Harnessing the Power of 9 (Iwa) for Daily Harmony and Balance

by Ruku I'Anson | Nov 25, 2025 | Guidance Counselling

Te Poutama o te Ora: Climbing Toward Wholeness

There’s a moment many of us experience when we realize that self-help advice, productivity hacks, and wellness trends aren’t quite cutting it anymore. We’ve tried the morning routines, the goal-setting frameworks, the apps that promise to organize our lives. We’ve read the books about habits, listened to the podcasts about purpose, followed the influencers who seem to have it all figured out.

And yet, something still feels fragmented. We’re managing pieces of ourselves rather than experiencing genuine wholeness. We might be crushing it at work while our relationships suffer. We’re physically fit but spiritually depleted. We’ve optimized our schedules but lost touch with our sense of meaning. We’re achieving goals but feeling increasingly disconnected from who we actually are.

The exhaustion isn’t from lack of effort. If anything, we’re trying too hard, juggling too many systems, measuring too many metrics, and wondering why all this self-improvement isn’t translating into feeling more whole, more grounded, more alive.

What if the issue isn’t that we need more tools, but that we need a different kind of map altogether?

A Different Kind of Framework

Te Poutama o te Ora offers that map. Rooted in Māori wisdom and structured around the sacred number nine (Iwa), this framework isn’t about adding another layer to your already-overwhelming to-do list. It’s about understanding the natural architecture of human flourishing and learning to work with it rather than against it.

The name itself holds meaning worth pausing over. “Te Poutama” refers to the stepped pattern found in traditional Māori tukutuku panels—those intricately woven wall panels that adorn meeting houses. The geometric design shows a series of ascending steps, each one building upon the last. It’s a visual representation of progression, growth, and ascent that has guided Māori understanding of personal and collective development for generations.

“Te Ora” speaks to life, health, and wellbeing in its fullest sense—not merely the absence of illness, but the presence of vitality, connection, and purpose. Together, Te Poutama o te Ora translates roughly as “the stairway to wellbeing” or “the ascending pattern of life force.”

But here’s what makes this framework fundamentally different: this isn’t a stairway you climb once, and you’re done. It’s not a twelve-week program or a transformation challenge with a finish line. It’s a living framework that acknowledges the cyclical nature of growth, the importance of rhythm, and the reality that genuine wellness touches every dimension of who we are.

This is not a program to graduate from. You spiral through Te Poutama o te Ora, returning to familiar territory with new awareness, finding depth in elements you thought you’d already mastered, discovering how everything connects in ways you couldn’t see before.

Beyond Fragmentation

Western approaches to personal development often fragment us into categories: physical health over here, mental health over there, career goals in another box entirely, spiritual life (if it’s acknowledged at all) somewhere else completely. We’re told to work on one area at a time, to focus, to isolate variables as if we’re conducting experiments on ourselves.

Te Poutama o te Ora works differently. It recognizes that we are whole beings living in relationship—to ourselves, to our ancestors (whakapapa), to our communities (whānau, hapū, iwi), to the natural world, and to something larger than ourselves. When one element is out of balance, it affects all the others. When we strengthen one dimension, we create ripples of wellbeing throughout the entire system.

The framework consists of nine interconnected elements, each one essential, each one informing the others. These aren’t random categories someone invented at a wellness retreat or corporate training session. They emerge from generations of Māori understanding about what makes life worth living and what enables human beings—and communities—to thrive.

The number nine (Power of Iwa) itself holds significance. In many wisdom traditions, Iwa represents completion, fulfillment, and the bringing together of all elements into a harmonious whole. It’s three times three—triads within triads, cycles within cycles. This mathematical and spiritual harmony isn’t coincidental; it reflects natural patterns that show up everywhere from human gestation periods to phases of the moon to the rhythms of transformation itself.

Working With Natural Rhythms

One of the most powerful aspects of Te Poutama o te Ora is how it aligns with natural cycles. While modern life tries to convince us that we should be the same every day—same energy, same productivity, same capacity—ancient wisdom tells us otherwise. We are tidal beings living on a spinning planet orbiting a star while being pulled by the moon. Expecting ourselves to be constant is like expecting the ocean not to have tides.

This is where the integration with maramataka (the Māori lunar calendar) becomes so relevant. Rather than fighting against our natural rhythms or feeling guilty when our energy and focus shift, we can learn to recognize these patterns and work with them. Some days are for bold action and outward movement. Other days are for reflection, consolidation, and turning inward. Both are essential. Both are productive in the truest sense.

Over the coming weeks, I’ll be unpacking each of these nine elements, exploring how they work together, and sharing practical ways to integrate this framework into your daily life. We’ll look at how Te Poutama o te Ora creates a structure for genuine transformation—not the kind that happens through force and willpower alone, but the kind that emerges when we align ourselves with deeper patterns of how growth actually works.

We’ll explore questions like: How do you honor your whakapapa (ancestry) in a disconnected modern world? What does it mean to tend to your wairua (spirit) when you’re not religious? How can understanding your hinengaro (mind and emotions) help you navigate challenging times with more skill? What role does tuakiri (identity) play in living authentically?

An Invitation

But for now, I want to leave you with a question:

That’s the invitation of Te Poutama o te Ora. Not another system to master, but a pathway home to yourself. Not another set of external metrics to meet, but an internal compass that helps you recognize when you’re moving toward greater wholeness and when you’re drifting away from it.

This ancient wisdom made accessible for modern lives. It’s a framework sophisticated enough to honor the complexity of who you are, yet practical enough to guide your daily choices. It’s both deeply rooted in a natural worldview and universally applicable to anyone seeking a more integrated way of being.

Ready to begin the climb?

In the next post, we’ll explore the foundational elements of Te Poutama o te Ora and why the number nine holds such significance in this framework of transformation.

Harnessing the Power of 9 for Daily Harmony and Balance

by Ruku I'Anson | Nov 11, 2025 | Guidance Counselling

We have talked about how important using the spiritual significance of number 9 is as a beginning, middle and end or completion cycle. The Taku Tikanga Ora Tuaiwa Model transforms these understandings into a practical-to-use method for yearly goal planning, monthly project and goal achievement and daily task management.

Using the number 9 to manage daily activities offers a structured approach that encourages reflection, completion, and renewal. This post explores how you can apply the power of 9 in your everyday life to foster balance and harmony.

Life Alignment Diamond

The number 9 has long been associated with completeness and wisdom in various cultures. It represents the end of a cycle and the preparation for a new beginning. This symbolism can be a useful guide for managing daily tasks and personal growth.

The key pillars of the Diamond are:

When these pillars work in harmony they provide Life Alignment by reinforcing:

Using 9 to Structure Your Day – Using 3-3-3

See here to look at how to divide up your day in to 3 sets of focus time and efforts:

Making it a reality – the Māramataka

The Taku Tikanga Ora Tuaiwa Model encompasses goals targeting attainment of the benefits of the Life Alignment Diamond, and how these can be integrated into a Māramataka Planning approach using the moon’s cycles of:

The monthly rythms make the application of 3-3-3 clearer – as ‘setting intentions’; ‘activity completion’; and ‘wind-down, reflection and release.

Three Cycles of Transformation

The Māramataka naturally divides into three main energy periods. Enabling a layering of 9-day cycles across these, creating a pattern where every ninth day marks a poin of spiritual completion and reflection:

A challenge: Track your energy levels across the lunar month.

The key is to work with the rythms of natures energy levels, rather than imposing rigid structures onto living, breathing natural cycles.

Final Thoughts on Using 9 for Life Alignment

The number 9 offers a simple framework to bring order and harmony into your daily life.

Dividing your day into manageable sets, with clear objectives that reflect beginning, middle and closure rituals affording reflection, adjustment and release. This approach encourages mindfulness and intentional living.

Try incorporating the power of 9 into your routine and observe how it influences your sense of balance. Small changes can lead to meaningful improvements in how you manage your time and energy.

Proven Strategies to Achieve Better Life Alignment

by Ruku I'Anson | Nov 3, 2025 | Guidance Counselling

Many people struggle to manage their time and energy effectively, leading to stress and burnout. Fortunately, there are proven strategies that can help you improve your life alignment and enjoy a more fulfilling daily routine. This article explores practical tips and actionable advice to guide you toward a more harmonious lifestyle.

Understanding the Importance of Balance Improvement Tips

Achieving a better life balance is not just about dividing your time equally between work and leisure. It involves prioritising what matters most, setting boundaries, and making intentional choices that support your physical, emotional, and mental health. Here are some key reasons why balance improvement tips are crucial:

By understanding these benefits, you can motivate yourself to implement effective strategies that foster balance.

Practical Balance Improvement Tips for Everyday Life

Implementing priority alignment tips requires deliberate effort and consistency. Here are some practical steps you can take to create a more aligned lifestyle:

1. Prioritise Your Tasks

Use a simple system to identify urgent and important tasks. The 3-3-3 or 9-set Tikanga Ora Tuaiwa Marama is a helpful tool that divides tasks into three focus areas:

then

Focus on completing tasks in the first two categories and delegate or eliminate the rest.

2. Set Clear Boundaries

Establish limits between work and personal time. For example:

3. Schedule Regular Breaks

Taking short breaks during work hours helps maintain focus and reduces fatigue. Try the Pomodoro Technique – work for 25/50 minutes, then take a 5/10-minute break.

4. Make Time for Self-Care

Self-care is essential for maintaining energy and mental clarity. This can include:

5. Learn to Say No

Avoid overcommitting by politely declining requests that do not align with your priorities or values.

How to Create an Aligned Daily Routine

A well-structured daily routine can be a game-changer in achieving life alignment. Here’s how to design one that works for you:

Consistency is key. Adjust your routine as needed to fit changing circumstances but keep the core elements intact.

Leveraging Technology to Support Balance Improvement Tips

Technology can be both a help and a hindrance when it comes to life balance. Using it wisely can enhance your efforts:

By harnessing technology thoughtfully, you can save time and reduce stress.

Embracing Flexibility and Mindfulness

Life is unpredictable, and rigid schedules can sometimes add pressure. Embracing flexibility allows you to adapt without guilt. Combine this with mindfulness practices to stay present and reduce anxiety:

For more insights on achieving life alignment, explore resources that offer guidance tailored to your needs.

Taking the First Step Toward an Aligned Life

Improving your life alignment is a journey, not a destination. Start small by implementing one or two strategies and gradually build on them. Remember, the goal is to create a sustainable lifestyle that supports your well-being and happiness.

By prioritising your time, setting boundaries, and caring for yourself, you can experience the benefits of an aligned life. Keep experimenting with re-prioritisation and revisting your life goals until you find a plan combinatio that works best for you. Or, you can contact IAnTeMo Counselling to help you work one-on-one for a personalised programme.

Improvement tips are not just theoretical ideas – they are practical tools that can transform your daily experience. Take control today and 

Why Balance (Life-Alignment) is the Key to a Happier Life

by Ruku I'Anson | Oct 28, 2025 | Guidance Counselling

Achieving harmony in various aspects of life is essential for overall happiness and well-being. When we talk about balance or life-alignment, it’s not just about dividing time equally between work and leisure but about creating a sustainable rhythm that nurtures the mind, body, and soul. This article delves into the life harmony benefits and practical ways to cultivate balance for a happier, more fulfilling life.

Understanding Life Harmony Benefits

Life harmony benefits extend far beyond just feeling good. When your life is aligned, you experience improved mental clarity, reduced stress, and better physical health. This harmony allows you to be more present in your relationships, more productive at work, and more engaged in your personal growth.

Some key life harmony benefits include:

By prioritising these benefits, you can create a lifestyle that supports your long-term happiness and success.

Why is it important to have a life-alignment?

Having alignment in life is crucial because it prevents burnout and promotes sustainable living. Without alignment, people often find themselves overwhelmed by stress, neglecting important areas such as health or relationships. This imbalance can lead to physical illness, emotional exhaustion, and a general sense of dissatisfaction.

For example, someone who works excessively without taking time to rest or socialise may experience chronic fatigue and strained relationships. Conversely, too much leisure without purpose can lead to boredom and lack of motivation. Life-alignment ensures that no single area dominates your life to the detriment of others.

Practical ways to maintain alignment include:

By recognising the importance of alignment, you can take proactive steps to create a more harmonious life.

How to Achieve Alignment in Different Areas of Life

There is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It varies depending on your personal values, goals, and circumstances. However, focusing on key life domains can help you create a well-rounded approach.

Work-Life Alignment

Physical and Mental Health

Relationships and Social Life

Personal Growth and Leisure

Managing these areas requires ongoing attention and flexibility. Life changes, and so should your approach to managing that.

Practical Tips to Maintain Alignment Every Day

Creating alignment is an ongoing process. Here are some actionable recommendations to help you maintain it daily:

By incorporating these habits, you can build a lifestyle that supports alignment and happiness.

Embracing the Importance of Alignment in Life

Understanding the importance of alignment in life is the first step toward meaningful change. Alignment is not about perfection but about making intentional choices that align with your values and well-being. It empowers you to live fully, enjoy the present, and prepare for the future.

Remember, balance looks different for everyone. What matters most is that you feel fulfilled and at peace with how you spend your time and energy. Start small, be patient with yourself, and celebrate progress along the way.

Moving Forward with Life Harmony

Achieving life harmony is a journey, not a destination. It requires self-awareness, commitment, and the willingness to adjust as life evolves. By embracing balance, you open the door to a happier, healthier, and more meaningful existence.

Take time today to reflect on your current balance. Identify one area where you can make a positive change and take action. Over time, these small steps will lead to profound life harmony benefits that enrich every aspect of your life.

Life Re-alignment Strategies for a Joyful and Organized Life

by Ruku I'Anson | Oct 20, 2025 | Guidance Counselling

We have been focussing on what we can do to bring life re-alignment into our lives in ways that can manage and enable us to focus on what matters most to us. With this approach, it is possible to create a life method that nurtures your well-being and productivity. This article explores practical ways to help you achieve this goal.

Understanding Life Methods

Life methods are strategies and habits designed to help you manage your time and energy effectively. They focus on aligning your daily activities with your values and priorities. By adopting these methods, you can reduce stress, improve relationships, and increase your overall satisfaction.

Some common balance life methods include:

Implementing these methods requires commitment and self-awareness. Start by identifying areas in your life that are important to you to be successful. Rank their priority so it is clear what the top 3 or 4 are that you can put your first efforts to. Over time, these review and adjust this list..always making sure you are focussing those with the most importance.

Practical Life Balance Methods to Implement Today

To create a joyful and organised life, consider integrating the following practical life methods into your routine:

1. Plan Your Day the Night Before

Spend 10 minutes each evening writing down your top priorities for the next day. This helps you wake up with a clear focus and reduces decision fatigue.

2. Use Time Blocks

Divide your day into blocks dedicated to specific tasks or activities. Remember the 3-3-3, one morning set, one daily set and evening set. Then allocate blocks of effort within that, for example: 9 AM to 11 AM for focused work, 11 AM to 12 PM for emails, and so on. This method improves concentration and prevents multitasking.

3. Schedule Breaks

Regular breaks are essential to maintain energy and prevent burnout. Use techniques like the Pomodoro method (25 minutes work, 5 minutes break or 50 minutes work, 10 minutes break) to stay refreshed.

4. Limit Screen Time Distractions

Set boundaries on scrolling through social media, especially where this interferes with achieving an important goal or tasks. When that has been completed then you could reward yourself with a few minutes of catching up with the latest news. The secret is to manage the interruption.

5. Delegate Tasks

Don’t hesitate to ask for help at work or home. Delegating tasks frees up time for activities that matter most to you. Make sure you check with delegate as they will have their own priorities and plans just as you do.

6. Practice Gratitude

Start or end your day by listing things you are grateful for. This simple habit can shift your mindset towards positivity.

7. Prioritise Sleep

Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Good rest is crucial for cognitive function and emotional balance.

8. Engage in Physical Activity

Incorporate at least 30 minutes of exercise into your daily routine. Activities like walking, yoga, or cycling can boost your mood and energy levels.

9. Create a Relaxation Ritual

Whether it’s reading, meditating, or listening to music, being in the garden, or with nature, find a calming activity to unwind after a busy day.

10. Maintain Connections

Spend quality time with friends and family to nurture your support network and enhance your sense of belonging.

What are 15 tips an employee can use to improve their family life?

Managing work and family life can be challenging, especially for employees with demanding jobs. Here are 15 actionable tips to help improve family life while managing work responsibilities:

10. Set Boundaries for Work Calls: Avoid taking work calls during family time unless urgent.

11. Use Vacation Days: Take time off to recharge and focus on family.

12. Involve Family in Goal Setting: Discuss your work and personal goals with your family for support.

13. Create a Relaxing Home Environment: Make your home a place of comfort and peace.

14. Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where family members can express their feelings.

15. Seek Support When Needed: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from extended family or professionals.

Implementing these tips can help employees create a healthier and more manageable balance between their professional and family lives, leading to greater happiness and reduced stress.

How to Maintain Life Alignment Methods Long-Term

Sustaining life alignment methods requires ongoing effort and flexibility. Here are some strategies to help you maintain these over time:

By embedding these habits into your daily life, you can enjoy lasting benefits and a more joyful, organised existence.

Embracing Life Re-alignment Strategies for a Better Future

Achieving a aligned life is a journey, not a destination. It involves continuous learning and adapting to new challenges. By incorporating life re-alignment strategies into your routine, you empower yourself to live with intention and joy.

Start small, stay consistent, and remember that re-alignment is about progress, not perfection. With patience and dedication, you can create a life that feels both organised and fulfilling.

The Importance of Life-Alignment (Balance) in Life

by Ruku I'Anson | Oct 7, 2025 | Guidance Counselling

In today’s world, we are continually challenged to find a sense of balance between work and home…but what if you work at home or your business is a family business. We forget about the examples today and in our history of how a family focussed business can be fruitful, rewarding and sustain generations of family members…when…we are all on the same page. We have also forgotten about those families that live at their businesses…I remember as a child being sent to the dairy before opening time and having to knock on the dairy owners door to buy milk and bread. He didn’t complain…greeted me with a smile and gave me what I came for. The whole family accepted that at times work was also part of their home life.

So the challenge I offer two challenges….how do we juggle work, family, social life, and personal interests, and continue to feel connected with all of those…and not feel overwhelmed or stretched too thin?

And…that we are seeking ‘Alignment in Priorities‘ to give a Harmony to life the importance of which cannot be overstated. Striking the right alignment is essential for mental well-being, physical health, and overall happiness.

This article explores why ‘alignment’ matters and offers practical tips to help you maintain it in your everyday life.

Understanding the Life Harmony Importance – Alignment

This likely a new term for you that needs explaining. If we say we are after balance then what does that look like?….when we look at a gymnast or ballerina who is balanced on one foot…is that the balance we mean….no!. Years of practice and dedication means they can happily stand on one foot. This is where the concept of alignment matters.

Alignment is about having the right priorities across all of the things that matter the most to you.

A stay at home parent might use the day time during schooling to get all house and home activities done so they are available for children at pick up, drop off, home work and sports activities. Evenings are then time for parents.

So what would this look like for alignment, lets try and example:

Parent A – Work (home activities) 30%, Children 50%, Relationship 20%

Parent B – Work (including home activities) 50%, Children 30%, Relationship 20%

This is not balanced as not all parts have the same effort….however…it is in alignment with the most important things being attended to for these parents.

Alignment in life means distributing your time and energy across different areas so that no single aspect dominates or suffers. It is about creating harmony between work, relationships, self-care, and leisure. When you achieve this harmony, you experience less stress, more productivity, and a greater sense of fulfilment.

Another example…what if a new project at work has started and one parent needs to dedicate extensive time to work…this can lead to burnout and also neglect of personal relationships. Conversely, focusing only on leisure can cause financial or career setbacks. The key is to find a sustainable rhythm that supports your goals and well-being.

Practical tip: Start by listing your main life areas (e.g., work, relationships, health, hobbies). Rate your current satisfaction in each area on a scale of 1 to 10. Then rank each in terms of what you would like that areas to be i.e. Work might be 8 and your desire is 5. This exercise helps identify areas that might need focus to achieve the alignment in the priorities that you want. Note: this is not a test, if you are happy with a low ranking then that is okay…the only consideration might be if that low score directly affects achieving your wants with another priority. It is also alright to apply staged changes, such as moving the 8 might be:

Share your priorities with your partner or significant other. They will have their own priorities. If you are both commited to the relationship work together to support and understand the challenges and priorities you both face. Depending on how old your children are you might consider sharing with them at some point…so they know what and how you are trying to build a supported and nurturing environment for the family.

How to Recognise When Your Life is Out of Alignment

Recognising misalignment early can prevent long-term negative effects. Common signs include:

If you notice these signs, it’s time to reassess your priorities and make changes. Sometimes, misalignment is subtle and builds up over time, so regular self-check-ins are valuable. Remember…..

What are the three pillars of alignment?

Alignment is crucial for several reasons, but three stand out as particularly important:

Understanding these three pillars can motivate you to prioritise balance in your life.

Strategies to Maintain Alignment in Your Life

Achieving alignment is an ongoing process that requires intentional effort. Here are some effective strategies:

Define work hours and personal time. Be fierce about this time…and…allow flexibility if an urgent situation arises.

Schedule regular activities that recharge you, such as exercise, hobbies, or quiet reflection. Try a lunch time walk or maybe walking from your car to the office.

When you overcommit you put important areas of your life at risk. It is alright to say decline requests that do not align with your priorities.

Calendars, to-do lists, 9-set activity planner, and apps can help organise tasks and prevent overload.

Talk to friends, family, or professionals when feeling overwhelmed. Sharing your challenges can provide relief and new perspectives.

Being present in the moment reduces stress and improves decision-making.

By incorporating these habits, you create a lifestyle that supports your priorities and well-being.

The Role of Technology in Life Alignment

Technology can be both a help and a hindrance to your priorities. On one hand, it offers tools for organisation, communication, relaxation, and distraction. On the other, it can lead to distractions, information overload, and blurred boundaries between work and personal life. This is particularly challenging if your work is solely online. Even so there are things that can be managed.

To use technology wisely:

Being mindful of your technology use helps prevent digital burnout.

Embracing Flexibility and Adaptability

Life is unpredictable, and rigid routines can sometimes cause frustration. Embracing flexibility allows you to adjust your plans without guilt or stress. For example, if work demands increase temporarily, you might reduce social activities for a short period, then re-align later.

Adaptability also means recognising when your needs change. What worked for you last year might not suit you now. Regularly revisiting your priority goals ensures they remain relevant and achievable.

Cultivating an Alignment Mindset

Alignment is not just about managing time; it’s also about mindset. Cultivating an alignment mindset involves:

This mental approach supports resilience and long-term harmony.

Taking the First Step Towards Alignment Today

Starting your journey to re-alignment doesn’t require drastic changes. Begin with small, manageable steps:

Remember, alignmengt is a continuous journey, not a final destination.

By understanding the life harmony importance and applying practical strategies, you can create a more fulfilling and healthy lifestyle. Re-Alignment empowers you to thrive in all areas of life, enhancing your overall quality of living. Start today, and enjoy the benefits of a life that is aligned with what matters to you the most.