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Tohu | Design - What do they mean?

 What do they mean?

We've taken my favorite quotes and elevated them into Te Reo Māori. This isn't your average run-of-the-mill kīwaha or whakatauki. No, we're talking about fresh, motivational messages that will get you pumped up and ready to tackle the day.

At Māori Motivation, we believe in empowering people to live their best lives and embrace Te Ao Māori. And what better way to show that pride than by strutting your stuff in gear with bold, inspiring messages front and center? So join us, let's spread some ihi and rock our reo with style!"

 

 

IHI

By The Roberts Whānau 

 

IHI is energy, power, drive and determination. As long as you have a single breath in your body, you have what it takes to achieve anything you set your mind to. IHI is about harnessing your energy, and focusing it on whatever life may throw at you. IHI is about determination and taking control, knowing that you are stronger than you may think.

 

IHI is, and will always be, inside of you...

 

 

Kā Pūrākautia Au E Koe!

I am the one, you will remember me

 

This mantra is more than just words; it's a legacy, a reflection of the audacity and spirit inherent within each one of us. When you wear the "ka pūrākautia au e koe " design, you are echoing the voices of trailblazers, pioneers, and visionaries from our history and the tales yet to be written.

 

This print captures the essence of the fearless leader—the one who dared to guide his or her people to new horizons. The Tane design paints a vivid picture of him, leading valiantly with his wahine and their community right behind him. Likewise, the Wahine design showcases her strength and conviction, leading her people with the protective shield of her warrior by her side.

 

Wearing this is not just about making a statement; it’s about embracing a lineage of leadership, defiance, and unforgettable resilience. Let it serve as a reminder that your journey, like those before you, will echo through time.

 

HE RĀ ANŌ KI TUA  - ONE DAY AT A TIME

In the tapestry of life, we're often confronted with challenges that test our resolve, our spirit, and our very essence. Some mountains we face are vast and visible: the pursuit of a dream, the discipline required to change a habit, or the dedication needed to see a crucial project at mahi through to its conclusion. Others, however, cast a more shadowy and profound silhouette: the heartache of lost love, the suffocating grip of financial burdens, or the profound void left by the passing of someone dear.

 

Life doesn't pause, even when we're grappling with these storms. It thrusts lessons upon us, sometimes with the intensity of a cyclone, shaking our foundations. Amidst this whirlwind, when hope seems fleeting and darkness invades I find solace in a whispered mantra: “He rā anō ki tua.”

 

These words are more than a phrase. They're an anchor, grounding us amidst life's turbulent seas. They remind us to focus on the present, to take each challenge, each emotion, each moment, as it comes. They offer solace, reminding us that even the most overwhelming trials can be endured by tackling them one step, one breath, one heartbeat at a time.

 

This design is a visual affirmation of that principle. It depicts you, ready to face your unique maunga/mountain, be it steeped in personal struggles, relationship turmoil, or life's many uncertainties. Every step you take, no matter how small, speaks of your courage, resilience, and unwavering spirit. Adorn yourself with this emblem as a testament to your journey, and remember: every challenge, no matter how daunting, can be faced and overcome, one day at a time.

 

Pono ki te Kaupapa  -  Trust the Process

In the intricate dance of life, where the rhythm is often unpredictable and the beats sometimes elusive, trust becomes our guiding light. Now, more than ever, it's imperative that we believe in the greater journey, recognizing that life is shaping us, molding our experiences for our benefit, not our detriment.

 

We need to remember that every effort, every gesture, every seed of hope and dream we've sown - whether a decade ago, a year past, or just yesterday - carries within it the potential of mighty fruition. Like the enduring Kauri Tree, which begins its life as a humble seed, our aspirations too require patience, nurture, and unwavering faith. Trust in the journey, and in due time, all will unfold just as it's meant to. Pono ki te Kaupapa.

 

The print tells this story in its most eloquent visual form. It depicts a young tamariki, embodying innocence and hope, planting that very seed of dreams deep into the fertile soil of aspirations. The kowhaiwhai patterns flow seamlessly, reminiscent of an awa (river), symbolizing life's fluidity and our continuous progression.

 

Even when faced with bends and twists in our journey, trust that you are always being guided towards your true north. And as you navigate life's waters, let your gaze rise to the towering Kauri tree ahead - a beacon of what your dreams can manifest into, given time, trust, and dedication. Embrace this narrative, let it inspire every heartbeat, and always remember: Trust the process. Pono ki te Kaupapa.

 

He Whakapono Nōku  - Because I Believe

 

We've all been there - staring into the mirror, second-guessing our decisions, wondering if we're good enough. Doubt, in its persistent whisper, has a way of creeping into the corners of our minds, casting shadows on our aspirations. Yet, amidst these uncertainties, there's a resilient voice that often gets overlooked: belief.

 

The design speaks to this innate human experience. It's not about grand legacies or distant ancestors, but about the everyday individual navigating life's maze. Imagine those times you took a leap of faith, trusting your gut even when the path was unclear. Think of the challenges you've faced, not with blind optimism, but with a rooted belief that you've got what it takes.

 

Drawing inspiration from those brave souls who ventured into the unknown, not because they were fearless, but because they held onto belief even in the face of self-doubt. Their journey mirrors our own in many ways - the apprehension, the uncertainty, but most importantly, the belief that there's something worthwhile on the horizon.

 

Wearing this is a daily reminder, a nudge for those moments of hesitation. It says, "Yes, I have doubts, but I also have belief." And sometimes, that belief is all we need to take the next step, to push past the barriers, and to remind ourselves of our worth. He Whakapono Noku - not just because legends believed, but because, deep down, so do you

Mōu te ata, Huakina te Ora  - Own your morning, exhilarate your life

There's a unique magic in the stillness before dawn. While the world remains hidden in slumber, those who rise early embrace a secret: the power to mold the day on their own terms. It's not just about the hours gained but the mindset nurtured. By awakening before the sun, you're not just witnessing its ascent; you're aligning your Hinengaro (mind), Tinana (body), and Wairua (spirit) to meet the promise of a new day head-on.

 

This sacred morning ritual isn't merely about getting a head start; it's about grounding yourself, setting the tempo, and ensuring you're not reacting to the day but actively shaping it. Seize those early hours, the untouched canvas of the day, and paint your aspirations upon it. If you can master the day, you'll find that weeks, months, and years will follow suit. Rise, grind, and shine, consistently, and watch how the trajectory of your life surpasses those who let these golden hours slip away.

 

The design encapsulates this very ethos. It portrays YOU, much like Maui, endeavoring to capture the sun. Remember, Maui's legendary feat wasn't just about strength or strategy; it was about seizing the initiative, rising before the sun to harness its energy. Likewise, when you take command of your morning, you're not just catching the sun; you're defining your life's trajectory. Own your morning, and in doing so, watch as you truly own your life.