does knowing what to expect make it better?

We covered the summary of Tāne’s ascent to Tikitikiorangi in our first post of the series, last week.

Let’s lead with this section from that post and we’ll build the waka (canoe), build our wānanga (internalisation, discussion) as we go,

“know that conflict and challenges will come

— your very decision to choose this path invites it.

But also know that with the right support systems

or people in place, you will find the tāonga waiting for you.”

A direct reference to the conflict between Whiro v Tāne, in the pūrakau (story) and within us. but does knowing what to expect make it better? What good does knowing about the adversities and barriers and their inevitable appearance in our lives?

Would you rather not know?

Would that benefit us more? Does knowing just play on underlying anxieties and insecurities, therefore crippling us into inaction? I mean, we could very easily indulge in the idea, ‘what’s the point in pursuing anything if we’re going to meet resistance anyway?’

A valid thought, for sure. I’ll be honest, I’ve had my moments where I’ve had that exact thought and told myself, ‘you know what Hana? You’re right, what is the point… you try all these things and come up against barriers, they’re always gonna be there — why bother?’

Well, simple.

“Even if we never take action,

there’s still a thought, a curiosity that won’t let up,

a seed that true to its nature

— continuously reaches for the light.

That is our nature.

from the blog post a couple months ago about being catalysts for change.

It is literally in our biological, physiological makeup to realise our potential, to live our life’s purpose, to reach for the light, regardless of what challenges await us.

In some cases, knowing about this may be a barrier in and of itself whereas in other situations, not knowing = lack of preparedness = inability to do the thing = this circumstance becomes barrier.

As you learn more about yourself and what works for you, what doesn’t, you become more attuned with which situations require more info and knowing, and which ones you can do without.

For me, knowing that adversities always come; that expressions of Whiro and Te Aitanga a Pēpeke will always manifest in some way, means I can factor that into my preparations. I’m not (completely) blindsided when the challenges arise and I lean into the pūrākau and other stories to reinforce my trust in whakapapa (process), that despite the adversities,

Tāne still retrieved the baskets of knowledge, realised his potential and incarnated the human element — I can too.

Tēnā tātou,

Hana.