Back on the waka, is almost like ground hog day for me. It repeats and repeats and repeats. .
There’s this classic scene in the film Moana, where Maui keeps throwing Moana off her OWN waka (boat/ vehicle/ canoe/ mode of transport), not once, but repeatedly.
Maui has secured Moana’s boat and sets sail, after throwing her off the boat. She is stunned. That is her boat and she is on a quest. She begins swimming towards the boat which by now is way off in the distance. The sea, Tangaroa, has other ideas.
Tangaroa lifts her up on a wave and delivers her back on the boat. To both his surprise and Moana’s. He promptly throws her off again. The ocean replies and delivers her back onto the boat. She stands firm and tells Maui, ‘I am Moana of Motonui. You will board my boat, sail across the sea and restore the heart of Te Fiti.’ Maui throws her off again before she can finish. And again, Tangaroa insists.
Until finally Maui realises he has no choice. Moana is here to stay.
We get on and off the waka. Sometimes we are thrown out (like how Maui kept throwing Moana off in the film).
Sometimes we manage to paddle/ row forwards. Sometimes despite our best efforts to paddle/ row forwards, we get caught in a current that takes us backwards.
Sometimes, huge insurmountable waves engulf us and our boat
Sometimes we fall out of the waka.
Sometimes we choose to jump.
Some days we are nowhere to be seen and are not even in the waka.
Sometimes we are just cruising along in this waka. Letting the river and the ocean take us to where we need to go (not always the best strategy, especially without any paddles).
Sometimes we loose the paddles to the waka.
In the film, Moana, sought out Maui Tiki Tiki a Taranga to teach her how to sail her waka. Maui wasn’t on board (pun intended) with this and kept throwing her off the waka. It was TANGAROA who kept placing Moana back on their waka.
So that she could fulfil her quest, which was restoring the heart of Te Fiti.
So who is your Tangaroa? Who will place you back on the waka.
The other night, after a few beers (4 to be exact) I decided it was time to get back on the waka with my Iron Maori training. I have been off for way to long. So I began to compose an email to a previous coach of mine asking whether the coach believed, if I applied myself, could I be ready in 6 months time to tackle Iron TOA (the full event – 3.8k swim, 180k bike and 42k run). I also, momentarily, contemplated just signing up for it and paying my money, regardless of what the Coach might reply back.
The next morning, upon waking, I was so relieved that I did NEITHER of those things. And this is where it feels like Ground Hog Day. On and off the waka. Even if for a fleeting moment.
I am working on a journal titled ‘My TIHEI Journey’ which I am developing for someone just like me. Someone, who keeps falling on and off the waka with their hauora journey. But someone who keeps coming back to it. To wanting to eat better. Exercise better. Connect better. I’m going to trial it on myself first. Lol. Watch this space.
Lisa x
Omg too relatable. Only I am not attempting iron Māori- just to go for a simple walk daily!! Anyone who even considers Iron Māori is inspiring to me. Definitely on again off again with my manuscript. Discipline is not one of my strongest points... I will love the Tihi journal!