koru: new life

A fresh and unfurling fern frond found in an Portland, OR garden.

As I learn more about cultures and practices other than those I have been rooted in, I am regularly surprised and in awe of the synchronicity between them.

The ferns in Portland are growing, and is a reminder of the significance of the koru in Maori culture. The unfurling of the new growth of the silver fern symbolizes new life, strength, and peace. The first time I spent time in New Zealand, my mentor gave me a poa koru pendant. At the time, I didn’t realize the significance of the poa/abalone shell either.

Spirals appear in all kinds of cultures and historical narratives. It was part of a symbol in my Reiki II class drawn upon for physical healing. This word/symbol is meant to amplify healing and break up blockages. Similarly, abalone/poa is used in numerous ceremonies and traditions throughout the world.

My friend Hannah says, “Whanauangatana is about interconnectedness. Our ability to maintain physical, mental/emotional, spiritual and whānau/interconnected relationships well is not worked out in isolation [from] others. Wellness of my whole self is not based on transactions of ‘gave to others’ and ‘gave to me’ and how the balance looks at the end of the statement. It’s about recognizing the value of my life and how I am part of a whole that also inhales and exhales life. We see each other. We care for each when things are good and especially when it’s hard. My wellness is intrinsically tied to those [with whom] I do life closely with - my whānau and friends. And it’s reciprocal.”

I am profoundly amazed about the interconnectedess of humans, traditions, and symbol throughout time and location. It is tangible evidence that we all matter and have a part in the harmony resonating throughout the Earth.