Somehow in a world full of all the possible treasures, happiness has emerged as the rarest and most prized possession among all. With some people willing to spend billions to prolong their lives and scientists scrambling to find solutions for the same, the wise people living in the Blue Zone of Okinawa, Japan have managed to crack the code to lead not just exuberant but extended lives as well.
Take a deep dive to uncover the secret to health and happiness with the age old Japanese tradition of Moai.
Understanding the history
Derived from the Japanese word which translates to ‘meeting for a common purpose’, what initially started off as financial pool for people to contribute and collect money to provide support for public works and help members of the community in times of need has now evolved into a larger social support network meant to nurture strong emotional bonds among the members that last a lifetime. Starting in the nascent years of childhood, some moais are known to stretch entire lifespans and go on for about ninety years or above.
Moai in the modern world
In the 21st century, this erstwhile concept manifests itself in the form of small communities that regularly meet for a couple of days a week to engage in meaningful hobbies and create lasting bonds. Children as young as five get together regularly over time to contribute money, time and resources while engaging in hobbies of their common interest to act as each other’s mutual support systems. The practice in turn helps induce financial discipline among members of the group who are required to regularly contribute a decided amount of money and use it for activities they wish to do or help out a fellow member during times of need.
Role of communication
Meant to build lasting and deep social connections, members get together to celebrate each other successes and be each other’s shoulder to cry on during trying times. Shefaali Kusskar, counselling psychologist and holistic healer, shares, “You need to be honest and open when it comes to communication and compassionately understand each other rather than trying to prove a point. Everyone in your circle is equally responsible for keeping the space positive and healthy for each other. Giving each other space and just letting them “be” is the key,” and these are exactly the principles adopted by the Okinawan people in order to be happier and live longer. Knowing that they have a space to openly vent about what’s bothering them helps create an atmosphere of clear communication that helps reduce stress levels.
Benefits all
The best motivation for wanting to preserve a moai is the fact that it benefits not just one but all the members who of the group. Studies reflect that social isolation is a known cause leading to depression, anxiety and heart issues in the long run. Acting as a shield to issues both physical and psychological, your personal moai acts as a safety net to give your life a sense of purpose along with providing you with financial as well as emotional support. Playing the role of a strong positive peer influence, moais are often known to help people get rid of unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking along with helping them not only build but also follow a better lifestyle for a longer duration.
Creating your own moai
“The journey of creating a healthy inner circle starts from yourself by understanding your strengths and weaknesses; and working on it, creating healthy boundaries is the first step. This circle has to be your people, your selected people and not just everyone around you. Acceptance within will get you acceptance around and this has to be the thumb rule that you follow for curating your inner circle. Learn to hear than to defend,” shares Shefali. In order to create your own trusted inner circle, identify people who you feel share the same set of values as you. Pick a bunch that will constantly support your growth, be open to sharing their vulnerabilities and invest time into this bond.
