Hikitia te hā

Focusing on our breathing is a very helpful and basic practice for becoming more mindful. Combining it with some simple actions makes it even better.

Hikitia te Hā is a simple breathing exercise that anyone can learn. Practicing Hikitia te Hā on a daily basis with simple, open-hearted attention can help us become more aware of te hā (the breath) and be more present in each moment.

Ask tamariki some of the ways they focus and find calm.

Acknowledge these are all great things to do.

Say: A great way to become more aware of what you’re doing and how you’re feeling is to spend a few minutes each day practicing mindfulness.

Hikitia te Hā is a simple breathing exercise that can help you to become more mindful and relaxed. By becoming more aware of te hā (the breath), Hikitia te Hā allows us to be more present in the moment, and calms us.

We recommend running through the sequence with tamariki without too much ‘explanation’. There may be lots of giggles to begin with, but generally tamariki will join in and the surprisingly the group will complete Hikitia te Hā calmer (than when they began!).

Here is the video to make a start!

We'd suggest repeating this activity whenever you'd like to have a calm moment. We also hear, students sometimes do it on their own... ka pai!

To help you mix it up, All Right? has developed three new Hikitia te Hā sequences. Give them a go using the videos below.

Our whānau page also features articles on the people involved in these videos and how taiaha, tai chi and yoga help them connect to their culture and provide a way to be mindful and reach calm and happy ways of being:

• Aaron Hapuku – Celebrating being Māori with Taiaha
• Mana Fleming – Back to Basics (Tai Chi)
• Letesha Halett – Strength By Yoga

If you’re looking for more traditional Māori and cultural activities, head here for some ideas.