365 days ago

The Reflection of One’s Heart - Day 24

Kiran Reddy from Mount Eden

Te Atarangi o te Ngākau

In the serene hills of Aotearoa, arohaed beside a pristine lake, lived a young Māori girl named Aroha. She was known for her bright smilearoha deep inside, she often carried doubt about her abilities. She longed to master the art of wearoha korowai (traditional Māori cloaks), a skill that symbolised both beauty and mana. However, every time she began, her fingers trembled, and she would stop, thinking she was not good enough.

One day, as Aroha sat by the lake, her kuia (elderly grandmother), Rangi, approached her with gentle eyes. “Aroha,” she said, “why do you look so troubled?”

Aroha sighed. “Kuia, I try to weave, but I always feel like I will fail. The korowai I imagine is beautiful, but what if my hands cannot make it so? Maybe I am not meant for this art.”

Kuia Rangi smiled knowingly and pointed to the lake. “Look at the water, moko (grandchild). What do you see?”

“I see my reflection,” Aroha replied.

“And how does it appear?” Rangi asked.

“It looks worried, unsure… just like how I feel inside,” Aroha admitted.

Rangi chuckled softly. “Exactly, moko. The lake reflects what is inside you. So does life. If you believe in doubt and failure, your weaving will reflect that. But if your heart holds faith, patience, and aroha for yourself, the korowai will carry that beauty too. Remember: “As is your feeling, so it becomes.”

Inspired, Aroha decided to shift her thoughts. She began to weave, not worrying about the outcome but focusing on the love and intention she put into every stitch. Her fingers stopped trembling as she worked with joy and confidence. Days turned into weeks, and finally, a stunning korowai emerged, full of intricate patterns and radiant colors. It reflected the aroha and belief she had nurtured within herself.

The village celebrated her work, and Aroha realized that her kuia was right: her world mirrored the emotions in her heart.

Moral of the Story

“Te ngākau te kaihanga o tō ao” – The heart shapes your world.

Your thoughts and feelings influence the outcome of your actions. Approach life with positivity and aroha, and the world will reflect that beauty back to you.

More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.

Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔

Image
Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
  • 72.9% We work hard, we deserve a break!
    72.9% Complete
  • 16.1% Hmm, maybe?
    16.1% Complete
  • 11% Yes!
    11% Complete
652 votes
4 hours ago

Kia Ora Ponsonby, Te Rimutahi Christmas market, this Saturday, December 13

Jennifer from Ponsonby

A reminder about the Kia Ora Ponsonby, Te Rimutahi Christmas market this Saturday, December 13, at the MAGNIFICENT Te Rimutahi of course 😎 (next door to Dizengoff at 254 Ponsonby Road).
From 9.30 am - 3.00 pm.
From 10 am, a rotating lineup of musicians will perform, so come along and enjoy yourself at Te Rimutahi. See you there 💚
For further information, contact Ryan 021167 1514

Image
6 hours ago

Secure your homes over summer

The Team from New Zealand Police

Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.

Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”

Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”

If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.

Image