Open letter to the people of New Zealand

Tuesday 17th October 2023

Post-election is a time we’ve long been heading towards, given the state of affairs nationally and globally. It feels like the day after losing a RWC final, only far more serious.

Whether you were feeling hopeful in the possibility of political improvements or not… whether you voted or not, we’re all in this together. Now, we will all go through the painful process of reflection, reconciliation, realisations and a process of healing, in order to proceed in a new way.

Change is an inside job

Creating the life we want starts within. It’s deeply personal and no one can do it for us. Joy is an inside job. Everything we ever wanted starts with our own choices. We are a mirror of the world around us. Want more peace? Be peaceful. Want more love? Be loving.

While it is tempting to naval gaze, point fingers, blame others and feel angry with the many unjust things happening around us… we would like to invite you to ponder another option. Surrender it all. Put down the baggage you’re shouldering. Breathe. Spend time in nature. Go offline, and re-centre. Count your blessings. Be in gratitude for being here at this pivotal time in history. If you’re in networks or online groups that don’t serve your energy or mental health… remove yourself.

Taking responsibility of our own actions, and not putting hope nor blame in anyone outside of ourselves, is longest journey from head to heart that we will ever embark on.

Reflect, reset, reframe

There is nothing new under the sun. History is repeating itself. And always, it is the people, not the powers that be, that create the solutions and get us through the troubling times. And so, on reflection… what are your lessons? Reset… forgive yourself, forgive one another, rebuild bridges if you must. Reframe… take the lessons, pull your shoulders back, and keep moving forward.

Global issues, local solutions

What is your passion area in this road to inner and outer freedom? Start from the inside, and work your way out. Don’t try save the world, at the detriment to your own personal well-being. When pondering who to trust… we can trust our own conscience, intuition, and the development of growing awareness.

Peaceful noncompliance

Taking your own stand, in areas of your own life - which is ‘walking the talk’… is the most powerful action you can take. Do it because you believe it’s the right thing to do. NOT to prove anything, resist anything, or incite anything.

Peacefully go about your life, being the change you wish to see in the world. THAT is how we change the world. A smile, a positive comment, an encouraging word, a listening ear. Give, and you shall receive.

With aroha,

Penny Marie, Dr Rene, Tim L, Randall R and friends