Oops, your cart is empty!
Hikitia Te Hā
Hikitia Te Hā is a series of simple te ao Māori breathing exercises that anyone can learn. Focusing on our breathing calms the body and mind, and is a very helpful practice for feeling more present and mindful. Hikitia Te Hā was developed by Rawiri Hindle, and we're proud to support more people to give it a go!
Why try Hikitia Te Ha?
Practising Hikitia Te Hā on a daily basis can help make us more present in the moment, and more aware of te hā (the breath).
Tip 1: The in-breath
Start each action by breathing slowly through your nose on the in-breath (hā ki roto), with simple, open-hearted attention.
Tip 2: The out-breath
On the out-breath relax and let your jaw drop so it’s nice and relaxed, mouth slightly open, and make the sound of your breath going outward.
Tip 3: Go slow
Practice the movements slowly, like tai chi. You may want to create your own movements as a body form for the different ātua. Be creative!
Translations for Hikitia Te Hā
Curious about the kupu (words) in our Hikitia Te Hā breathing sequence? Here are some translations explaining the sacred meanings of each phrase.
Ranginui
Greetings to the Sky Father
Papatūānuku
Greetings to Mother Earth
Tāne Mahuta
Greetings to God of the forest, trees and birds
Tangaroa
Greetings to God of ocean, fish and ocean creatures
Tāwhirimātea
Greetings to God of the weather (winds, clouds, ran, hail snow storms)
Rūaumoko
Greetings to the God of earthquakes and volcanoes
Tūmatauenga
Greetings to the God of war/conflict
Ki Runga
Greetings to all that is above
Ki Raro
Greetings to all that is below
Ki Roto
Greetings to all that is within
Ki Waho
Greetings to the universe and beyond
Te mihi ki a rātou ki a whetūrangitia
Look to the heavens and acknowledge loved ones passed on
Te mihi ki a tātou katoa
Acknowledging all of us
Mauriora
Vitality and life force