In early October, Māori Yogi, Taane Mete, led the world in a virtual mindfulness and yoga experience, live from the scenic backdrop of Glendhu Bay in Wānaka, New Zealand.
The yoga class was taught from beautiful Glendhu Bay, streaming live around the world via the Pure New Zealand Facebook Page, and was saved to the platform for future viewing and participation. View the class at your leisure to switch off from the world and connect back with the earth and your breath.
Taane Mete is an Auckland-based yoga teacher, dancer, choreographer, and healer, who infuses his practice with Māori mythology, culture and values, aiming to help people better connect with their wairua (spirit). He sees Māori culture and yoga as similar ancient practices that weave together sense of Papatūānuku, or grounding to Mother Earth. A master of his craft, Taane has created a truly unique experience for the world to share.
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The 30-minute slow flow yoga class is designed for all levels, set to the tranquil sounds of New Zealand nature. The class begins with a guided seated meditation and mihi kite manawa (greetings to the breath). Under the theme of Papatūānuku, the whole experience wove together connection with the land (Whenua,) Te Reo (the Māori language), and Māori philosophy.
“This is your time to create space and freedom for yourself. Tiaki – caring for people and place. Coming together in community sharing the gifts of Aroha – love. Etu – stand tall. Ground your feet in the Whenua – land. And rise up through the spine, reaching the head to the sky.” – Taane Mete.
The event happened on World Mental Health Day, a perfect reminder of how important it is to take pause in your life and create a mindful space for yourself.
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Benefits Of Mindfulness
Mindfulness can be thought of as an awareness that arises from paying attention on purpose, with an attitude of kindness and acceptance. This moment of pause can come from anything, such as listening to music or a guided meditation, taking a yoga class, or getting out for a walk in nature. Wherever you feel the greatest sense of clam.
Studies have shown that as little as 10 minutes of mindfulness practice a day can produce tangible benefits in both your personal life and professional life. Paying attention to your thoughts can help regulate emotions, clear your head, sharpen focus or creativity, and even allow you to become more adaptable to changing circumstances.
First Steps To A Mindful Practice
Consider carving out space for yourself each morning for a mindful activity, before the distractions of the day settle in.
100% Pure New Zealand’s Spotify playlist called Mindful Journey’s is a great resource of guided mediations and soothing nature sounds. Do not be frustrated if your thoughts wander as you listen. Be curious about where your thinking goes and allow yourself to drift off before bringing your focus back to your breath.
Create space for yourself and for mindfulness wherever you are in the world, and join Taane Mete in his incredibly grounding virtual meditation and yoga practice. Link to the class can be found here.
Virtual Yoga Chant
Whakataka te hau ki te uru
Whakataka te hau ki te tonga
Kia mākinakina ki uta
Kia mātaratara ki tai
E hī ake ana te atakura
He tio, he huka, he hau hū
Tīhei mauri ora!
Cease the winds from the west
Cease the winds from the south
Let the breeze blow over the land
Let the breeze blow over the ocean
Let the red-tipped dawn come with a sharpened air.
A touch of frost, a promise of a glorious day.
WHY YOGA AND MINDFULNESS
- Yoga has proven benefits for your mental health: increases body awareness, relieves stress, reduces inflammation, enhances sleep quality, calms and centres the nervous system and can improve the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- What is mindfulness? There are many definitions of mindfulness, but it can be thought of as an awareness that arises from paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and without judgement. An awareness of the present moment, with an attitude of kindness and acceptance.
- As little as 10 minutes a day of mindfulness practices can produce tangible benefits for processionals across a company, increasing their ability to focus, regulate emotions, empathize and adapt to changing circumstances. They become better able to collaborate with others, more resilient and able to handle complex and uncertain conditions at work.
TIPS FOR BEING MORE MINDFUL:
- Consider carving out 10 minutes in the morning for a mindful activity such as listening to music, meditation or yoga. This encourages natural habit development and can start your day off mindfully before distractions set in.
- Listen to one of Tourism New Zealand’s audio tracks on their Mindful Journeys album. Search 100% Pure New Zealand on Spotify and look for the official 100% Pure New Zealand logo, or click here.
- Don’t be frustrated if your thoughts wander as you listen. Be curious about where your thinking goes and allow yourself the space to drift off before bringing your focus back to your breath.
- Sign up for your virtual yoga!
