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The specific ocean - Book Review

The specific ocean

Kyo Maclear and Illustrator Katty Maurey. (2015). Kids Can Press

The star in this book is the Pacific Ocean, the main character and her family remain unnamed throughout. We learn that their family of four live in a large bustling city, I presume in America, and go on vacation along the Pacific coast. There is much for New Zealand children to relate to with our homeland being a South Pacific nation, and this same ocean makes up part of our psyche and childhood memories for many New Zealanders.

When arriving at the ocean destination, the girl assumes it holds no value and her vacation break will be ‘boring’. However, once she spends time exploring she builds a strong admiration for the ocean’s beauty and magic. It offers her stability and keeps her mindful. ‘The whole world rushes ahead, but the ocean does its own thing, rolling backward and forward. Wash, swash, splush, hush. There is no late or hurry or racing in ocean time.’ She forms a connection with nature, which she uses to lift her spirits. ‘The ocean is so big that it makes every thought and worry I have shrink and scatter.’ She personalizes this developing bond, with what was initially a mispronunciation – the specific ocean, a phase that comes to symbolize the personal connection she feels with this special place. As someone who struggled as a child with pronunciation, I found that this vulnerability enhanced the story.

Another thread within the story that Kiwi kids will relate to is the concept of whakawhanaungatanga – the ways by which people come into relationship with the world (including the land), with people, and with life. The girl sees value in her connection to the ocean as her parents do to their homelands. ‘One thought stays. I want this ocean to be mine. Mama has a snowy mountain in Japan, and Papa has the South Downs in England. I want to put it in a bowl and carry it home to the city. If I had my own ocean, I could let my thoughts swim free and dream of an underwater life.

There is also conservation message about protecting and preserving the ocean; but to me the main takeaway message is about the wellbeing benefits of feeling connected to something that is bigger than oneself. ‘Because even when I go home, back to the city and my friends it will all still be there deep down inside me […]. No matter where I am, this specific ocean will be with me.’

Reviewed by Kim Higginson, Information Management Specialist

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: