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. In this article I will discuss Chapter 4: An American Blue Zone The Longevity Oasis in Southern California.
In my last article, I talked about the power a community has to demand better quality food from the local grocery stores. This is a powerful community lesson. The second lesson that impressed upon me was the concept of really resting on the Sabbath. The Seventh-day Adventists hold the Sabbath from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday. During this 24 hour period the Adventists take time to rest and rejuvenate. This is the time they spend with the people they hold important and dear. I love the idea of holding time each week just to be quiet and think about what is important to you in your life; spending time connecting with your higher power and your own inner guidance. It is a time to connect with your friends and family by doing activities together. I love the fact that this time is guilt free. The belief is that people need this time and so they plan accordingly to stop studying, working, running errands; they leave the world of too much to do, to stop and remember what is truly important. There is also a sense of intimacy that is created when people share experiences together. Having an entire community share the Sabbath each week creates the experience of intimate moments between family and friends.
This idea of holding the Sabbath as a time of rest can be found in many other religions besides the Seventh-day Adventist. The importance as it relates to longevity is that this is a time to rest, restore, de-stress, spend time with family and friends and to be still and connect with your inner peace. From a mental, emotional and physical standpoint it relaxes the body. There are few activities that can claim to do that but down time is one of them.
What did you find interesting about the Amercian blue zone?
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.