For the month of July I will be dedicating my blog reading and discussing the book, The Blue Zones Lessons For Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest by Dan Buettner. We are now reading Chapter 3: The Blue Zone in Okinawa Sunshine, Spirituality, and Sweet Potatoes.
I know I talked about this chapter on Tuesday, but I loved so many things about the Okinawans that I wanted to talk about the maoi. When I first heard of the “maoi” I thought of women in community all over the world. On page 90, Buettner explained the definition of “maoi,” which means meeting for a common purpose. Maoi started as a financial support system for the village. The meaning has evolved into a social support network where women come together for companionship and support. This is a wonderful daily community activity. The women look forward to spending time together with one another. They miss the maoi on the days they don’t meet. It is a safe place to laugh, cry, gain strength and give support. It creates a sense of purpose to each member of the group. It is one of the best parts of a women’s community. When I look at traditional communities around the world there is always a women’s maoi of some sort. I would love to be able to create a maoi within my own community.
I also have an interest in the bond the Okinawans have with their ancestors. Both Kamada and Gozei spend time within each day recognizing their ancestors. They believe that the ancestors look out for them in this world. The researcher believes this connection helps to lower their stress because they turn over the worries to the ancestors. This acts a stress reliever which increases longevity and quality of life. When someone lives without stress they can be more present moment by moment and enjoy whatever is happening in front of them. This is truly a blessing.
Share your stories. What did you learn?
Live Vibrantly,
Dr. Dae
Dr. Dae's website: www.healthydaes.com
Dr. Dae's book: Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living can be purchased @ www.healthydaes.com
Dr. Dae's Bio:
“Dr. Dae" (pronounced Dr. Day) Daemon Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who completed her training at the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine. She is certified as a General Practitioner by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE). Dr. Dae provides tailored treatment to meet the unique needs of every individual she sees in her practice. She also provides specialized support for persons challenged by nutritional deficiencies, weight problems, hormonal and reproductive system disorders, attention deficit disorder and those experiencing chronic diseases. Dr. Dae is an adjunct faculty member for Smith Farm Center for Healing and the Arts. She is the author of Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living. Dr. Dae is a featured chef with www.myfoodmyhealth.com. Dr. Dae is a regularly featured writer for the Elite GoogleNews Website empowher.com where she shares her personal and professional vision for living whole and living well. To learn more about Dr. Dae, her products and services, please visit her on the Web at www.Healthydaes.com.