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Opening Little Boxes - Book Review

Opening Little Boxes

Kees Lodder, Cathy Casey, Manuela Bertao, Alex Casey. (2020). Eunoia Publishing, NZ.

Opening Little Boxes is a collection of reflections about finding yourself in lockdown as a family – a situation many of us can relate to this year! While lockdown is full of stress and anxiety for many, it is also a unique opportunity to reflect. When the normal pace of life slows down and the usual routines are turned on their heads, little gaps open up that allow us to start asking new questions – about what is really important, what matters, questions of life, death, art, of the soul, of knowing and of love.

In Opening Little Boxes, Auckland City Councillor Alex Casey and her family of three generations (and two pets) let us in on some of their thinking on these matters. While it may be a little esoteric and – dare I say – frivolous at times, I believe the book achieves what it set out to do: To make you stop, sit up and listen, and shine a light in some of the less visited places in the heart.

The book is most interesting when it lights up some of the differences in perspectives between the two children, the parents and the grandmother. How is wisdom passed on to the next generation, and what do they hear when we talk? What do they take away? Opening Little Boxes can be read by parents and children together, which I am sure would bring up some interesting conversations. It leaves us with a lesson to stop and listen more – to our own thoughts and emotions, and to each others’.

Reviewed by Zooey Neumann, Publications Coordinator, Mental Health Foundation

Rāhina / Monday

Take Notice | Me Aro Tonu

A fresh week, blank slate and a new beginning. Let's start the week by setting purpose and intention, today is the day to take stock – how have you been feeling recently, are there any events or stresses that you need to sit with and unpack? 

Developing the ability to be fully present and conscious without being overly reactive or overwhelmed is no easy feat, it takes practice to achieve the delicate balance of awareness. When we take notice or practice mindfulness, we’re creating space for ourselves—space to think, space to breathe, space between ourselves and our reactions.  

Use today as a reminder to pay more attention to the present moment, to our thoughts and feelings, and to the world around us. At the end of the week, you can reflect on how you felt at the start of the week, and how putting each of the Five Ways into practice has helped to boost your mental health.

A few ideas to help you take notice:

Rātū / Tuesday

Give | Tukua

Today is all about kindness. When we give selflessly to others, whether through our time, resources, or support, we create a positive ripple effect that extends beyond the people we engage with. Carrying out acts of kindness boosts our happiness, life satisfaction, and overall wellbeing. When we help others, it gives us purpose and a sense of belonging – it’s a win/win!  

Think about how you might be able to brighten the day of someone you care about, or even a complete stranger. A small gesture might mean the world to someone else, and you’ll get a bit of a boost, too!

A few ideas to help you give:

Rāapa / Wednesday

Be Active | Me Kori Tonu 

We're nearly over the midweek hump and are inching closer to the weekend. Today is the perfect opportunity to give yourself a refreshing boost by engaging in some physical activity. Wi tēnei rangi to get the blood flowing through your tinana/body?   

Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones, which can uplift your mood and increase feelings of happiness. It reduces stress and anxiety levels, promotes relaxation and enhances overall mental resilience. It can even sharpen our thinking and boost our creativity. 

Being active doesn’t always mean high-intensity cardio workouts, there are lots of ways you can move your tinana to uplift your mood, reduce stress, and feel a sense of achievement. Choose to do something that is purely for feeling good or having fun, and dedicate it to your wellbeing.

A few ideas hei āwhina/to help you be active:

Rāpare / Thursday

Connect | Me Whakawhanaunga

It’s nearly Friday – why not tap into those weekend vibes early, and carve out some time for some meaningful connection? Use today as a sign to arrange that outing or gathering with friends, participate in social events that you might be finding an excuse to skip, or seek out opportunities for shared experiences that deepen your connections.  

Connect refers to making social connections, or whakawhanaungatanga. A sense of feeling connected, loved or belonging with others is strongly associated with better wellbeing and other health outcomes by providing a sense of meaning, safety, support and purpose.  

A few ideas to help you connect:

Rāmere / Friday

Keep Learning | Me Ako Tonu

It might be the last day of MHAW, but today’s the day to reflect on what you’ve learnt throughout the week and implement those tools into the weekend and weeks beyond. 

Evidence suggests that learning or trying new things creates a sense of achievement, competence and stimulates engagement with the world around us. There are lots of ways that you can Keep Learning today and every day. 

A few ideas to help you keep learning: