The inspiration behind, what some are calling, The Mōrena Movement.
If you have me on Facebook, then you'll know that I like to poke, provoke and debate on there. Reason being - you can have some great discourse with people when they are in the comfort of their own home. Of course, talking on an anonymous forum with people you don't know is a recipe for disaster but in a straightforward setting with people you see in the street and have met before, it makes a difference.
I've always loved debates - being challenged to see things from the opposite side or simply from a different angle and having to really ask myself; 'Do I REALLY believe what I'm saying? Or am I just saying it because I've always said it or because it's the popular thing to say?'
Then came Covid-19 and people were online more than usual for an extended period of time and the anxiety was heightened as a lot of people became polarised in their beliefs towards mandates, freedoms and current state of our country. People were engaged with arguments that got pretty personal and at times violent, so some friends encouraged me to take a lighter approach, thus bringing birth to: Mōrena, the movement.
In order to lighten the mood, I sought to take every day happenings and make light of them whilst sprinkling the odd serious topic amongst the forest as well. I did this for a year. Every day.
From childhood experiences -
- To relationships
With a little bit of spice
And a whole lot of nice
After 365+ days doing these posts, a lot of conversations took place. People still stop me in the streets and will share how a particular post made them feel or that they still ponder the provocations.
My favourite story is of a brother and sister who had a major falling out over their differences when it came to the vaccine mandates that were issued in Aotearoa New Zealand. They both commented on a particular Mōrena post which stirred up childhood conversations and memories that ultimately reminded them of all they had been through together, how much they mean to each other and ultimately; what's important.
This was the post responsible:
It's funny how being a little extra human and remembering what you've been through together can be a reminder of whats important right?
That's what matters,
That's who we are,
That's us.
You can purchase from the Mōrena range: here