“Knowing others is wisdom. Knowing yourself is enlightenment. Mastering others requires force. Mastering the self requires strength.”
Lao Zi, Tao Te Ching.
My story
I am an Artist, sculptor, singer, song writer, poet, and writer.
I think I am one of the luckiest people on earth... the problems is I have a bad memory due to a traumatic brain injury and need to keep reminding myself (smile). I love to write, sing, play guitar and write music... and when I am not doing these things I spend my free time on art.
I also do work helping people online... I work with colleagues I have grown to respect and trust relying on their many insights. I think my most important attribute has been the establishing of this website called 'The Mental Health Protocols' which have helped me navigate this very complex world. It is an idea based on what in my culture we translate to the protocols ... and these protocols relate to deep understandings and knowledge of the world that our old ones and ancestors have passed down to us through the generations by word of mouth.
Here is my story...
Hi,
My name is Adam, and I'd like to introduce you to "The New Mental Health Protocols," a website that holds immense personal significance for me. It reflects my unwavering commitment to improving my health and well-being, a journey that spans many years. Throughout this journey, I've sought professional medical help, conducted extensive personal research, and actively engaged with support groups on social media platforms. Through trial and error, I've developed my own methods and strategies to heal and manage the many profound psychological injuries I've faced.
My life has been marked by a deep sense of pain from abuse, loss, and major injuries. There were times after a major seizure (an epileptic grand mal...) when I couldn't even recognize my own identity let alone my person, and although memories gradually returned, the trauma and loss continue to shape my experiences. For over five decades, I've confronted these challenging health issues head-on, including a significant traumatic head injury.
"The New Mental Health Protocols" is more than just a website for me — it's a testament to my unwavering dedication to surviving and succeeding through practical ideas and the guidance and support from trusted health guides, family and friends... all this while facing a lonely journey into accommodating myself to my changing psychological and physical injuries.
This website also serves as a resource to remind me of how to navigate the complexities of healing in the face of unbelievable pain and suffering... these injuries forced me into developing new strategies for healing and success in our modern world that had in my eyes lost its meaning and hope. In this way its not about just using my strategies everyday to help myself but about helping people like myself; this is the first step in helping people to develop there own methods towards some type of well-being, health and success.
The role of the Polynesian Culture in my healing;
I am always learning more about the beauty and richness of my culture...
1. "Te tinana, te mauri o te hinengaro" - This phrase means "The body is the essence of the mind." It emphasizes the connection between physical health, like that of the urinary system, and mental well-being. What is your culture what gems are waiting for you... there are many items that are hidden in the language of my ancestors.
2. Navigation is an ancient and deep form of knowledge that was in many ways far beyond the abilities of any other culture in the world at the time and for centuries to come. It is this idea of navigation that helped me develop navigational ideas in relation to my own inner world. Creating stars by which to sail by and building my own ship of ideas lashed together by strong well thought out beliefs.
What the New Mental Health Protocols Mean to me...
I feel I am strongly connected to my Maori heritage and spent many years studying Te toi whakairo (the art of Maori carving).
Traditional Protocols for the Polynesian peoples are a deeply held way of life, that dates back according to some sciences and oral stories more than 3,500 years. There are everyday community protocols and then there are special protocols... Cultural values are upheld as part of life, including in the home and village.
The arrival of Kupe in Aotearoa marked the beginning of Māori culture and customs in New Zealand. The early Māori were known to have established their own traditions and rituals until the arrival of European settlers. Our tikanga (traditions, practices, beliefs) are derived from whakapapa and dictate the way our society functions, in terms of the 'protocols' we adhere to as well as the 'law' we abide by. Whakapapa is also about our connections to life, people and our relationship with them.
Classifying The Protocols within the Maori World-view...
In 1997, Sydney (Hirini) Moko Mead, a prominent anthropologist, artist and Maori advocate and leader, established a system for categorizing the various periods of Maori art. He did this in response to the ignorance exhibited by European art historians in the past, who attempted to classify historical Maori works in a typical western fashion. Simply put, Western researchers regarded themselves as a “neutral” starting points, without realizing that they were (and continue to be) influenced by an imperialistic worldview.
This “othering” makes the history of artwork in New Zealand two-dimensional, when the reality, as told by those without the same biases, is much more rich and complex. As with Sydney Mead's classifications of Maori Artwork I have extended and projected this perspective for the New Protocols;
1. Ngā Kākano (the seeds), the period between 900-1200AD, which focuses on the arrival of Maori to New Zealand,
2. Te Tipunga (the growth), which was between 1200-1500AD, a period of settlement and cultural and artistic experimentation as they figured out their culture and imagery and finally,
3. Puawaitanga (the flowering), between 1500-1800CE. Puawaitanga is a period in which Maori had more free time and therefore were able to reflect, consider and refine the essence of their stories, beliefs and ways of life...
This is the point Sydney Mead completed his analysis... I have therefore created my own interpretation and classification with reference to the period for which I was born into and gives me a deep understanding of this time... it also helps me to re-engage with the possible future of a new and evolved culture ...
4. Takahuri (Fallow), the period between 1800-2000AD, Takahuri is a period where Europeans arrived, settled and developed the current New Zealand culture into what it is today.
5. Purapura ano (Re-seeding/ Re-planting), which is 2000-2100AD est, This next period for me and I hope my family is about planting the seeds of the future. As these hopeful seeds take root and develop to care for the world I have come to terms with and learnt to love ... embedding and extending my understanding of my culture into the wider world along with my beliefs and experiencing a deeper shared relationship with humanity.
Amy P. thank you so much. You shared a lot of wisdom. Amanda S Confirmation of what I am doing and some things I need to add to my arsenal. Prayers :) Angela D. Adam Rangihana thank you for info x. Blaine S. Thank you Adam. Danny F. Thank you so much for your story and guidance Deanna K. I have had similar challenges. Thank you. Deb R. Adam Rangihana thank you so much!!! Debbie W. I really like your list of ideas!! Kathy R. I think it would be healthy for me to do all the things you recommend. Kathy D. I am going to start doing them tonight. Kelly Q. Adam I understand much appreciated!! Kelli D. Thanks for sharing and your honesty. Lauren K. Adam Rangihana thank you. I have great doctors but it takes awhile to find them. Laurel L. Thank you so much. Laurie W. Thank you. Michael B. Adam That Spoke to me perfectly. That really gave me hope, thank you. Mike McM. That is truly amazing what you have accomplished. Quinn D. Sending you peaceful and healing energies. Stan B. Thank you Adam best wishes to you as well. Una M. Such a well written and accurate Post. Wendy M. Definitely Well Said.
My Mission...
My mission is to help communicate the lessons I have learnt on my journey toward healing my life... I created this website which communicates the techniques, processes and strategies I developed based on personal experience dealing with physical and psychological injuries.
I attempt to investigate all the aspects of my life overcoming and better managing hardships, injury and creating success. Success and healing requires a tough, clear, concise thinking mindset and creating a success based outlook with determination to achieve the goals you seek...