Strength, Courage and a Big Heart
"Kia Kaha
Kia Maia
Kia Manawanui"
"Be Brave
Be Strong
Be Big-Hearted"
- Prayer at the New Zealand Citizenship Ceremony on the 11th of November 2024 at the Auckland Town Hall
Something amazing took place for me on Monday: I became a New Zealand Citizen!
I have been living in New Zealand for 11 years and had the right to stay forever with a permanent residency. Due to laws in Germany, I had not been able to apply for the New Zealand Citizenship without relinquishing my German Passport. That law was reviewed this year and I applied for Citizenship. So technically, nothing changed. I can stay forever in the country I have chosen as my home. Yet, a lot changed. For me - and this is a very personal view - it was like getting married. Technically, nothing changed after my now husband and I tied the knot, but when I looked at us the day after our wedding, there was an even stronger sense of belonging.
In a way, that is what I felt yesterday, walking through Auckland. I committed to this country with an oath, both in English and Te Reo Maori. What I and the other 519 people from dozens of countries were given, was a very warm welcome, the reminder of duties and rights and the prayer above.
For me, those words are a great guide to live by.
They could have probably added: "...and enjoy the ride whenever you can", but maybe that is implied in the big-heartedness, which for me means both kindness and zest for life with joy.
Life is challenging. In order to navigate life, strength and courage are essential. We will encounter situations that bring us out of our comfort zone and sometimes, we may doubt if we have enough energy to go through with something. Being big-hearted, relates to our need as human beings to connect, serve and feel.
The image I have chosen for today's Mindful Musing is of a New Zealand native plant. This fern has been accepted as a symbol of New Zealand’s national identity since the 1880s. To Māori, the elegant shape of the fronds stood for strength, stubborn resistance, and enduring power. To Pākehā (non-polynesian New Zealanders), the fern may symbolise our sense of attachment to our chosen homeland. Position two developing fern fronds mirroring each other, you have a heart-shape. It needs more than one. Humans need each other to be big-hearted.
I'd like to use this moment to express my gratitude to those who listen, see and support me. It is wonderful to know you are there. Thank you. Ngā mihi nui.
My invitation to you today:
Become aware of your strength, your courage and your big-heartedness.
How do you want to live these traits?
This is your time.
With a very happy big heart
Yours kindly
Mel
