the essence of number 9 can lead to profound transformations in our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Here’s how you can harness the power of this number in your wellness journey. 1. Embrace Compassion and Service The essence of number 9 encourages us to be compassionate and to serve others. Engaging in acts of kindness can enhance your e

The number 9 holds profound spiritual significance across cultures and mystical traditions. As the final single digit in numerology, it...

The Importance of Healthy Relationships I came across an insightful article discussing the importance of recognizing when to leave an abusive relationship. It emphasizes that patience should not be confused with tolerating harmful behavior. Instead, patience is about waiting for guidance and leadership from Jesus. It’s crucial to understand that enduring mistreatment in the hope that someone will change is not a sign of strength. Recognizing Toxic Relationships In life, we of

Your 'joy' is what releases you from the circling thoughts in your head

Throughout life we take on roles of responsibility an elder sibling a younger sibling the middle child the teenager the adult the parent, mother, father the main income earner the main caregiver a manager, supervisor, employee Lots of roles define what we do and how we behave. Does the role(s) you hold bring you 'joy'? Joy can be found in simple things, 'celebrating a special memory', 'spending quiet time with someone you care about, 'treating yourself to a favourite food', '