Ara by Dr Hinemoa Elder

From the best-selling author of Aroha, Wawata, Waitohu and E Moko Dear Moko, comes a unique exploration of how to think about thinking, rooted in the wisdom of Māori culture. In Ara: A Māori guidebook of the mind, Dr Hinemoa Elder invites us on a meaningful journey into the caves of Hinengaro, Māori goddess of the mind.

“She is in charge of everything we think and feel, what we believe and how we see ourselves. She is the one who gives us the tools to make decisions, to grow our learning,” says Hinemoa.

Through Hinengaro’s guidance we are invited to enter 23 rua for a mind map of self-discovery. These caves are ancient places of reflection, challenge and renewal. Each rua offers lessons, insights and tools to help us navigate our lives. It’s an opportunity to pause and consider our personal thoughts. Ara is for anyone seeking clarity and guidance to navigate personal growth.

“There is no manual for the mind. Across culture and centuries, we have searched for ways to understand our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. Ara draws on Māori knowledge systems to offer a new kind of mind map - one that is both ancient and urgently relevant for our times,” she says. “My audacious goal is to provide much-needed life guidance for both our local and global communities.”

If you’ve loved Hinemoa’s Aroha, Wawata, and Waitohu, you’ll want to add Ara to your collection. It’s the same beautiful hardback format. The stunning artwork by Jade Townsend reimagines Hinemoa’s words in dramatic gestural brush strokes.

Dr Hinemoa Elder (Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Kurī, Te Rarawa, Ngāi Takoto and Ngāpuhi) is a child and adolescent psychiatrist. Follow Hinemoa online.

Meet Dr Hinemoa Elder

During October and November, Dr Hinemoa will be touring Aotearoa, speaking about how her experiences as a psychiatrist, mother, whānau member and descendant have informed her writing. Her talks will be followed by Q&As and the opportunity to get books signed. Find out more here. 

Reviewer: Andrea Molloy

Penguin