This pukapuka had me immersed from start to finish, and I usually wouldn’t say that about a nonfiction book. There is just something so special about Ara, so (excuse the pun) mindful, and each rua had me thinking so deeply about so may things in my life, my past, my emotions, and so much more.

From the best-selling author of Aroha and Wawata, comes a unique exploration of how to think about thinking, rooted in the wisdom of Māori culture. Dr Hinemoa Elder introduces us to a profound journey guided by Hinengaro, Māori goddess of the mind, leading us through 23 specific rua, caves, into the unfamiliar depths of Papatūānuku, our earth mother, and back to the surface again. Hinengaro offers us a dedicated path to gather insights, face challenges and help us navigate the complexities of our minds. Ara: A Māori guidebook of the mind is a resource for anyone seeking some comfort and clarity amid the chaos of our life’s path. Travel through this mind map navigating growth and discovery. Join Dr Hinemoa Elder’s quest through these ancient rua and learn about the many gifts and lessons Hinengaro has waiting for you.

This is a guide book, a book akin to self-help, but so deeply connected to community, tūpuna, whānau, and the many deities that make up the Māori gods and goddesses. You are not on this journey alone, which is why I hesitate to call it a self-help pukapuka. You are guided throughout the thinking, throughout the reading and contemplating and planning, and you are always supported. This really stood out to me as I read Ara, and it almost felt like a resource tool prior to approaching research projects. There is clarity and a purpose drawn up in these chapters, with each rua building on the last and reflected in the journey back to the surface. It takes you on a journey that is interwoven with so many important elements of te ao Māori and Māori life, and life in all cultures and areas of the world.

From the preparation steps of identifying the knowledge you have, the mental skills you possess, and the significance of memory, to the deeper workings closer to the centre where we are considering creativity, how we speak, our ability to teach and learn, these are all key steps in better understanding many things to the fullest. I won’t spoil the middle or the journey back to the surface, as I do want you to read Ara for yourselves and feel the energy that comes from these teachings. Just know that it is such a mentally and emotionally involved process, and the more you put yourself into the thinking the more you will get out of it.

This is my favourite pukapuka of Dr Hinemoa Elder’s so far, and i have almost every chapter tabbed for latter reread and review. I had so many thoughts while moving through these rua, so many idea for presentations and the ways I want to continue building on my future research plans. This pukapuka had me invested from beginning to end and beyond, and I cannot wait to see what comes of its influence in my thinking. Kia ora Dr Hinemoa Elder, you have changed my thinking for good!