Tauira Māori on campus
Māne (Monday)
Tūrei (Tuesday)
Wenerei (Wednesday)
Hoki atu ki tō kāinga – Just go home
Nā Elyse Rahiri
Only a quarter of the way through the year and already most of us are feeling a bit pau te hau. Getting back into the swing of study can be overwhelming and even worse if you have people pleasing tendencies, don’t say no, and end up taking on too much. Think about your energy levels like a bathtub with water draining out as you expend energy. When you rest, you put a plug in the drain and allow the water to still. But you also need time to recharge which is when you turn on the tap to refill the water. Resting and recharging can look very different, but they are both essential. Without these, we risk draining all our wai and burning out. One of the best things to do in these times is go home: back to your whānau, your marae, your awa or maunga. Being in these spaces and around people who love you can heal some of the deepest wounds and allow you to rest and recharge in a familiar, safe space.
But what happens when home is far away? Or when home is more stressful than relaxing? It can be hard to feel connected and grounded when you’re restricted by distance and it’s easy to feel isolated and alone. There is no one solution here and I definitely don’t have all the answers but if you’re still reading this you’re probably looking for one, so my best advice? Look for reminders of home or a safe place in nature and in the people around you. Miss your awa? Go sit by the Waikato. Miss your maunga? Go walk around Pirongia. Don’t underestimate the power of simply laying on the grass in the sun. If nothing else, being in nature can offer the silence you need to reflect and be present. On top of that, learn to reach out and connect with the people around you. Isolation is a recipe for burn out and I promise you do not have to carry all the weight on your shoulders alone. So if you’re feeling stressed or alone, hoki atu ki tō kāinga me tō whānau or whatever that looks like for you.
Te Reo Māori phrases –
Āhea ka kati a sue’s? – When does Sue’s open
Tēnā homai kia kotahi te rākau papaka – Can i get one crab stick ?
Āhea rātou ka whakatū i tētahi kāuta ? – when are they gonna put a bakery up
He aha te take kei te kōrero tonu a Seamus mō te grad? – Why does Seamus keep talking about Graduation.
