Julia Wikeepa, a New Zealand-based breathwork practitioner, is bridging the gap between ancient Māori wisdom and modern techniques to help clients heal trauma, anxiety, and depression. Her unique approach, rooted in the transformative power of breath, is empowering individuals to rediscover their well-being.
Background and Journey:
Julia Wikeepa, of Ngati Awa, Ngati Maniapoto, Dutch, and Pakeha descent, embarked on a transformative journey across Europe, seeking to deepen her knowledge and skills. She immersed herself in immersive experiences with thought leaders Joe Dispenza and Max Strom, prioritizing both personal and professional growth.
Julia in Paris – photo / Hā Habit
A 3-day retreat with 8000 attendees in Zurich, Switzerland, led by Joe Dispenza, provided Julia with a profound understanding of inner change for outer transformation. The key takeaway was the importance of slowing the mind, focusing on the present moment, and fostering coherence between the heart and brain to pave the way for genuine transformation.
The Eiffel Tower – photo / Hā Habit
Following the retreat, Julia enjoyed a brief stopover in Paris before heading to Italy for a “Breathe into Wellbeing” retreat with Max Strom at Mandali Retreat in Quarna Sopra. There, she practiced various breathing techniques for sleep, stress, and emotional release while basking in the breathtaking views of Orta Lake.
Cohort in Italy – photo / Hā Habit
The key lesson from Max Strom was the significance of relaxation as a lifelong habit, essential for overall well-being and resilience..
The journey also included a meaningful connection with Julia’s Dutch heritage in the Netherlands, where she immersed herself in the culture, food, and history, appreciating her roots and ancestors.
Reflecting on the trip, Julia highlighted the power of connection with family and the creation of meaningful experiences as the true highlights. Building enriching relationships and fostering personal growth became top priorities, emphasizing the continuous journey towards deeper connections with others and oneself.
Julia’s European adventure was a profound exploration of inner transformation, relaxation as a cornerstone of well-being, and the importance of meaningful connections.
The encounters with Joe Dispenza and Max Strom left lasting impressions, inspiring Julia to embrace change, prioritize self-care, and nurture relationships for a fulfilling life journey.
Linda & Julia in France: photo / Hā Habit
Julia’s Approach -The Hā Tool:
In 2022 Julia founded and launched Hā Habit introducing New Zealand to the Hā tool. This breathwork supporting apparatus draws inspiration from the traditional Māori musical instrument, the koauau.
The whakapapa (genealogy) of the koauau reveals its deep connection to the Māori worldview:
– Tāne Mahuta: the atua of the forest, is responsible for the wood used to craft the koauau. The Hā, or life essence, is also connected to Tāne Mahuta, reflecting the vital force of nature.
– Tāwhirimātea: the atua of the winds, governs the hau, or “wind breath,” that flows through the lungs, echoing the breathwork practice.
– Papatūānuku: the Earth Mother, oversees the solid inorganic minerals found in the earth, which are used to create the metal components of the Hā tool.
This intricate connection between the koauau and the atua highlights the profound respect for nature and the interconnectedness of all things in the Māori worldview. The Hā tool, drawing upon this rich heritage, serves as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, offering a unique approach to breathwork and healing.
Hā tool breathwork- photo / Hā Habit
The genealogy of Hā:
According to the Reverend Māori Marsden (2003), IO delegated tasks to Tane and his brothers, making them regents to continue creation. Atua like Tangaroa, Tāwhirimātea, Tūmatauenga, and Tāne Mahuta played roles in forming Hineahuone, the first human.
Tangaroa gave blood, Tāwhirimātea provided lungs, Tūmatauenga contributed sinews, IO bestowed a heart, and Tāne Mahuta used the Hā to breathe life essence into her.
When Hineahuone awakened, she expressed life with the words “Tihei mauri ora” (“It is life”), symbolizing the collaborative efforts of the atua in creating the first human being.
Hineahuone– photo/ Taonui R
Sympathetic & para-sympathetic:
A person breathing in and hyperventilating activates the sympathetic nervous system responsible for triggering the fight, flight, freeze, and fawn response. It can also trigger trauma, anxiety and depression.
From a Māori worldview, breathing in activates Tama Ngāro the male essense whose whakapapa connects back to (I).
When breathing out, a person activates the para-sympathetic nervous system responsible for calming the body down.
From a Maori worldview breathing out activates Tuahine Ngāro, the female essense whose whakapapa connects back to (O).
Breathing in activates (I), breathing out activates (O) engaging with IO the supreme being.
Philosophy:
“Julia Wikeepa’s philosophy draws from her rich Māori and European heritage, seamlessly blending ancient Māori wisdom with modern European techniques. Through her empowering approach, she guides clients to rediscover their well-being using the transformative power of breath.
“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” — Albert Einstein
CHANGE – Discomfort, anxiety, and depression are opportunities for transformation, empowering you to shift your perspective and responses.
Foundational Concepts: We are pure potential.
This concept unfolds in three phases: Te Kore, Te Pō, and Te Ao Mārama.
• Te Kore (The Beginning): A state of pure potential and emptiness, a blank slate for creation.
• Te Pō (The Darkness): A time of resistance and growth within the unknown, shaping us as we begin to perceive light.
• Te Whaiao, Ki Te Ao Mārama (The World of Light): Light emerges gradually, growing stronger until it fills everything.
We cycle through these stages—Te Kore (a blank slate free to create what we want), Te Pō (challenge needed for growth and clarity), and Te Whaiao (shining light and learning from experience).
Returning to Te Kore means reconnecting with our pure potential, free from fear and limitations. How do we return to Te Kore? Embracing stillness, meditation, and breath. When we are in these parasympathetic states, we gain insight on how to transform our challenges into light. This universal cycle of creation and transformation is fundamental to our stories and growth.
Applying the Hā tool:
It is important to understand that you are not your trauma, anxiety, or depression; it is your body’s triggered response to situations or emotions that sit in the past or the future, impacting the present.
Using the Hā tool helps regulate the sympathetic nervous system by slowing the breath, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This calms the body, allowing the user to navigate discomfort more effectively, increase awareness, and shift reactive habits.
“Using Hā Habits with your tamariki in the classroom. Being strong & being resilient to overcome obstacles. Great speaker & very inspiring- it was perfect. (Ulearn23)
“Absolutely love it.” I was gifted this by my māmā as I have pretty bad anxiety and it’s really helped me with slowing down my breathing during anx-ious times. It’s also helping me to cut down on how much I vape. I love that it’s silent to use and beautiful to wear! Would highly recommend to anxious people! (Raven Maniapoto).
“Amazing.” I was sceptical about whether or not this would help my problem. After just a couple of days, I felt more relaxed and calmer. It is helping with my anxiety which has got worse since Covid and I am a teacher. However, I am also a really bad asthmatic I was hoping this would help with my breathing and slow my breathing down. It has worked—my asthma is so much better. Thank you so much to Hā Habit. These are amazing; I cannot recommend them highly enough. (Mandy Veza).
Where to next for Julia & Hā Habit?
Hā Habit is expanding its reach, focusing on long-term workplace programs. We are looking to pilot a year-long program to embed habit formation within organizations. Retreats and online programs will also be offered, making their expertise more accessible.
Conclusion:
Julia Wikeepa merges Māori wisdom with modern techniques to aid in healing trauma. Her Hā tool aligns breath with the Māori worldview, emphasizing relaxation, connections, and personal growth for holistic well-being.
References:
Marsden, M. (2003). The interwoven universe: Selected writings of Reverend Māori Marsden.(T. A. C. Royal, Ed.). Estate of Rev. Māori Marsden.
Taonui, R. (2006). Tane breathes life into Hineahuone. [Image] Retrieved 18/08/2024 from https://teara.govt.nz/en/artwork/5173/tane-breathes-life-into-hineahuone
