Who enjoys meeting new people? Who could benefit from more exercise and movement? For me, these were some of the reasons I was drawn to attending a moai meeting hosted by Blue Zones Project Pottawatomie County. I definitely enjoy meeting people, especially smaller groups, and I am always looking for ways to stay more active while having fun! So in September of 2017, I was able to take part in this adventure not knowing where it exactly it might lead me.
First, did you know that moais originated from the blue zones area of Okinawa, Japan? They were formed as a way for villagers to support each other in times of need and have helped create strong, healthy social networks for thousands of years. These were the types of connections I was looking for when I signed my pledge. One of the Power 9® tips is Right Tribe, which reinforces our connections to friends and all those around us. Friends have the ability to shape our lives in more ways than we realize. Research shows that smoking, obesity, happiness, and even loneliness are contagious. According to the Blue Zones Project, assessing who you hang out with and then proactively surrounding yourself with your Right Tribe will do more to add years to your life than just about anything else. According to the research, the walking moai I signed up for was starting to look like it was in my favor!
The Movers and Shakers was the new team name our moai came up for ourselves. We were a small group of women, mostly retired, except for myself. I found this to be just what I needed; to be surrounded by women who I could listen to and hear their stories as our friendships grew! Their names were Jeanie, Charlotte, Jan, Darlene and myself, Lisa; Pat joined us a little while later. The Movers and Shakers were committed to walking every week, for at least 10 weeks, holding each other accountable and enjoying learning more about each other during this time. We mostly met in the mornings at the local mall, but other times we would walk outside on trails when the weather was nice.
The Movers and Shakers walking moai team
When people would ask me what my experience was like being part of the moai, the first thing I always said was it provided me with an opportunity to cross paths with people I otherwise would not have met on a daily basis.
Although we were in many ways alike, we had enough differences that kept us from coming in contact with one another under normal circumstances. By providing this opportunity, Blue Zones Project bridged the gap for relationships to form. I now had a small circle of friends, outside my regular associations who I could look forward to relaxing and unwinding with, on a weekly schedule.
Since 2017, our walking moai transitioned into a potluck moai in January of 2018. This was a fun time, as eating while enjoying friendships is always good for the soul! Although our moai no longer meets on a regular basis we still keep in contact on social media, as well as, seeing each other on occasion at restaurants, the Shawnee Senior Center, or the local YMCA. These times and memories make my heart happy! I will forever be appreciative for the opportunities that Blue Zones Project Pottawatomie County has provided, and also for the many people I have met and now know as my right tribe!
Post generously contributed by: Lisa Watson, Pottawatomie County, OK resident
