Part 8: A photographic essay about our journey 'connecting to place' in Aotea, Great Barrier Island.
Groundswell: It's been a year!
What a year, probably the 2nd most challenging year of my life I think. However not as bad another year when my life was turned upside down by a range of poor decisions made in life in 2013.
Last year was fantastic, however, riddled with stress, being in a new location, humid, hot, insect bitten, expensive, lockdown, isolated, lonely, homesick, lost, and sometimes frustrated. However, the flip side to this outweighs any negatives. It has been the best year for learning and it has been counteracted with balanced gratefulness, humility, humbleness, understanding of others, improved listening, new ideas, reflection, reevaluations of my 'Why', opportunities on so many fronts, and being with a small yet authentic and incredible bunch of people.
Personal growth always comes with growing pains!
Opportunities to get on warm water has been a highlight here. Dipping our hands, and bodies into seawater that is not frigid have been the best! The surrounding ocean here is incredible with beautiful marine life. Given the planet is covered with over 75% water, I desperately wish the human species would get their heads out of their egos and look after it better.
On a wild day, the surf here on the east coast is awesome. The power of Moana is awe-inspiring and can regularly put you in your place as part of bigger elements!
When I leave I will miss the wildlife. It is so diverse and full of surprises.
I sea kayaked down with a wonderful person - Sam Aldrich, to the Broken Islands to view the Tākapu colony. What a treat to see a range of juveniles and adults. We lay hidden in the long grass vaguely undetected. Such a privilege to be near beautiful marine birds.
I guess the big question is after a year have I developed a better connection to this place? And the answer is ever so slightly.
I think it is possible, however, strong energy draws me south due to the fact I still miss what I consider to be home - Ōtepoti - Dunedin. Why? Some reasons I think are - I do not leave this place enough to return and appreciate coming back, and for this, I feel stuck! Living in a place that is rented is unsettling. If I could live outside of this location I may develop a better connection, as I would develop a new community. Missing Whanū constantly does not help, and there is a possibility our surrounding community of like-minded people will be forced to move away which will have a huge impact on us this year. I do love the people here.
To move is a hassle, but maybe necessary.
What are the solutions: Focus on being the best person I can be, contributing to the community and ensuring our Centre and staff are the best they possibly can be. Growing a steady momentum that allows for great results to help and change peoples lives and connection to nature is key. That's my contribution!
And keep developing myself as an artist and photographer to be the best I possibly can be. And keep looking for opportunities to grow this into a full-time profession?
Andy :)