First, let’s establish where the word, Moai® (pronounced “mo-eye”) came from and what it means. The word "Moai" comes from Okinawa, Japan, and translates to "meeting for a common purpose." In Okinawa, neighbors use Moais as a support system to help those in need. Based on this tradition, Moais provide social interaction and support that are just as important to a person’s overall well-being as the benefits of walking or eating healthy. Blue Zones Project® offers two different Moai programs: walking and potluck, where groups of 5-8 people walk or potluck over a period of 10 weeks.

Second, let’s define magic: Beautiful or delightful in such a way as to seem removed from everyday life.

Today was our first Moai of 2016 and it really was a magical experience. At the end of 2015, we decided to start each monthly Moai meet-up with a physical or healthy activity before we dig into a scrumptious potluck lunch. We started with a sweaty yoga class at 9:30am at The Yoga Project, and then met at Angela’s house for food and conversation. Our food theme for January was “wheat-free” because this month’s host recently discovered she had a strong intolerance to wheat.