Mud Lotus Movement and Wellbeing Programme

Developed by Ai Kihara (Trauma specialist/Researcher)

Founder of Hana Counselling and Creator of the Mud Lotus Movement and Wellbeing Model

The Mud Lotus Movement and Wellbeing Programme is a creative movement and wellbeing programme designed for tamariki and rangatahi aged 5–18 years.

Our programme supports children and young people to build confidence, emotional awareness, physical wellbeing, and positive social connections through movement-based experiences.

Inspired by the lotus flower, which grows through the mud before it blooms, Mud Lotus teaches that growth, resilience, and confidence can develop through challenge, support, and connection.

What Happens in the Programme?

Participants engage in:

• Creative movement and dance

• Fun physical activities

• Age-appropriate non-contact self-defence

• Emotional awareness activities

• Body awareness and mindfulness

• Confidence-building exercises

• Community connection and teamwork

• Reflection and personal growth activities

The programme combines movement, wellbeing education, and social connection in a safe and inclusive environment.

Why Community Programmes Matter for Children and Young People

An evidence-informed community wellbeing programme

More Than an Activity. More Than Therapy.

At Mud Lotus, we believe that children grow not only through individual learning, but also through meaningful connection with others. Research from community psychology, sociology, and public health shows that wellbeing is strongly influenced by relationships, belonging, participation, and connection to community (Durie, 1998; Hodgetts et al., 2017).

While individual therapy can be valuable, children and young people also benefit from opportunities to learn, play, move, and grow alongside others.

Community programmes help children develop:

• A sense of belonging

• Positive friendships

• Confidence and resilience

• Empathy and social skills

• Leadership and contribution

• Healthy connections with trusted adults

  These experiences are important protective factors that support lifelong wellbeing (Felitti et al., 1998; Hodgetts et al., 2022).

Why Not Just Individual Therapy?

Individual therapy focuses on helping a child understand and work through personal challenges. Community programmes offer something different.

Children learn:

• I am not alone.

• Other children experience challenges too.

• I can support others.

• I belong here.

• I have strengths to share.

  These lessons are often learned through participation, movement, cooperation, and shared experiences rather than conversation alone. Research suggests that social connection and community participation play a significant role in mental health, resilience, and recovery (Hodgetts et al., 2017; Paul & Ratana, 2022).

The Importance of Belonging

Children thrive when they feel connected to others. Community psychology recognises that belonging and supportive relationships are essential for healthy development and wellbeing (Hodgetts et al., 2022).

When children experience belonging, they are more likely to:

• Participate confidently

• Develop positive friendships

• Build emotional security

• Ask for help when needed

• Support others

• Feel valued and accepted

  A strong sense of belonging can help protect children against the negative effects of stress, adversity, and social isolation (Felitti et al., 1998).

The Mud Lotus Perspective

The Mud Lotus Movement and Wellbeing Model was created by Ai Kihara, Director of Hana Counselling. The model integrates trauma-informed practice, movement-based wellbeing, emotional learning, and community connection. At Mud Lotus, we understand that challenges are part of life. However, children do not grow through challenge alone. Growth happens when challenge is met with movement, support, connection, and opportunity.

This is represented through the Mud Lotus pathway:

Mud → Move → Connect → Grow

Trauma and adversity can often create isolation. Movement helps children reconnect with their bodies. Connection helps children reconnect with others. Community helps children discover that they belong and that they are part of something larger than themselves. This approach aligns with community psychology principles and Māori models of wellbeing that recognise the importance of relationships, participation, belonging, and collective wellbeing (Durie, 1998).

What Makes Mud Lotus Different?

Mud Lotus is not simply a dance class, self-defence class, or wellbeing activity.

It is a community-based wellbeing programme that combines:

• Creative Movement

• Emotional Learning

• Self-Defence and Personal Safety

• Healthy Habits

• Community Connection

• Confidence Building

  Through shared experiences, children learn that wellbeing is not something we build alone. It grows through movement, relationships, contribution, and connection.

Our Goal

Our goal is not simply to help children perform better.

Our goal is to help them develop:

• Confidence

• Belonging

• Resilience

• Emotional Awareness

• Connection

• Wellbeing

Because every child deserves opportunities not only to grow individually, but also to grow together.

References

Durie, M. (1998). Whaiora: Māori health development (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.

Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D. F., Spitz, A. M., Edwards, V., Koss, M. P., & Marks, J. S. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: The adverse childhood experiences (ACE) study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245–258. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0749-3797(98)00017-8

Hodgetts, D., Stolte, O., & Rua, M. (2017). Psychological practice, social determinants of health, and the promotion of human flourishing. In I. M. Evans, J. Rucklidge, & M. O'Driscoll (Eds.), Professional practice of psychology in Aotearoa New Zealand (pp. 31–49). New Zealand Psychological Society.

Hodgetts, D., Rua, M., Groot, S., Hopner, V., Drew, N., King, P., & Blake, D. (2022). Relational ethics meets principled practice in community research engagements to understand and address homelessness. Journal of Community Psychology, 50(4), 1980–1992. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcop.22586

Paul, J., & Ratana, M. (2022). Youth homelessness in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa New Zealand: A scoping report prepared for Manaaki Rangatahi ki Tāmaki Makaurau Youth Homelessness Collective. Ngā Wai a Te Tūī Māori and Indigenous Research Centre. van der Kolk, B. A. (1994). The body keeps the score: Memory and the evolving psychobiology of posttraumatic stress. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 1(5), 253–265.