How do you get people to see your perspective, to value what you value?
I’m still working on that one in some areas of my life ha but in terms of tupuna mātauranga, this blog has revealed a few things I’d like to share.
It should be no surprise that quite often along this journey with the blog, I’ve been criticised, critiqued and scolded even ha — by those close to me and also by complete strangers.
I’ve been told ‘why do you put so much time into that thing (the blog)? You get no (I’m assuming financial) return from it,” “you shouldn’t be sharing that online” and even “hey Hana, I saw your post about ‘x’ and ….” before they go onto mansplain to me why what I wrote was incorrect — all the while not realising,
the blog isn’t and has never been about being ‘right.’
What a plot twist in my life that would be! Hika mā, the perspectives, thought processes, beliefs, observations and interpretations of tupuna mātauranga I’ve shared here are mine, they work or don’t work for me and that’s it! A perspective, not the perspective. My experiences with life and all its magic and magic-that’s-harder-to-see-sometimes haha and definitely not the only way to go about it.
But perhaps an alternative angle to approach something from, or a similar one that reaffirms what you know to be true in your heart and puku. Or something that makes you think, ‘hmm.. never thought of it like that’ as you continue on your way.
I never understood the power of sharing and opening yourself up and essentially, trusting others with a piece of you. Growing up, I avoided this like nobody’s business! Be vulnerable? Ha! I don’t think so. Share the innermost workings of my mind and heart? Get real.
This journey of becoming self-aware through/with whakapapa has amongst other things, taught me how important it is to share. Not only what we have, but who we are with others. It’s up to you how you want to do that and no… you don’t have to start a blog or social media platform.
What I mean is, we don’t live our lives in isolation — obviously we’re not talking about covid restrictions, but about the connection to the collectives we belong and are accountable to.
This blog has been an incredible waka to share what I’m passionate about and value; i.e. tupuna mātauranga, and has introduced me to new lands of possibility, new connections I’d never known before and reintroduced me to parts of myself I didn't even realise were there.*
In a way, this blog is a collection of pūrākau about my life. lol in a way…. and that’s the power of sharing story. In the right context, it allows a space for vulnerability which ultimately lays the foundation for connection.
The deep, enriching, replenishing kind.
“We don’t empower people directly, but we can create an environment where they empower themselves.”
When you envision that environment, what does it feel like, look like, sound like? What thoughts does it encourage people to think? How safe do people feel to be themselves and open themselves up to trust a little piece of themselves with others, or with you?
What do you need to do, or perhaps stop doing in order to make that space manifest? That might lead you to answering the title of this blog… just maybe.
Tēnā tātou,
Hana.
*This last one’s an ongoing process which is mostly empowering and great, other times humbling and confronting, other times defeating.. all equally important parts of the haerenga.