Borrowing Maori Wisdom

In Search of a Wisewoman

Indigenous wisdom enriches those who are not of the tribe for wisdom is defined as the ability to universally apply knowledge, learning, experience, and good judgment in temporal affairs. Wisdom is associated with insight, discernment, and ethics in decision-making. Wisdom is a key virtue in philosophy, religion, and psychology, representing the ability to understand and respond to reality in a balanced and thoughtful manner.

The Maori say “You never know a man until you see him in his own house.” This applies to both genders. The person whose public persona fakes sincerity, compassion, kindness, and respect may be a brute at home to the very people he or she is obligated to treat lovingly, with real concern and caring.

I describe myself as a word magpie, pouncing with delight on words new to me. The Maori word “aroreretini” translates as “ attention goes to many things,” and is used to describe ADHD. “Takiwatanga” is the Maori word for autism and means my/his/her/ own time and space. The insight is beautiful and expresses so much understanding. North American First Nations use the term “Two Spirits” to mean someone who is of a gender variant.

Acceptance! How wonderful to live in a society that doesn’t label and isolate those who are different. We are often too ready to remedy and medicate before seeking to understand and to help those whose circuitry is wired differently. As the old Irish joke about Paddy and Mike in conversation goes… Mike asks Paddy, ”How’s it going? Paddy responds, “I'm strugglin’ with the immensities.” Mike asks, “And what would that be? Paddy answers, “Birth ta death lad, Birth ta death.”

Aren’t we all strugglin’ with the immensities. Let’s try a little tolerance and acceptance.