Wairua

In te ao Māori (the Māori world) everything is connected. No one thing can be looked at without looking at the other things that affect or influence it.

A model of hauora (holistic wellbeing) commonly used in health is Te Whare Tapa Whā by Tā Mason Durie. He describes hauora as a whare (house) where 4 walls and a foundation are needed to provide a sturdy shelter. Each taha, or wall, shows an aspect of our wellbeing: 

• taha wairua (spiritual)
• taha hinengaro (mental and emotional)
• taha tinana (physical)
• taha whānau (family and social)
• whenua (the foundation) – your whakapapa, connections, environment, places you belong, your culture and identity.
  
  

Image credit: Healthify He Puna Waiora

Wairua is personal for every person. There's no right or wrong way to feel or think about our wairua. It can be about your relationship with nature, people and culture. It could be your whakapapa (whānau connection) in the past, present or future. Your wairua can be who and what your are, where you have come from and where you are going. It could also be how you show up in the world, or how you see yourself. 

For some people, wairua is also about faith, religious or spiritual beliefs. This includes belief in a higher power, or an internal connection to the universe.

We encourage you to think about what wairua means to you personally and the things you might do to uplift your wairua.

Video: Te taha wairua

In this video Tā Mason Durie talks about wairua as part of Te Whare Tapa Whā.

(Manatū Hauora | Ministry of Health, NZ, 2022)

Paying attention to your wairua is  as important as taking care of the other aspects of your health and wellbeing. A person’s wairua is best supported by thinking about all the things that make us feel happy, healthy and content. In other words, a holistic and connected approach. Read more about finding the balance.(external link)(external link)

Feeling comfortable in your identity, values and beliefs, helps you to feel secure in who you are and what you stand for. When you are content within yourself you can cope better with challenges, build strong whānau relationships and discover things that uplift you. Nourishing your wairua might be described as ‘feeding your soul’ or feeling a deep sense of fulfilment.

Image credit: Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ

• Stay connected to people – read more about ways to connect with people.
• Connect with your environment and what's around you – read more about how to let nature in.
• Explore your own culture or language.
• Find creative ways to do things differently.
• Learn what nourishes your soul.
• Attend to the small things.
• Reach out to help others – read more about random acts of kindness(external link).
• Journaling, drawing, mediation, yoga.
• Get help when needed.

Here's a list of all sorts of ways you can take care of yourself(external link).

You could watch a video to learn a karakia (prayer) to be calm(external link) from Speak Māori.

Your church, marae, temple, mosque or synagogue offers spiritual support, as well as community and practical help. Support from whānau and friends who understand what you're coping with (as they are too) is really important. So reach out and let people know how you are feeling and you can support each other.

If you ever feel you're not coping, it's important to talk with a trained health professional.

Helplines

• Need to talk? (1737– free call or text) 
• The Depression Helpline (0800 111 757) 757 or free text 4202 
• Healthline (0800 611 116)
• Youthline (0800 376 633)
• The Lowdown Text 5626 for support to help young people recognise and understand depression or anxiety.
• Alcohol Drug Helpline (0800 787 797)

Digital tools

• Groov(external link) is an app you can use to monitor, manage and improve your mental wellbeing.
• Small Steps(external link) help you maintain wellness, find relief, or get help for yourself, friends or whānau
• HABITs Messenger – (including Aroha Chatbot) a uniquely New Zealand chatbot app designed for young people.
• Triple P Online(external link) online parenting support.