Te Whare Tapa Whā
Te Whare Tapa Whā, developed in 1984 by Sir Mason Durie, presents a holistic model of hauora (health and well-being) through the metaphor of a wharenui (meeting house), representing a house with four walls. Each wall symbolizes a dimension of our health, with our connection to the whenua (land) forming the foundation.
The Four Dimensions:
- Taha Wairua (The Spiritual)
- Taha Hinengaro (Thoughts and Feelings)
- Taha Tinana (The Physical)
- Taha Whānau (Family and Social)
When one or more of these walls are imbalanced, our hauora is affected. Achieving balance in these dimensions is crucial for strength and stability. By nurturing and strengthening each area, we can support our holistic health and well-being.
Below is a visual representation of how these four dimensions overlap and influence each other. Focusing too much on one aspect while neglecting others can disrupt our well-being. For instance, prioritizing nutrition without addressing emotional health, or exercising without adequate sleep, can be counterproductive. It's essential to check in on all aspects of your well-being to live a happy and healthy life.
Taha Tinana (Physical)
Taha Tinana relates to our growth and development. It’s often apparent when something needs to change in this dimension. Consistency in changing one thing at a time is key!
This includes:
- Movement
- Conscious breathing
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Confidence
- Ways of caring for our body
- Nutrition
- Relaxation
Taha Hinengaro (Mental and Emotional)
Taha Hinengaro is about how our mind connects to our heart, consciousness, thoughts, and feelings. Our thoughts directly influence our feelings, communication, and actions. Managing setbacks beyond our control is a good measure of this pillar.
This includes:
- Communicating thoughts and feelings
- Resilience
- Enjoyment and fun
- Problem-solving
- Attention span
- Decision making
- Positive self-talk
- Self-regulation
Taha Wairua (Spiritual)
This pillar is crucial as it defines who we are, what drives us, and our sense of purpose. It varies for everyone, whether it’s religion or an internal connection, understanding our values and beliefs.
This includes:
- Sense of purpose
- Values
- Goal setting
- Appreciating nature
- Gratitude
- Connection to self, others, and the world
Taha Whānau (Social)
Research shows that social connectedness is as vital for our health as nutrition and exercise. Taha Whānau represents the health of our family, which can also include friends we choose as family.
This includes:
- Social interaction
- Sense of belonging
- Kindness
- Compassion
- Helping others
- Empathy
- Contribution to community
- Cultural value
- Relationships
Finding Balance and Supporting Your Well-Being
If you are interested in learning more about hauora, here are some handy links:
- Te Whare Tapa Whā - Ministry of Health
- Te Whare Tapa Whā and Wellbeing - Health Navigator
- Fill My Whare Tapa Whā - Sparklers
I offer a range of classes, courses and journals to support your holistic health and well-being so that you can thrive. Check them out here.