We have had it drummed into our
heads that if we eat “right” and move our bodies on a consistent basis then
we’ll live a long and healthy life. Our culture gives an incredible amount of
energy into these two facets of how we can choose to live.
But is that
enough?
Apparently not, according to researchers who’ve studied groups of
people who live well and actively into their 90’s and 100’s. They found pockets
of people around the world who as a collective outlive all others, en masse.
They termed these groups Blue Zones with author Dan Buettner writing
the book “The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from people who lived
the longest.” Basically it’s a concept used to identify a demographic
and/or geographic area of the world where people live measurably longer
lives.
These communities were found in:
- Sardinia, Italy
- The islands of Okinawa, Japan
- Loma Linda, California
- Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
- Icaria, Greece
What they all
had in common
- Just move – Active lifestyles, more than heavy exercise, is what leads most
to longevity. - Purposeful outlook – Have clarity about your role in life.
- Down shift on stress – Blue zone cultures all have their own ways of
shedding stress in life. - Eat to 80% full – Stop your meals when you are 80% full rather than totally
full. - Plant slant – Meat is more of a condiment than a staple in most Blue Zones.
- Wine @ 5 – Moderate drinking has positive benefits.
- Belong to a community – Belonging to a faith-based community extends one’s
life in general. - Loved ones first – Focusing on family in life and keeping family members
close to home will improve one’s life. - Right Tribe – Having a social circle that promotes healthy lifestyles is
important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle yourself.
zones have many qualities that are taught via living a yogic lifestyle. So
although movement and food choice are important other elements of our daily life
play a role that is as vital.
addresses are: purpose, managing stress, community, love and having a social
tribe. We can deepen our exploration of purpose through studying the
purusharthas (the purpose of our soul). We can learn how to better manage the
challenges in our life through breath and meditation. We have a strong sense of
community and tribe via satsang (spiritual community) and sangha (social
gathering). And we do it all from the perspective of Ahimsa (the act
of compassion for self, others and Mother Earth) the first Yama mentioned in the
yoga sutras.
mat you begin to address so much more than diet and exercise. Our entire being,
our connection to others and the planet begins to deepen. I hope that whatever
path you follow, you consider the richness of life that is available to all by
looking beyond what you already know. In fact, I have a mini blue zone right
here in the desert…a group of clients who are nonagenarians and have many of
these qualities as they are living lives that are engaged and purposeful. I am
blessed to bear witness to this mini blue zine and hope to see it keep
expanding!
