is being Green making you Blue?

A phenomena I have observed with many people who live close to nature is that they exude energy. It’s not just the physical work – there is an intensity in them, a centredness – either obvious contentment and happiness, curious and proactive natures or just plain angry at the status quo and passionate about changing it. They also know how to be quiet and still at times and recharge themselves. Sometimes they live a long time in a healthy way with most of their own teeth.

Researchers have distilled nine traits of ‘blue zone communities’  that are credited with underpinning each community’s health.

The traits include:

• intense and regular physical activity that is a part of the lifestyle like walking to the shops rather than using a vehicle. Gardening or working the land and dancing around is as good as going to a gym.
• ikagai, a ‘why’ or reasons for being; Having something meaningful that motivates you to get up every day. Those seedlings won’t water themselves, making and sharing produce won’t wait.
• Rhythms and rituals that reduce stress. In Okinawa the women enjoy tea ceremonies, the Loma Linda religious community has prayer groups and in Italy and Greece the siesta fills the stress release gap. A morning sunrise moment, washing the tools after a day’s work in the garden are mindful activities.
• A healthy eating regime rich in plant-based produce, that’s also low in meat, fish and dairy. And not just a healthy diet, but eating patterns that favour being 80 per cent full, or “hara hachi bu” as Confucious used to teach; or mindful eating practices.
• Blue zone cultures love a drink – but in very moderate amounts. Home fermenting and brewing produces a lot of experimental opportunities.
• Engaging in social groups that are focused around healthy activities and habits. Community activities with Permaculture are healthy and active.
• Spirituality (including religion) practices in common with others – perhaps because it encourages social connections and rituals offer a stress-reducing dimension. The ethical core of Permaculture can provide a framework for earth and people care.
• Maintaining solid relationships between family members and close friends. Being regenerative means in all ways of interacting.

How about creating your own blue zone with your community? Aren’t these skills we need now and for our positive future we all know in our hearts we desire?

(The above list is adapted from an article published in Medium by Rafael Puyol DECEMBER 22 2017)