To get ready for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori | Māori Language Week 2018 which kicks off on 10th September, I thought I would share a calming breathing exercise that uses Te Reo Māori and draws on Te Ao Māori.
Hikitia te hā is a simple breathing exercise that coordinates gentle movement with your inhale and exhale. Hikitia means to step up, to lengthen, to lift up. And te hā is the breath.
There are four videos that offer different movement options including a Taiaha (long wooden weapon), yoga, tai chi and the original version. The videos are about 5 minutes each.
Below is the yoga version. The video includes Te Reo Māori Tuhi (written) and Kōrero (spoken) directions and cues that are easy to follow and practice speaking.
Hikitia te hā was created by Rawiri Hindle for All Right?, a Healthy Christchurch initiative. The initiative supports people to become more aware of their mental heath and wellbeing, and to take small and regular steps to improve it. They have many more resources on their website.
And if you want to work a little more on your own Te Reo Māori check out the Hākinakina Booklet focused on language we use in sports, including parts of the body.
