Mahi on the Awa

Creative talent, when activated by the somewhat reluctant individual, is a beautiful and underutilised form of unintentional expression.

At Creative Waikato, we know that creativity has a powerful connection to wellbeing. So the invitation to collaborate with The Good Day Matrix on an event focused on workplace wellbeing was a good way to weave these playful threads together. Our time at ‘Mahi on the Awa’ was a space for connection and conversation, but also for poetic reflections on a joyful day. 

Watching folks step out of their comfort zones, encouraged by the bright colours of the juggling balls, clubs, and hula hoops. Remembering and sharing about the last time they tried something like this–often in childhood. You can see people encountering the potential of failure, standing back and watching, but then stepping forward and giving it a go anyway. That magic moment when the first ball drops to the ground, and you pick it back up again and keep on trying anyway. We carry this attitude of joyful practice and comfort of experiment and beginnings back to our offices. 

There is revolution in moments of connection. The revolution is expressed through the spinning of hoops and the exchanging of words. It is in the moments of shared joy and the realisation that play is a space for a sense of refresh. The smiles that erupt on faces connecting in activities that feel like they have existed since childhood. “It’s really good fun, I didn’t expect it”- words overheard as creativity is trialled. Navigating change can be experienced in those little moments of silliness. Those moments of revolution through play.

He came dressed in formal trousers and with great enthusiasm picked up a hula hoop. Joyful moments can come from unexpected places. Put something interesting out into the world, something a little bit different, on whatever scale that needs to be, and let the reaction be natural and not forced. Often it is presenting an opportunity that leads to positive action. 

So much can be found in those small creative moments. The playful interactions. The experience of curiosity. The bursts of time spent trying something new. The key thing is making time for them. And ‘Mahi on the Awa’ was a reminder about the power of these things. 

We recommend that everyone makes more proactive space for creativity in our daily lives. To weave a practice of creativity in our time at work. To build community through creative play. 

There is so much goodness to be found.

Written by: The Creative Waikato Team
Image supplied by: The Good Day Matrix