Reflections on Place, Presence, and the Meaning of Being
Choosing My Word for 2026
Every year, I like to choose a word to guide my intentions and focus. For 2026, my word is simple, yet profound: Here. It’s a word that resonates deeply with me, not just as a concept, but as a way of living and appreciating the world around me.
Inspired by a Movie: The Power of Place and Time
Recently, I watched a film called Here on Prime. The movie beautifully explores the passage of time, how generations live and change, and how lives are woven together by a single place. The movie stirred a few thoughts in me. It left me pondering how often we promise ourselves we’ll “get around to something” but rarely do—or at least not when it matters.
It also reminded me of the importance of acknowledging the present moment, truly appreciating the little things: where we live, the people we surround ourselves with, and the experiences that shape us. We all say, “be present, live in the moment,” but there’s a difference between saying it and really believing it—to be here, in every sense.
Omanawa Falls: Lessons from Nature
Not long after, I took my first walk up to Omanawa Falls. There, a marker caught my attention with the message: we are here to be here. We are meant to soak in the spirit, the water, the lush bush, and savour the present—not to rush, not to swim, but simply to feel the privilege of being surrounded by nature. That moment—being physically and metaphorically “here”—was powerful.
The Māori culture captures this so well. These words were on the sign.
He waahi tapu – this is a sacred place. We are here for āio androngoā. We are here to be here.
Āio embodies a holistic sense of tranquillity, balance, and harmony, deeply rooted in Māori worldview and spirituality. Rongoā relates to healing of many kinds, in this instance, for me, it was spiritual healing.
The Physical and Spiritual Significance of Place
What struck me most was the physicality of being present. Perhaps it is the place, that brings us more into the moment, more centred and content, as when we are in nature.
Just before Christmas, I wrote about the magic I felt, when walking up Mauao (the sacred mountain in Mount Maunganui). Unfortunately, a recent tragedy has changed our relationship to this beloved place. For those of us who live nearby, the Mount was somewhere we would often walk, catch sunrises, celebrate special moments, and simply appreciate its beauty. It truly invites you to be present. We can see it from all around the region, and now, I look it, from home, accompanied by a sense of loss and sadness.
Carrying “Here” Forward
To me, “here” is more than being present; it’s about the physical spaces that anchor us and give our lives meaning.
All my life, I have gravitated toward places with sweeping views. My current home has a unique feeling—I love sharing its peace and quiet, the birdsong, and the little spaces I’ve created to cherish every plant and every moment.
Place is not just a backdrop; it’s an active part of my happiness and sense of belonging.
So this year, “here” is my word. Here is where I find gratitude, connection, and meaning—in the present, in my surroundings, and in the people and places I treasure.
